January 1, 1979 ~ Bree Joanna Alice Robinson, commonly known as punk rock, alternative rock, garage rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Brody Dalle, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founding member of the Distillers, recording three albums with the band before disbanding in 2006. Subsequently co-founded Spinnerette. Dalle has released her solo debut album, Diploid Love, in 2014
January 1, 1979 ~ Saxophonist, singer Zane Musa born in Arleta, California, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his 2005 Introducing Zane Musa album. As a sideman present on recordings by Jon Bare, Joe Firstman (The War Of Women), Phil Ranelin (Inspiration), Chris Pierce, Dave Tough, Austin Peralta, Oya, Arturo Sandoval, Natasha Agrama, and Gueorgui Linev (Moving On). Musa passed away at age 36, following a fall from a parking structure ~ Musa passed away in 2015
January 1, 1977 ~ Folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Patrick Park born in Morrison, Colorado, USA ~ Recorded his first demo collection in 2000, later released as The Basement Tapes, in the back of a friend's store lacking the money to use a studio. Would released a full-length Loneliness Knows My Name in 2004, aided by producer Dave Trumfio with whom he has continued to work since. Has recorded steadily to moderate commercial succes
January 1, 1971 ~ Saxophonist Chris Potter born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ First gained attention backing trumpeter Red Rodney. Would go on to appear on over 150 records, both as a leader and sideman, workgin with artists such as Pat Metheny, Marian McPartland, Patricia Barber, Kenny Werner, the Mingus Big Band, Paul Motian, Ray Brown, Jim Hall, James Moody, Joe Lovano, Wayne Krantz, Mike Mainieri, Steve Swallow, Steely Dan, Joanne Brackeen, David Binney, Aziza, Susannah McCorkle, John Patitucci, Renee Rosnes, Nguyên Lê, Larry Carlton, Walter Becker, and others
January 1, 1971 ~ Evangelos-Phoebus Tassopoulos, mononymously known as laika, pop, dance, rock songwriter Phoebus, born in Athens, Greece ~ In-demand songwriter, especially during the 1990s and 2000s. Closely associated with Despina Vandi and Katy Garbi. Others who recorded his songs include Angela Dimitriou, Elli Kokkinou, Giorgos Mazonakis, Dimitris Kokotas, Thanos Petrelis, Helena Paparizou, Pashalis Terzis, Vasilis Karras, and others
January 1, 1969 ~ Punk rock, alternative rock guitarist, bassist, singer John Reis born in San Diego, California, USA ~ One of the most influential figures on the San Diego punk and indie scene. Co-founding member of Rocket From The Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, the Hot Snakes, and PLOVSIS. Has also worked with the Sultans and the Night Marchers. Founded Swami Records, and served as producer for the likes of Superchunk, the Swingin' Neckbreakers, and the Selby Tiger
January 1, 1966 ~ Indie pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Amelia Fletcher born ~ Fronted acts such as Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, Marine Research, Tender Trap, and Catenary Wires. Keyboardist for Sportique. Sang backing vocals on early Wedding Present recordings as well as on Hefner's 2000 We Love The City album. Guested on recordings by the Pooh Sticks, the 6ths, and the Briliant Corners. Enjoys a parallel career as an economist
January 1, 1963 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer Michael Hanson born ~ Member of Glass Tiger from 1983 through 1988. Present on the band's first two albums, 1986's The Thin Red Line and 1988's Diamond Sun. The albums would contain the band's best known, including the singles Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone, I'm Still Searching and Diamond Sun, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native Canada
January 1, 1962 ~ Trumpeter, producer, engineer Bob Brockmann born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Trumpeter of Brooklyn Funk Essentials. Would go on to work as a producer, engineer for artists such as the Fugees, Notorious BIG, Craig Mack, Toni Braxton, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Cee Lo Green, Soulive, Brian McKnight, Christina Aguilera (Mi Reflejo), Brandy, Mary J Blige, Faith Hill, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, the Dixie Chicks, Kirk Franklin (The Nu Nation Project), and others
January 1, 1961 ~ Allan Mark Whalley, commonly known as guitarist, singer Boff Whalley, born in Bumley, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist of anarcho-punk, folk band Chumbawamba, best known for their 1997 Tubthumping UK top 10 hit. Following his departure in 2012 Whalley has worked with the Commoners Choir
January 1, 1960 ~ Rock, hard rock, glam metal, progressive rock bassist Allen McKenzie born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Foxx, with whom he recorded the albums Foxx and Stick It Out. Member of Quest, expanding his role to singing, keyboards, and songwriting. Member of Peacetree, with whom he recorded three albums. McKenzie has also toured with Warrant-singer Jani Lane, prior to joining Firehouse in 2003
January 1, 1960 ~ Post-punk guitarist, bassist John Waddington born ~ Founded short-lived punk band the Boyfriends at age 17, serving as the band's singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. Rose to fame as a member of the Pop Group, known for the albums Y and For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder. Following the band's initial disbandement joined post-punk outfit Maximum Joy, appearing on the 1982 Station MXJY album. Waddington has also worked with the New Age Steppers, Playgroup, Judy Nylon, Perfume, and Lily Allen ~ Waddington passed away in 2023
January 1, 1959 ~ Singer Vernessa Mitchell, full name Vernessa Ann Mitchell, born in Columbus, Georgia, USA ~ Discovered at age 16 by Berry Gordy Jr. Lead singer of R&B outfit High Inergy, present on the band's first two albums including the hit single You Can't Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On) which reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100 and top 10 Billboard R&B. As a solo artist Mitchell would become known as a gospel and dance singer, releasing her well-received This Is My Story debut album in 1985 and its follow-up Higher Ground two years later. Well known solo songs included Rise And Shine, Trust In The Lord, Stand Up And Be Counted, You Took My Life, and others
January 1, 1958 ~ David Wayne Carnell, commonly known as hard rock, heavy metal singer, songwriter David Wayne, born in Renton, Washington, USA ~ Influenced by Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford. Lead singer for speed metal, thrash metal outfit the Metal Church from 1982 through 1988, best known for their eponymous 1984 Metal Church debut album. Also formed and fronted Reverend, especially acclaimed for their 1991 Play God album ~ Carnell passed away in 2005
January 1, 1958 ~ Hip-hop, breakbeat, funk, electro DJ Grandmaster Flash born in Bridgetown, Barbados ~ Pioneering hip DJ, credited with inventing the cross-fader. Best known for his work with Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, especially Superrappin', The Adventures Of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels Of Steel, Scorpio and their best-known 1982's The Message, all widely considered hugely influential classics defining the genre
January 1, 1956 ~ Martin Edward Murphy, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Martin Plaza, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, guitarist of new wave outfit Mental As Anything, known for hits such as If You Leave Me Can I Come Too, Too Many Times and Live It Up. As a solo artist scored a mid-1980s hit with his Unit 4+2-cover Concrete And Clay. Has also worked with acts such as the Rock Party, the Stetsons, Beatfish, Moondog, and others
January 1, 1956 ~ Soul, funk, R&B singer Michael Wycoff born in Torrance, California, USA ~ Sang backup on Stevie Wonder's landmark album Songs In The Key Of Life released in 1976. As a solo artist scored a handful of moderate early 1980s hits on the Billboard R&B charts, his best-known being Tell Me Love taken of his third and final album On The Line released in 1983. Also known for the Evelyn Champagne King-duet Can We Be Friends. Although his albums were critically acclaimed sales remained low. Wycoff would struggle with alcohol and drugs addiction, eventually ending up homeless, but found his way back through his faith and ultimately became a Minister of Music working with several Los Angeles area churches ~ Wycoff passed away in 2019
January 1, 1954 ~ Drummer Richard Edson born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Founding member of art rock band the Alterboys. Original drummer of Sonic Youth, present only on the band's 1982 eponymous Sonic Youth debut EP. Member of Konk. Also known as actor, appearing in over 30 films
January 1, 1953 ~ Seydou Koné, commonly known as reggae singer Alpha Blondy, born in Dimbokro, Ivory Coast ~ Debuted in 1982 with the album Jah Glory. Sings in Dioula, French and English. Known for his politcally and socially motivated songs, often with a spiritual or positive feel. Sometimes referred to as “the Bob Marley of Africa”
January 1, 1953 ~ Jazz guitarist Greg Carmichael born ~ Best known as member of jazz group Acoustic Alchemy, which he co-founded with steel guitarist Nick Webb. The band has recorded over a dozen albums since their inception in 1987, and is especially acclaimed for the albums Red Dust And Spanish Lace, The New Edge, and Arcanum, the latter recorded with the string section of the London Metropolitan Orchestra
January 1, 1953 ~ Bassist Roscoe Beck, full name Charles Roscoe Beck, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the 1970s R&B fusion outfit Passenger. Has also worked with artists such as Robben Ford as well as with Robben Ford & the Blue Line, with Eric Johnson, Leonard Cohen (Recent Songs), the Dixie Chicks, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, and others. Produced Jennifer Warnes' 1987 album Famous Blue Raincoat, a collection of Cohen covers
January 1, 1952 ~ Folk singer, songwriter David Rodriguez, full name David Roland Rodriguez, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Lightnin' Hopkins, Townes Van Zandt, Lydia Mendoza, Jerry Jeff Walker. Actively recording since the early 1990s. Best known for his 1992 release The True Cross. His composition The Ballad Of The Snow Leopard And The Tanqueray Cowboy would be covered by both Lyle Lovett and Melissa Greener ~ Rodriguez passed away in 2015
January 1, 1951 ~ Double bassist Andy González born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter, percussionist Jerry González, with whom he regularly worked including in Conjuncto Libre co-founded by the siblings. An in-demand sideman from the 1970s onward, González has also appeared on albums by Chico O'Farrill, Ray Barretto (Together), George Benson, Eddie Palmieri (Superimposition), Harlem River Drive, Charlie Palmieri, Mongo Santamaria (Ubane), David Amram, Ismael Miranda, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Patato Valdés, Daniel Ponce, David Byrne (Rei Momo), Kenny Kirkland, Hilton Ruiz, Justo Betancourt, Charlie Sepulveda (Algo Nuestro (Our Thing)), Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Tom Harrell, Ronny Jordan (A Brighter Day), Jack Bruce, and Of Montreal ~ Gonzalez passed away in 2020
January 1, 1951 ~ Jazz drummer Shuihi Murakami born in Nishinomiya, Japan ~ Leader and sideman. Founded Ponta Box also featuring Masahiro Sayama and Masatoshi Mizuno. Worked extensively as s session musician in the 1970s and 1980s. Has collaborated with a host of jazz artists including Sadao Watanabe, Yosuke Yamashita, Kazumi Watanabe, Akira Sakata, Takashi Kako, and others
January 1, 1950 ~ Keyboardist Morgan Fisher, full name Stephen Morgan Fisher, born in London, UK ~ Best known as a member of Mott The Hoople from 1973 through 1976. Present on the albums Mott and The Hoople, released respectively in 1973 and 1974. Has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist since the early 1970s and has worked with Love Affair, Morgan, Hybrid Kids, the Third Ear Band, the British Lions, Lol Coxhill, Hans-Joachim Roedelius, Portmanteau, Tom Guerra, and others
January 1, 1950 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter,producer Steve Ripley was born in Boise, Idaho, USA ~ Active since the mid-1970s. Best known as co-founding member and frontman of mid-1990s country outfit the Tractors. Has also worked as a producer, recording engineer and studio musician with artists such as Bob Dylan (Shot Of Love), JJ Cale (Shades, 8, Roll On), Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Roy Clark. Founded Ripley Guitars in 1982, building guitars for Steve Lukather, Ry Cooder, Jimmy Buffett, Eddie Van Halen, and others ~ Ripley passed away in 2019
January 1, 1949 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Joe Vescovi born in Savona, Italy ~ One of the most valued artists in Italian progressive rock known for his energetic stage presence, eccentric clothing and virtuoso keyboard playing. Active since his mid-teens. Best known for his work with the Trip, replacing Ritchie Blackmore who departed the band to join Deep Purple, and with Dik-Dik, one of the all-time favorite Italian rock bands ~ Vescovi passed away in 2014
January 1, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Louis Chedid born in Ismailia, Egypt ~ Father of rock singer Matthieu Chedid. Influenced by Django Reinhardt. Best known for songs such as La Belle, T'As Beau Pas être Beau, Ainsi Soit-il, Anne Ma Soeur Anne. As a songwriter also worked on the 2006 fairytale musical Le Soldat Rose, its songs covered by a wide array of artists including Vanessa Paradis, Jeanne Cherhal, Francis Cabrel, Alain Souchon and Bénabar
January 1, 1947 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Leon Patillo, full name Leon Norman Patillo, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as solo artist, focusing on Contemporary Christian music, and as frontman of funk outfit Leon's Creation. Has occasionally worked with Funkadelic, Martha & the Vandellas, and with Santana, appearing on the latter's Borboletta and Festival albums
January 1, 1945 ~ Georgette Adjoavi Bellow, commonly known as singer Bella Bellow, born in Tsévié, Togo ~ Released her sole album, Rockya, in 1969 consisting of a live set recorded in Paris. Has also worked with Manu Dibango, Angélique Kidjo, and Afia Mala. Bellow passed away at age 28 in a car crash ~ Bellow passed away in 1973
January 1, 1945 ~ Robert Nathan Sheff, commonly known as avant-garde pianist, composer Gene Tyranny or Blue Gene Tyranny, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for Country Boy Country Dog (How To Discover Music In The Sounds Of Your Daily Life album. Closely associated with Robert Ashley, appearing on over half a dozen of Ashley's albums. Toured with Carla Bley and with Iggy Pop. Has also guested on albums by Peter Laurence Gordon (Star Jaws), David van Tieghem, Laurie Anderson, and Philip Krumm (Formations) ~ Sheff passed away in 2020
January 1, 1943 ~ Blues, blues-rock singer Chris Youlden, full name Christopher Thomas Youlden, born in Dagenham, UK ~ Best known as a member of Savoy Brown from 1967 through 1970. Has since released a number of solo albums, starting with Nowhere Road released in 1973
January 1, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist Soledad Bravo born in Logroño, Spain ~ Considered one of the finest voices in Latin America, enjoying popularity especially in her adopted homeland Venezuela. Released her Soledad Bravo Canta debut album in 1968. Best known for her rendition of Hasta Siempre. Has collaborated with Atahualpa Yupanqui, Gilberto Gil, ad others
January 1, 1942 ~ Joseph Allen McDonald, commonly known as rock singer Country Joe McDonald born in El Monte, California, USA ~ Lead singer, frontman of psychedelic rock band Country Joe & the Fish, known best for songs such as I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag, The Fish Cheer and Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine, and especially for the 1967 Electric Music For The Mind And Body album which stands as one of the most enduring works of the counterculture era
January 1, 1941 ~ Amar Ait Zal, commonly known as singer, mandole player Amar Ezzahi, born in Ain-el-Hammam, Algeria ~ Despite shunning the media and having given only one concert during his entire career, preferring to perform in open spaces like cafes and terraces, Ezzahi would become a figurehead of Chaabi, the traditional music of Algiers. His stature was such that upon his death Azzedine Mihoubi, then-Minister of Culture, would visit the family house to console the next of kin and pay hommage to Ezzahi. Ezzahi is known for songs such as Zinouba, Yal Adra, Aadrouni Yahli, and Ghada Kasek ~ Ezzahi passed away in 2016
January 1, 1941 ~ Marshall Eugene Jones, commonly known as R&B, funk bassist Marshall Rock Jones, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Original member of the Ohio Untouchables, eventually renamed to the Ohio Players. Jones remained with the band through 1984 and is present on the band's Fire and Love Rollercoaster Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers ~ Jones passed away in 2016
January 1, 1933 ~ Drummer, bandleader Hideo Shiraki born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Famed for his hard bop beginnings in the 1950s venturing into fusing world music with jazz. Employed sidemen such as Hidehiko Matsumoto, Terumasa Hino, Yuzura Sera. Especially acclaimed for his 1961 album In Fiesta and his 1965 album Sakura Sakura. Has guested on Toshiko Akiyoshi's 1961 album Toshiko Meets Her Old Pals and accompanied John Coltrane on his 1996 Japanese tour ~ Shiraki passed away in 1972
January 1, 1932 ~ Opera conductor Giuseppe Patanè born in Naples, Italy ~ Son of conductor Franco Patanè. Best known as chief conductor of the Munich Radio Orchestra from 1985 to 1989. Suffered a heart attack while conducting The Barber Of Seville at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich and passed away the same day at the hospital ~ Patanè passed away in 1989
January 1, 1932 ~ Jazz, classical pianist Jack Reilly, full name Jack Aloysius Reilly, born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ A musician's musician, higly admired by peers but never earning much public recognition. About a dozen albums to his name, particularly noted for November and Masks. Has collaborated with the likes of John LaPorta, Lennie Tristano, George Russell, Carol Lian, and Bill Charlap ~ Reilly passed away in 2018
January 1, 1931 ~ Country pianist, singer Bobbie Nelson, full name Bobbie Lee Nelson, born in Abbott, Texas, USA ~ Married to singer, comedian Bud Fletcher, with whom she also worked, until the mid-1950s after which the band dissolved. Best known as member of her brother Willie Nelson's backing unit on tour and record, including on pivotal albums such as Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger and The Willie Nelson Family. Released her first solo album, Audiobiography, in 2008 at age 76 mainly consisting of ragtime standards alongside her brother's Crazy reimagined as a lounge number ~ Nelson passed away in 2022
January 1, 1931 ~ Percussionist Manny Oquendo born ~ Worked with Eddie Palmieri, Carlos Valero, Luis del Campo, Juan El Boy Torres, Chano Pozo, Jose Budet, Juanito Sanabria, Marcelino Guerra, Jose Curbelo, Pupi Campo, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Vicentico Valldes, Conjunto Liber, Andy González, Eddie Palmieri, Paul Quinichette, and others ~ Oquendo passed away in 2009
January 1, 1930 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Ack van Rooyen ~ Brother of trumpeter Jerry van Rooyen with whom he also worked. Has also played with Ernst van 't Hoff, Aimé Barelli, Kenny Clarke, Lucky Thompson, the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, Hans Koller, Bert Kaempfert, Ake Persson, Volker Kriegel, Charly Antolini, Friedrich Gulda, Slide Hampton, and Eberhard Weber ~ Van Rooyen passed away in 2021
January 1, 1926 ~ Composer, flutist Claire Pollin born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Her teachers included Vincent Persichetti, Lukas Foss, Roger Sessions, and Peter Mennin. Her works were performed by the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra, the Israel Bach Society, London Pro-Musica Antiqua, and others. ~ Polin passed away in 1995
January 1, 1923 ~ Ray Cline, commonly known as bluegrass fiddler Curly Ray Cline, born in Mingo County, West Virginia, USA ~ Formed the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers with his cousin Ezra Cline and brother Ned Cline. Also worked with Jimmy Martin, the Sunny Mountain Boys, Bobby Osborne, the Stanley Brothers, Hobo Jack Adkins and extensively with Ralph Stanley as a member of Stanley's backing unit the Clinch Mountain Boys. Has released over a dozen solo albums, starting with Fiddle in 1969 ~ Cline passed away in 1997
January 1, 1923 ~ Vibraphonist Milt Jackson born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Revolutionized the vibraphone. Long-time member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. As a leader or co-leader especially acclaimed for albums such as Jackson's Ville, Bags & Trane with John Coltrane, Bags' Opus, and Sunflower. Also present on albums by the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk (The Genius Of Modern Music Vol.1), Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Hank Mobley, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Charlie Parker, Miles Davis (Porgy & Bess), and Ray Charles ~ Jackson passed away in 1999
January 1, 1923 ~ Pablo Rodriguez Lozada, commonly known as singer, bandleader Tito Rodriguez, born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, USA ~ Lovingly dubbed “El Involvidable” (The Unforgettable One) by his fans, a moniker based on his most popular song. Sang under the tutelage of his brother, Johnny Rodriguez, before embarking on a solo career. In the 1940s the brothers moved to New York where Tito worked as a percussionist and singer for Eric Madriguerea, and later Xavier Cugat. In the 1950s, to great success Tito directed his own groups, recording mambos, cha-cha-cha, boleros, sones, guaraches and pachangas ~ Rodríguez passed away in 1973
January 1, 1922 ~ Felix Manuel Rodriguez, commonly known as singer, songwriter Bobby Capó, born in Coama, Puerto Rico ~ Merged ballads with classical music also drawing from folk and world music. Best known for songs such as El Negro Bembon, Capo Sin Fe and perhaps his best-known Piel Canela ~ Capó passed away in 1989
January 1, 1919 ~ Jazz double bassist Al McKibbon born ~ Worked with Lucky Millinder, Tab Smith, JC Heard, and Coleman Hawkins before taking over for Ray Brown in Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra in 1947, remaining for three years. In the 1950s McKibbon played with Miles Davis, Earl Hines, Count Basie, Johnny Hodges, Thelonious Monk, George Shearing, Cal Tjader, Nat Adderley, and with Herbie Nichols. During the 1960s he appeared as sideman on albums by Lorez Alexandria, Sonny Criss, Charles Kynard, Jack Wilson, the Jazz Crusaders, and Shuggie Otis (Here Comes Shuggie). He also played on Randy Newman's 1970 critically acclaimed sophomore LP 12 Songs. McKibbon would continue to perform until 2004 ~ McKibbon passed away in 2004
January 1, 1913 ~ Big bandleader, pianist, accordionist, conductor, composer Eric Winstone born in London, UK ~ Best known for entertaining the British troups during World War II. Once ordered by a judge to stop playing the piano each day at 6pm in his home in order not to disturb his wife and young daughter. Four months later his wife filed for judicial separation ~ Winstone passed away in 1974
January 1, 1912 ~ Saxophonist, percussionist Svein Overgaard, full name Svein Arne Overgaard, born in Kristiana, Norway ~ Member of the Norwegian resistance during World War II. As a musician worked with Fred Lange-Nielsen, Per Gregersen, Finn Westbye, Arvid Gram Paulsen, Pete Brown, Einar Gustavsen, Robert Normann, and others ~ Øvergaard passed away in 1986
January 1, 1908 ~ Pianist Eileen Joyce, full name Eileen Alannah Joyce, born in Zeehan, Australia ~ Popular in the 1930s and 1940s and at her peak compared in popular esteem to Gracie Fields and Vera Lynn. Drew comparisons to Clara Schumann, Sophie Menter and Teresa Carreño ~ Joyce passed away in 1991
January 1, 1908 ~ Howard William Johnson, commonly known as swing alto saxophonist Howard Johnson, born ~ Member of the Harlem Blues & Jazz Band. Member of the Savoy Sultans. Also worked with Billy Cato, James P Johnson, Fess Williams, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, Claude Hopkins, Maxine Sullivan, Dizzy Gillespie, Red Norvo, Bessie Smith, Panama Francis, and others ~ Johnson passed away in 1991
January 1, 1906 ~ Songwriter Giovanni D'Anzi born in Milan, Italy ~ Frequent collaborator of Alfredo Bracchi, working prolifically for radio, film and stage from the 1930s through the 1950s. The pair is responsible for songs such as Lina Termini's Ma L'Amore No, Tony Dallara's Bambina Innamorata and Carlo Buti's Ti Diro. Other artists who recorded their songs include Caterina Valente, Ornella Vanoni, Gigliola Cinquetti, Nicola Arigliano, Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras, and others ~ D'Anzi passed away in 1974
January 1, 1904 ~ Dance bandleader, saxophonist Orville Knapp born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ As a sideman worked with Vincent Lopez, Leo Reisman, the Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra. As a bandleader enjoyed popularity in the 1930s employing vocalists such as Edith Caldwell, Ray Hendricks, Don Raymond, Norman Ruvell, Virginia Verrill, and Leighton Noble. Married Broadway actress, singer Gloria Grafton in 1935. Knapp died the following year at age 32 in a plane crash ~ Knapp passed away in 1936
January 1, 1900 ~ Bandleader, violinist, arranger Xavier Cugat born in Girona, Spain ~ Leading figure in Latin music. Led the resident orchestra at the the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, and owned and operated a restaurant in West Hollywood, California, shuttling between the two for some 30 years. His orchestra included musicians such as Desi Arnaz, Abbe Lane, Tito Rodriguez, Yma Sumac, and Miguelito Valdes, many of whom going on to become stars in their own right ~ Cugat passed away in 1990
January 1, 1896 ~ Estelle Harris, commonly known as blues, boogie-woogie singer Estelle Yancey, born in Cairo, Illinois, USA ~ Began singing in church choirs in her youth. Married to boogie-woogie pianist Jimmy Yancey from 1925 until his death in 1951, the couple recording several notable blues songs including Make Me A Pallet On The Floor, Four O'Clock Blues, Monkey Woman Blues, Santa Fe Blues, and How Long Blues. After Jimmy's death Estelle would continue to perform and record, working with pianists such as Don Ewell, Art Hodes, and Erwin Helfer ~ Harris passed away in 1986
January 1, 1895 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Art Gillham born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Considered one of the very first crooners, known for songs such as Angry, I'm Confessing, Shine On Harvest Moon, I'd Climb The Highest Mountain, Cecilia, I'm Waiting For Ships That Never Come In, Thinking and Tenderly ~ Gillham passed away in 1961
January 1, 1894 ~ Jazz drummer, percussionist Jasper Taylor born in Texarkana, Arkansas, USA ~ Perhaps best known for Don't Eat At Jasper's and Stockyard Strut, both self-penned. After working the minstrel shows and theaters in Mexico and the Southern USA, including stints with WC Handy on whom he would be influential, and Jelly Roll Morton, relocated to Chicago by the late 1910s where he would become a fixture on the local jazz scene. Led the the Chicago Novelty Orchesta, formed a trio with Dave Peyton and Fess Williams, and has notably collaborated with Will Marion Cook, Clarence Williams, and Natty Dominique ~ Taylor passed away in 1964
January 1, 1891 ~ Jazz pianist, songwriter Henry Ragas born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as founder of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, often considered to be the first jazz ensemble. Present on recordings such as Bluin' The Blues, Clarinet Marmalade, At The Jazz Band Ball, Sensation Rag, and perhaps their best-known Tiger Rag. Died in the 1919 flu epidemic. The band would continue with J Russell Robinson taking Ragas' place ~ Ragas passed away in 1919
January 1, 1888 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Frank Stokes born in Whitehaven, Tennessee, USA ~ Generally considered to be the father of the Memphis blues guitar style. Influenced Memphis Minnie. Known for songs such as Chicken You Can't Roost Too High For Me, Mr Crump Don't Like It, You Shall Be Free, and Hey Mourner, often teaming up with either Dan Sane or Will Batts ~ Stokes passed away in 1955