January 10, 2023 ~ Jazz, pop, rock guitarist Dennis Budimir, full name Dennis Matthew Budimir, passed away ~ Active since his mid-teens, initially focused on jazz working with artists such as Don Cherry, Ken Hanna, Harry James, Chico Hamilton, Bud Shank, and Peggy Lee through the early-1960s. After a stint in the military toured with Bobby Troup before settling in Los Angeles to become an in-demand session musician. Appeared frequently on albums by the 5th Dimension, Harry Nilsson, Quincy Jones, the Partridge Family, and Sérgio Mendes. Other notable collaborations include Bobby Darin, Milt Jackson, Gene Ammons, Glen Campbell, Neil Diamond, Cass Elliott, Randy Newman (Good Old Boys), Cher, Barbra Streisand, Judy Collins, Rodney Franklin, Melissa Manchester, Barry Manilow, Ringo Starr, Lou Rawls, Bette Midler, Amy Grant, and Lee Ann Womack. Has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or solo artist, starting with The Creeper released in 1965 ~ Budimir was born in 1938
January 10, 2023 ~ Geoffrey Arnold Beck, commonly known as rock guitarist Jeff Beck, passed away ~ Though not the first rock guitarist to experiment with distortion, considered a pioneer helpful in redefining the sound and role of the electric guitar in rock. Member of the Yardbirds in 1965 and 1966, present on the albums For Your Love, Having A Rave Up and Roger The Engineer. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist or with the Jeff Beck Group, starting with the acclaimed Truth released in 1968. Also acclaimed for the albums Beck-Ola, Blow By Blow, and Wired. Member of short-lived supergroup Beck Bogert & Appice, alongside bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice. Has also notably collaborated with Jed Leiber on the 1992 Frankie's House soundtrack, with the Big Town Playboys, and with Johnny Depp ~ Beck was born in 1944
January 10, 2023 ~ Singer SZA releases Kill Bill, lifted off her SOS sophomore album ~ Several songs of the parent album deal with the singer's rage after a breakup with a toxic boyfriend. Kill Bill, however, named after the Quentin Tarantino films of the same, is perhaps the most aggressive and outspoken, with SZA expressing the desire to kill both her ex and his new girlfriend: “I might kill my ex, not the best idea, his new girlfriend's next, how'd I get here?” Kill Bill would be her biggest hit yet, reaching No.1 Billboard Hot 100 as well as top 10 in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK
January 10, 2022 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Burke Shelley, full name John Burke Shelley, passed away in Heath, UK ~ Critically compared to Rush-bassist Geddy Lee. Co-founding member, frontman of Budgie since 1967, one of the earliest heavy metal bands and held in the highest regard by critics. The band has been cited as a major influence by later artists such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Van Halen, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden and best known for their mid-1970s albums In For The Kill and Bandolier. Their 2010 tour would be cancelled as Shelley was hospitalised with an anyreusm, following surgery the band de facto ceased to exist ~ Shelley was born in 1950
January 10, 2022 ~ Organist, music director, composer Francis Jackson, full name Francis Alan Jackson, passed away in York, UK ~ Best known as music director for York Minster for well over three decades starting in 1946. Has also recorded and toured extensively and composed canticles, anthems, hymns, and organ sonatas. Well known pieces include East Acklam, Daniel In Babylon and A Time Of Fire ~ Jackson was born in 1917
January 10, 2022 ~ Producer, songwriter, singer Gerry Granahan passed away in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA ~ Best known for his work in the 1950 and 1960s. Demo singer for Elvis Presley. As a solo artist best known for his 1958 hit No Chemise Please. Also co-wrote and recorded Click Clack, released under the pseudonym Dickey Doo & the Dont's for contractual reasons. The single's succes would prompt Granahan to record several more using the same moniker, including Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu, Leave Me Alone (Let Me Cry) and Teardrops Will Fall. Granahan would venture into producing by the 1960s, working with artists such as Fireflies, James Ray, Patty Duke, Jay & the Americans and notably produce the original version of the Wild Ones' Wild Thing, the latter song later made famous by the Troggs ~ Granahan was born in 1939
January 10, 2020 ~ Jazz, rock pianist Wolfgang Dauner passed away in Stuttgart, Germany ~ Draws from jazz, rock, and electronic music, while incorporating elements of opera and theatre. About two dozen albums as a leader or solo artist, especially acclaimed for 1967's Free Action and 1970's Output. Founding member of jazz rock unit Et Cetera. Co-founding and longtime member of the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble. In-demand sideman, notably appearing on albums by Jean-Luc Ponty (Live At Donte's), Robin Kenyatta, Don Sugarcane Harris, Larry Coryell, Albert Mangelsdorff (Three Originals), Volker Kriegel, Gary Windo (His Master's Bones), and Klaus Doldinger ~ Dauner was born in 1935
January 10, 2019 ~ R&B singer Larry Cunningham passed away ~ Member of one-hit wonder the Floaters, known best for Float On of their 1977 eponymous The Floaters debut album. The single would reach top 10 on both the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B charts. The song would later be notably covered by hip-hop group Stetsasonic for their 1988 In Full Gear album ~ Cunningham was born in 1951
January 10, 2018 ~ Edward Allan Clarke, commonly known as heavy metal guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke passed away in London, UK ~ Member of the classic line-up of Motörhead, alongside Lemmy Kilmister and Phil Philty Animal Taylor. Sang lead or co-lead on Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, I'm Your Witchdoctor, Step Down and Emergency. After his departure from the band in 1982, Clarke teamed up with UFO-bassist Pete Way using the group moniker Fastway ~ Clarke was born in 1950
January 10, 2017 ~ Singer Ariana Grande releases Everyday featuring Future, lifted off her Dangerous Woman album ~ Written by Grande, Future, and producers Ilya and Max Martin. Although Everyday would only be a minor hit, Grande was pleased with the result of collaborating with Future: “I knew I wanted to work with Future, but I didn't know if we could find the right song to do together because we're so different, but we found a dope vibe and it's very unique and exciting.” The Swedish producer, songwriter duo Max Martin and Ilya would later work with Grande on Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as No Tears Left To Cry, God Is A Woman, Break Up With Your Girlfriend (I'm Bored), and Yes And
January 10, 2016 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter David Bowie passed away in New York, USA ~ Hugely influential singer, songwriter. Embraced a wide variety of stage personas during his career. Known for songs such as Space Oddity, Starman, Jean Genie, Life On Mars, Rebel Rebel, Wild Is The Wind, Fame, Heroes, Ashes To Ashes, Let's Dance, and others ~ Bowie was born in 1947
January 10, 2015 ~ Bassist Tim Drummond, full name Timothy Lee Drummond, passed away in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ In-demand touring and session musician. Closely associated with Jim Keltner, forming the session rhythm duo Tim & Jim. Wrote or co-wrote several songs of the artists he worked with including To Lay Down Beside You (Joe Simon), Sip The Wine (Rick Danko), Saddle Up The Palomino (Neil Young), Down In Hollywood (Ry Cooder), Saved (Bob Dylan), and Satisfy Susie (Lonnie Mack). Other notable credits include Mother Earth, JJ Cale, Ronnie Hawkins, Graham Nash, Michelle Phillips, Bette Midler, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, and Jewel ~ Drummond was born in 1940
January 10, 2013 ~ Trevor Gordon Grunnill, commonly known as soft rock, baroque pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Trevor Gordon, passed away in London, UK ~ Formed the late-1960s duo the Marbles with Graham Bonnet, scoring a UK top 10 hit with Only One Woman penned by the Bee Gees-siblings Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb ~ Grunnill was born in 1948
January 10, 2011 ~ Singer Margaret Whiting, full name Margaret Eleanor Whiting, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Popular 1940s, 1950s pop, country singer known for recordings such as That Old Black Magic, It Might As Well Be Spring, All Through The Day, A Tree In The Meadow, and Wheel Of Hurt. Daughter of songwriter, composer Richard Whiting, sister of actress, singer Barbara Whiting. Worked with Freddie Slack, Billy Butterfield, Paul Weston, Jimmy Wakely, Johnny Mercer, Bob Hope, Buddy Bregman, Frank Devol, Russell Garcia, Johnny Mandel, Billy May, Marty Paich, Nelson Riddle, and Pete Rugolo ~ Whiting was born in 1924
January 10, 2008 ~ Rodney Bainbridge, commonly known as singer Rod Allen passed away in Coventry, UK ~ Fronted harmony beat group the Fortunes from its inception in 1961 until his death, scoring hits with songs such as You've Got Your Troubles, Here It Comes Again, Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, Storm In A Teacup, and others. Following Allen's death the band would employ singer Eddie Mooney, formerly of the Dakotas, as their new lead vocalist ~ Allen was born in 1944
January 10, 2004 ~ Singer Usher releases Yeah featuring Lil' Jon and Ludacris, lifted off his Confessions album ~ This club banger combines the genres of crunk and R&B, a merger dubbed “Crunk&B” by the song's producer Lil' Jon. Issued as the lead single off Usher's fourth studio album, Yeah would top the charts in over a dozen countries, including twelve consecutive weeks at No.1 on the American Billboard Hot 100 charts before being dethroned by Burn, Usher's follow-up single. Yeah was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
January 10, 1999 ~ Frank Ciccio, commonly known as singer Frank Parker, passed away in Titusville, Florida, USA ~ Active since the 1920. Best known as tenor singer in Harry Horlick's orchestra and as a singer for various radio show throughout the 1950s, working with personalities such as Jack Benny, George Burns, and Arthur Godfrey. Hosted his own radio show That Atlantic Family On Tour, syndicated on CBS Radio stations ~ Ciccio was born in 1903
January 10, 1997 ~ Singer, songwriter Kenny Pickett, full name Kenneth Georger Pickett, passed away ~ Lead singer of the Creation, remaining with the band from 1966 through 1968 and rejoining in later reincarnations. Present on early recordings such as Making Time, Painter Man and Cool Jerk ~ Pickett was born in 1940
January 10, 1991 ~ Jazz trumpeter Bob Wallis passed away ~ Influenced by Red Allen. Enjoyed popularity in his native UK during the traditional jazz boom of the early-1960s. Member of Hugh Rainey's Hugh Rainey's All-Stars, which briefly also included future Cream-drummer Ginger Baker. The band would be renamed to the Storyville Jazz Band by the late-1950s, with Wallis taking over leadership. Over the next few years they recorded a handful of albums, notably Everybody Loves Saturday Night, and issued several reasonably successful singles including I'm Shy Mary Ellen (I'm Shy) and Come Along Please ~ Wallis was born in 1934
January 10, 1990 ~ Jump blues guitarist, singer Gene Phillips, full name Eugene Floyd Phillips, passed away in Lakewood, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Big Fat Mama, Big Legs, Fatso, and Punking Head Woman. Worked with Dewey Jackson, Jimmy Powell, Floyd Smith, Lorenzo Flennoy, the Ink Spots, the Mills Brothers, Lucky Thompson, Marshal Royal, Charles Mingus, Jake Porter, Al Wichard, Maxwell Davis, Jack McVea, Bumps Myers, Willard McDaniel, Lloyd Glenn, Bill Street, Art Edwards, and others ~ Phillips was born in 1915
January 10, 1989 ~ Composer, conductor Donald Voorhees passed away in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, USA ~ Known for his early work for radio and TV, earning an Emmy Award-nomination for his work on the TV series the Bell Telephone Hour. Musical director of the radio and TV show Cavalcade Of America. Conductor and director of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra from 1951 through 1983 ~ Voorhees was born in 1903
January 10, 1986 ~ Joseph Carl Firrantello, commonly known as jazz, jazz funk, fusion, hard bop saxophonist, oboist, flutist, hornist Joe Farrell, passed away in Duarte, California, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, including the highly acclaimed Outback released in 1972. Member of Chick Corea's pioneering jazz-fusion outfit Return To Forever. To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for guesting on tracks such as Aretha Franklin's Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do), and Santana's When I Look Into Your Eyes. Other notable credits include work with Stan Getz, Dizzy Reece (Asia Minor), Willie Bobo, Jaki Byard, Stanley Turrentine, Pearls Before Swine, Andrew Hill, Elvin Jones, Janis Ian (Who Really Cares), Hermeto Pascoal, Roberta Flack (Quiet Fire), James Brown, Hall & Oates, the Bee Gees, George Benson (Good King Bad), and Maynard Ferguson ~ Firrantello was born in 1937
January 10, 1985 ~ Josiah Frazier, commonly known as jazz drummer Cie Frazier, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Considered one of the best New Orleans drummers of his generation with a career spanning six decades, taught to play the drums by Louis Cottrell Sr. Spent most of the 1920s in quintessential ensembles led by the likes of Papa Celestin and Sidney Desvigne, worked part-time during the 1930s, and saw his career resurge in the 1940s working with bandleaders such as Percy Humphrey and Kid Howard. Frazier is well known as the regular drummer for the Eureka Brass Band with whom he also made an appearance in the 1965 The Cincinnati Kid drama film, and for his association with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band well into the 1980s ~ Frazier was born in 1904
January 10, 1983 ~ Pop rock group U2 release New Year's Day, lead single off their War album ~ Based on a love song Bono wrote for his wife, New Year's Day would subsequently be reshaped and inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement. The song marked a few firsts for the band, it was their first UK top 10 hit, their first international hit reaching top 10 in Norway and the Netherlands, and their first ever appearance on the American charts, peaking at No.53 Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying video, shot in the dead of winter in Sweden, was one of their first to enjoy heavy rotation on MTV. Guitarist The Edge would later recall in the official band biography that the four people riding on horseback in the video that appeared to be the four band members were actually four Swedish teenage girls disguised as the members of U2 with masks over their faces, because the band were frozen from shooting in sub-freezing temperatures the day before. The song has remained a concert favorite throughout the band's career
January 10, 1981 ~ Nasri Tony Atweh, mononymously known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Nasri, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as Magic lead singer, known for their 2013 hit single Rude. Also half of producer, songwriter duo the Messengers, the other half being Adam Messinger
January 10, 1980 ~ Hip-hop producer, songwriter Maestro born in Windsor, Connecticut, USA ~ Produced artists such as Daz Dillinger, Boo Rossini, Lil' Wayne, Ice Cube, Dem Franchize Boyz, Jibbs, 3LW, Tash, and others. Maestro's work is primarily sample-free, relying heavily on synthesizers and live instruments
January 10, 1979 ~ Amisho Baraka Lewis, commonly known as Christian rapper Sho Baraka, born ~ Co-founding member of Christian hip hop group 116 Clique, present on the albums 13 Letters, Amped and Man Up. As a solo artist best known for the albums Lions And Liars and its follow-up Talented 10th, released respectively in 2010 and 2013, both albums reaching top 10 on the Billboard Christian charts
January 10, 1977 ~ Paul Wesley Evans, commonly known as jazz, classical cornetist Doc Evans, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Worked with the Carleton Collegians in college. Traded in his saxophone for cornet in the late-1920s. Performed and recorded as a leader, notably for Disc Records and Joco Records throught the 1950s. Founded the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra in the mid-1970s, which he conducted until his death a few years later ~ Evans was born in 1907
January 10, 1976 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, Convoy by CW McCall hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by McCall and Chip Davis, the latter co-producing the novelty song with Don Sears, Convoy capitalized on the CB or citizens band craze of the 1970s. Initially released as the second and final single off his 1975 Black Bear Road sophomore album, it would top the Billboard Country charts for six weeks and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 for one. The song inspired the 1978 film Sam Peckinpah-directed Convoy film, which basically has the same plot as the song telling of truckers going rogue while the police try to stop the out-of-control rebels. McCall would rerecord the song for the film's soundtrack
January 10, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Dana Fuchs born in New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by Esther Phillips and Etta James. Known for albums such as 2003's Kenny Aaronson-produced Lonely For A Lifetime and 2011's Jon Diamond-produced Love To Beg
January 10, 1976 ~ Jazz drummer Freddy Wike, full name Freddy Augdal Wike, born in Lillehammer, Norway ~ Best known for his association with Frøy Aagre, appearing on the albums Katalyze, Countryside and Cycle Of Silence. Has also worked with D:Koder, Kristin Sevaldsen, and Torbjørn Sletta Jacobsen
January 10, 1976 ~ Chester Arthur Burnett, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Howlin' Wolf, passed away in Hines, Illinois, USA ~ Best remembered for his influence in electric blues alongside rival bluesman Muddy Waters. Known for songs such as Smokestack Lightnin', Killing Floor and Spoonful, all of which regarded as blues, blues rock classics and of major influence on a generation of rock artists ~ Burnett was born in 1910
January 10, 1974 ~ Jazz double bassist, composer, arranger Eddie Safranksi passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Hal McIntyre, Miff Mole, Stan Kenton, Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, Marian McPartland, Tony Bennett, Sonny Berman, Barney Bigard, John Cacavas, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Sammy Herman, Dick Hyman, JJ Johnson, Billy Maxted, Anthony Perkins, André Previn, Joe Venuti, Cootie Williams, and others ~ Safranski was born in 1918
January 10, 1972 ~ Conductor, composer Al Goodman passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as orchestra conductor for numerous Broadway productions including Flyin' High, The Student Prince and Blossom Time ~ Goodman was born in 1890
January 10, 1972 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Andy Yorke born in Oxford, UK ~ Younger brother of Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke. Best known as lead singer, guitarist for the Unbelievable Truth, releasing their Almost Here debut album in 1998. Yorke released a solo album, Simple, in 2008
January 10, 1971 ~ Ernesto Caceres, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Ernie Caceres, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Brother of violinist Emilio Caceres and pianist Pinero Caceres. Active since the late-1920s. As a co-leader known for the 1970 album Ernie & Emilio with his brother Emilio. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Mildred Bailey (The Rockin' Chair Lady), Frank Sinatra (The Voice), Bobby Hackett, Ella Fitzgerald (Lullabies Of Birdland), Sidney Bechet, Ruby Braff, Barbara Lea (Lea In Love), Teresa Brewer, Dick Cary, Jimmy McPartland, and Sidney Bechet ~ Caceres was born in 1911
January 10, 1968 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Jumbo ~ Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb. Produced by the band with their manager Robert Stigwood. Released as a single, paired with The Singer Sang His Song, the following March as either a double A-side single or with Jumbo as the lead track depending on territory.
January 10, 1968 ~ Olufemi Sanyaolu, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Keziah Jones, born in Lagos, Nigeria ~ Describes his hybrid as “blufunk”, a combination of raw blues and edgy funk. Also draws from traditional Nigerian Yoruba music and soul. Debuted in 1992 with the Blufunk Is A Fact album
January 10, 1966 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Kristin Sevaldsen born in Lillehammer, Norway ~ Leader and sidewoman. Best known for her acclaimed Impressions debut album, released in 2007. Has collaborated with Lewi Bergrud, Dag Stokke, Per Hillestad, Gaute Ormåsen, Cecilia Vennersten, and others
January 10, 1966 ~ Philip Lane Stewart, commonly known as producer, songwriter Laney Stewart, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with B2K, Chanté Moore, Alex Jacke, K-Ci & JoJo, Shanice, the Winans, Tony Toni Toné, Keith Washington, Jason Weaver, Go West, Aaron Hall, the Whispers, and others
January 10, 1964 ~ Rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist Brad Roberts, full name Bradley Kenneth Roberts, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Lead singer and besides keyboardist Ellen Reid the only other constant member of the Crash Test Dummies. The band is internationally best known for Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm of their 1993 God Shuffled His Feet album, the single reaching top 10 in several countries including the UK and America. Superman's Song, Swimming In Your Ocean, Afternoons And Coffeespoons, The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead and He Liked To Feel It would reach top 10 in their native Canada
January 10, 1964 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones record Not Fade Away at Olympic Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty. Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham. Released in the UK the next month, paired with Little By Little on the B-side, it would become their first UK top 10 hit peaking at No.3. In America, Not Fade Away would be issued in March as their American debut single, which only barely made it to the top half of the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at No.48. The USA single feature the John Lennon/Paul McCartney-penned I Wanna Be Your Man on the flip side
January 10, 1959 ~ Alternative rock, hard rock guitarist, singer Curt Kirkwood, full name Curtis Matthew Kirkwood, born in Amarillo, Texas, USA ~ Best known as lead singer and primary songwriter for Meat Puppets, blending punk rock with country and psychedelic rock. The band is best known for the songs Backwater and We Don't Exist of their 1994 Too High To Die and Scum of its follow-up album No Joke released the following year. Kirkwood has also guested on Nirvana's MTV Unplugged In New York album, worked with Eyes Adrift and Volcano, and recorded as a solo artist
January 10, 1958 ~ Singer, songwriter Lise Cabble born in Amager, Denmark ~ Member of all-female rock bands Clinic Q and Miss B Haven. As a songwriter best known for co-writing Emmelie de Forest's Only Teardrops, the 2013 Eurovision Songfestival winner
January 10, 1956 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Heartbreak Hotel in RCA Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ The first on his new RCA label, Presley records this tune taking lead vocals and acoustic guitar, backed by Scotty Moore, Chet Atkins, Bill Black, Floyd Cramer. It would be released later the same month, featuring I Was The One on the flip side and earn Presley his first gold record
January 10, 1956 ~ Singer Shawn Colvin, full name Shawna Lee Colvin, born in Vermillion, South Dakota, USA ~ Actively recording since the late-1980s. Best known for her 1997 Grammy Award-winning Sunny Came Home, a Billboard top 10 single. Has guested on recordings by Bruce Hornsby, Tony Bennett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Curtis Stigers, Jimmy Webb, Béla Fleck, Buddy Miller, Judy Collins, Billy Childs, and recorded a collaborative album, 2016's Colvin & Earle, with Steve Earle
January 10, 1955 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Jimmy Vivino in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Closely associated with TV host Conan O'Brien, serving as music director for several of O'Brien's late night shows starting in the early-1990s. Member of the Beatles tribute band Fab Faux. Served as arranger for the likes of Phoebe Snow, Laura Nyro, Donald Fagen. Guested on recordings by Shuggie Otis, Big Bill Morganfield, Louisiana Red, Al Kooper, and others
January 10, 1955 ~ Singer Luci Martin born ~ Member of Chic, known for pivotal disco, funk hits such as Dance Dance Dance (Yowsah Yowsah Yowsah), Le Freak, I Want Your Love and Good Times, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100
January 10, 1955 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal guitarist Michael Schenker born in Sarstedt, West Germany ~ Early member of the Scorpions, which also included his brother guitarist Rudolf Schenker. Member of UFO, present on the acclaimed Strangers In The Night album. Founding member and eponym of the Michael Schenker Group, known best for their eponymous The Michael Schenker Group debut album released in 1980
January 10, 1954 ~ DJ, producer, remixer François Kevorkian born in Aveyron, France ~ Generally considered one of the forefathers of house music, having played sets at New York clubs such as Paradise Garage and Studio 54 as well as Newark's famed Club Zanzibar. Would go on to produce and remix artists such as the Smiths, Adam Ant, Kraftwerk, the Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan, U2, and others
January 10, 1953 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, post-bop guitarist Mike Stern born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of Blood Sweat & Tears from 1975 through 1977, present on the albums More Than Ever and Brand New Day. Briefly a member of Steps Ahead. Well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, acclaimed for the albums Upside Downside, Time In Place and Standards (And Other Songs). In-demand sideman, has worked with Miles Davis, Lew Soloff, Bob Berg, Jim Hall, the Brecker Brothers, Pat Martino, Cindy Blackman, and others
January 10, 1953 ~ Patricia Mae Andrzejewski, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Pat Benatar, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1979 with the In The Heat Of The Night album. It would reach the American top 20 and be awarded quadruple Platinum status. Known for songs such Heartbreaker, We Live For Love, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Invincible and perhaps her best known Love Is A Battlefield, the latter reaching top 10 positions across the globe including the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Canada and America
January 10, 1952 ~ Contemporary Christian singer Jeoffrey Benward born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA ~ Active since the 1970s. Best known for forming the CCM duo Aaron & Jeoffrey with his son Aaron Benward, with whom he recorded three albums starting with the eponymous Aaron & Jeoffrey released in 1994. They are best known for songs such as I Go To The Rock and He Is
January 10, 1952 ~ Salomao Borges Filho, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Lô Borges, born in Brazil ~ Co-founder of Clube da Esquina collective and along with Milton Nascimento primary songwriter for the 1972 eponymous Clube Da Esquina landmark album. As a solo artist has recorded about a dozen albums, starting in the early-1970s
January 10, 1952 ~ Free jazz bassist, double bassist, bandleader William Parker born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Regarded as the pre-eminent bassist in modern free jazz. Closely associated with Cecil Taylor, Peter Brötzmann, and David S Ware. Member of Other Dimensions In Music. Led the Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra. Recorded prolifically as a leader starting in the late-1970s, particularly setting his mark on the 1990s. Noted especially for albums such as In Order To Survive, Painter's Spring, and Raining On The Moon
January 10, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alejandro Escovedo born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Brother of Coke Escovedo and Pete Escovedo, both percussionists. Active since the late-1970s. Draws from punk rock, roots rock, alternative country. Member of punk rock band the Nuns, departing the band prior to making any recordings. Subsequently worked with Judy Nylon, Rank & File and formed the True Believers. Best known as a solo artist, releasing his acclaimed Gravity debut album and its follow-up Thirteen Years in the early-1990s. Collaborated with Ryan Adams for the Whiskeytown album Strangers Almanac released in 1997, present on the tracks Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight, Dancing With The Women At The Bar and Not Home Anymore
January 10, 1948 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Donald Fagen, full name Donald Jay Fagen, born in Passaic, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founder, lead singer, keyboardist and along with Walter Becker the only constant member of Steely Dan, known for songs such as Do It Again, Reelin' In The Years, Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Peg, Deacon Blues and Hey Nineteen. As a solo artist best known for his 1981 critically acclaimed album The Nightfly
January 10, 1948 ~ R&B, soul, disco singer Fayette Pinkney, full name Fayette Regina Pinkney,born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as original member of the Three Degrees, present on recordings such as When Will I See You Again and Take Good Care Of Yourself. Released a sole solo album, One Degree, in 1979 ~ Pinkney passed away in 2009
January 10, 1946 ~ Drummer Aynsley Dunbar born in Liverpool, UK ~ Reportedly once auditioned for the Jimi Hendrix Experience but lost Jimi Hendrix's coin flip to Mitch Mitchell. Has worked with a host of artists starting in the 1960s including John Mayall and Jeff Beck. Founded the Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, for whom he co-wrote Warning which was notably covered by Black Sabbath for their debut album. Drummed for Frank Zappa, including on the pivotal 200 Motels album. Has also worked with Shuggie Otis, Lou Reed (Berlin), Flo & Eddie, David Bowie (Pin Ups, Diamond Dogs), Herbie Mann, Nils Lofgren, Journey, Paul Kantner, Whitesnake, Ronnie Montrose, Pat Travers, Michael Schenker, and UFO
January 10, 1946 ~ Harry Gumm, commonly known as composer, songwriter, vaudeville performer Harry von Tilzer passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Brother of songwriter Albert von Tilzer. Music publisher, partner of Shapiro-Bernstein Publishing Company. One of the most successful Tin Pan Alley songwriters of his time. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Cubanola Gilde, Old King Tut, Ragtime Goblin Man, They Always Pick On Me, I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad, On The Old Fall River, and perhaps his biggest hit Bird In A Gilded Cage ~ Gumm was born in 1872
January 10, 1945 ~ Singer, songwriter Rod Stewart, full name Roderick David Stewart, born in London, UK ~ Quintessential British rock star. Estimates of his record sales exceed 100 millions. Started in the 1960s playing in bands such as the Dimensions, the Jeff Beck Group, the Faces. Released his solo debut album, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down, in 1969. Broke through with his third album, 1971's Every Picture Tells A Story, spawning the international charttopper Reason To Believe. Other well known songs include You Wear It Well, Sailing, The First Cut Is The Deepest, Hot Legs, Da Ya Think I'm Sexy, Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me), Baby Jane, Infatuation and Some Guys Have All The Luck
January 10, 1943 ~ Folk, rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Croce, full name James Joseph Croce, born in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Released two unsuccessful albums before breaking through with You Don't Mess Around With Jim in 1972, which spawned the hit singles Time In A Bottle, That's Not The Way It Feels and the title track You Don't Mess Around With Jim. His follow-up album, 1973's Life And Times, would give him the hit Bad Bad Leroy Brown. Croce's career was cut short when he died at age 30 in a plane crash while on tour, the day before I Got A Name, lead single and title track of his fifth and final album, was set to be released ~ Croce passed away in 1973
January 10, 1941 ~ Violist, conductor, composer Frank Bridge passed away ~ Bridge wrote chamber music and orchestral pieces. Violinist for the Grimson Quartet. Played viola with the English String Quartet. Privately tutored Benjamin Britten, who would later pay homage with the composition Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge based on Bridge's Three Idylls For String Quartet ~ Bridge was born in 1879
January 10, 1939 ~ Philip Wallach Blondheim III, commonly known as singer, songwriter Scott McKenzie, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Member of Journeymen. Best known as a solo artist, especially remembered for his 1967 hit San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair) written and co-produced by the Mamas & the Papas singer John Phillips. McKenzie was backed by Phillips on guitar, Joe Osborn on bass, Hal Blaine on drums ~ McKenzie passed away in 2012
January 10, 1935 ~ Rockabilly, R&B, country singer, songwriter Ronnie Hawkins born in Huntsville, Arkansas, USA ~ Cousin of rockabilly singer Dale Hawkins. Found succes in Canada, considered pivotal to the development of Canadian rock, rock & roll. Over 20 albums since the late-1950s. Early hits included Forty Days, Mary Lou, Bo Diddley and Bluebirds Over The Mountain, all of which reached the Canadian top 10. Hawkins' backing unit the Hawks included all of the future members of the Band, acclaimed for their 1968 Music From The Big Pink and subsequent albums. Other one-time members would go on to found acts such as Crowbar, Bearfoot, Skylark and the Full Tilt Boogie Band, the latter known for their association with Janis Joplin. Both singer Pat Travers and guitarist Roy Buchanan have also served in Hawkins' backing band ~ Hawkins passed away in 2022
January 10, 1930 ~ Jazz, blues, rock bassist Lyle Ritz, full name Lyle Joseph Ritz, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ In-demand session musician from the 1960s through the 1980s. Present on songs such as You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' by the Righteous Brothers, A Taste Of Honey by Herb Alpert, and Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys. Can also be heard on albums by Sonny & Cher, Harper's Bizarre, Van Dyke Parks (Song Cycle), Mason Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Randy Newman (12 Songs), Emitt Rhodes, Loudon Wainwright III, Dan Hicks, and Randy Edelman ~ Ritz passed away in 2017
January 10, 1927 ~ Tenor, alto saxophonist Allen Eager born in New York, New York, USA ~ Started at 15 briefly playing with Woody Herman. Went on to play with artists such as Bobby Sherwood, Sonny Dunham, Shorty Sherock, Hal McIntyre, Tommy Dorsey, and Johnny Bothwell. His recording debut as a leader was for Savoy Records in 1946, backed by pianist Edwin Finckel, bassist Bob Carter and drummer Max Roach. Other notable associations include Coleman Hawkins, Fats Navarro, Charlie Parker, Red Rodney, Stan Getz, Tadd Dameron, Gerry Mulligan, Terry Gibbs, and Buddy Rich ~ Eager passed away in 2003
January 10, 1927 ~ Gisele Marie Louise Marguerite LaFlèche, commonly known as actress, singer Gisele MacKenzie, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Singer for radio and TV, notably replacing the Andrews Sisters on the CBS Radio radio show Club Fifteen, and on the TV show Your Hit Parade. As a recording artist best known for her 1955 hit Hard To Get. Has also worked as an actress both in the musical field and as a character actress for TV ~ LaFlèche passed away in 2003
January 10, 1926 ~ William DeBerardinis, commonly known as big band, bebop trombonist Willie Dennis, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Married to singer Morgana King from 1961 until his death. Noted for his ability to overcome the limitations of his instrument through advanced lip and slide techniques. Acclaimed big band musician and bebop soloist. As a leader recorded the forgotten and underrated Four Trombones album in 1953, released in 1957, and co-featuring JJ Johnson, Kai Winding and Bennie Green. Best known for backing Charles Mingus, notably on the pivotal late-1950s albums Mingus Ah Uhm and Blues & Roots. DeBerardinis passed away in a traffic accident aged 39 ~ DeBerardinis passed away in 1965
January 10, 1924 ~ Drummer Max Roach, full name Maxwell Lemuel Roach, born in Pasquotank County, North Carolina, USA ~ Pioneering bop, bebop percussionist active since the 1940s. Closely associated with Clifford Brown. Over 50 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Jazz At Massey Hall, Max Roach Plus Four, and Deeds Not Words. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk (The Genius Of Modern Music Vol.1), Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Al Cohn, Dinah Washington (Dinah Jams), Charles Mingus (Mingus At The Bohemia), the Modern Jazz Quartet, Sonny Rollins (Saxophone Colossus), Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Booker Little, Dexter Gordon (Dexter Rides Again), Thad Jones (The Fabulous Thad Jones), George Russell, Stanley Turrentine, Eric Dolphy, JJ Johnson, Ray Charles, and Ronnie Cuber ~ Roach passed away in 2007
January 10, 1918 ~ Jazz pianist Aaron Bridgers born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ Lover of jazz composer Billy Strayhorn from 1939 until 1947 ~ Bridgers passed away in 2003
January 10, 1917 ~ Producer, label executive Jerry Wexler born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Partner at Atlantic Records. Hugely influential producer during the 1950s and 1960s. Coined the term “rhythm & blues”. Incremental in the careers of Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, the Drifters, Ruth Brown, and others ~ Wexler passed away in 2008
January 10, 1915 ~ Woodrow Wilson Johnson, commonly known as jump blues, R&B pianist, bandleader, songwriter Buddy Johnson, born in Darlington, South Carolina, 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 passed away in 1977
January 10, 1913 ~ Baritone saxophonist Haywood Henry, full name Frank Haywood Henry, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Bama State Collegians, renamed to the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra when Erskine Hawkins took leadership. Has also worked with Tiny Grimes, Julian Dash, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Eddie Harris, Willis Jackson, Rex Stewart, Brook Benton, Bill Doggett, Charles Brown, Ruth Brown, Rusty Bryant, King Curtis, Aretha Franklin (on the quintessential Lady Soul album), Jimmy Witherspoon, Wilbur de Paris, Max Kaminsky, Snub Mosley, Louis Metcalf, Steve Turre, Earl Hines, Sy Oliver, the New York Jazz Repertory Company, and others. Reportedly sessioned on over 1,000 rock & roll records in the 1950s and 1960s, many of them uncredited ~ Henry passed away in 1994
January 10, 1899 ~ Violinist Daniel Guilet born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia ~ Member of the Calvet Quartet. Toured France as Maurice Ravel's accompanist. Relocated to America during World War II, joining the NBC Symphony Orchestra a few years later initially serving under Arturo Toscanini promoted to concertmaster in the early-1950s. Best known for co-founding the Beaux Arts Trio in 1954 with cellist Bernard Greenhouse and pianist Menahem Pressler ~ Guilet passed away in 1990
January 10, 1899 ~ Composer, author, child actor Kenneth Casey born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing Sweet Georgia Brown with Ben Bernie and Maceo Pinkard. The first recorded version would be Bernie's, but the song would become a standard recorded by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Charlie Parker, Brother Bones, Anita O'Day, Tony Sheridan, Nancy Sinatra, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roberta Flack, and others ~ Casey passed away in 1965
January 10, 1898 ~ Songwriter Arthur Johnston born ~ Frequent collaborator of Irving Berlin, Johnny Burke, Sam Coslow. Well known songs co-written by Johnston include Just One More Chance (Abe Lyman, Ruth Etting, Sammy Fain), Pennies From Heaven (Eddy Duchin, Teddy Wilson, Dinah Washington), The Moon Got In My Eyes (Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey, Chick Bullock), Mandy Make Up Your Mind (Paul Whiteman, Muggsy Spanier), Cocktails For Two (Johnny Green, Spike Jones, Keely Smith), and Between A Kiss And A Sigh (Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Kay Kyser) ~ Johnston passed away in 1954