January 11, 1998 ~ Pop singer Louisa Johnson, mononymously known as Louisa, born in Thurrock, UK ~ Winner of the 12th season of The X-Factor. Subsequently reached the UK top 10 hit with Forever Young. Featured on the Clean Bandit hit single Tears
January 11, 1998 ~ Yasin Abdullahi Mahamoud, mononymously known as gangsta rap, hip-hop rapper Yasin, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Active since the late 2010s. Member of hip hop collectives Byn Block Entertainment and Ghetto Superstars. Well-known for his debut single DSGIS and its follow-up XO featuring rapper Dree Low. His first three albums, starting with 98.01.11 released in 2020, would all top the album charts in his native Sweden. Mahamoud would be sentenced in 2020 to 10 months in prison for kidnapping rival rapper Einár
January 11, 1997 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, dancer, actor, model, songwriter Cody Simpson, full name Cody Robert Simpson, born in Gold Coast, Australia ~ Released his debut album, Paradise, in 2012. Known for songs such as IYIYI featuring Flo Rida, All Day and Pretty Brown Eyes
January 11, 1993 ~ Christopher Lynn Moore, commonly known as rapper Lil' Twist, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Released his first single, The Texas Twist, at age 10. The song would be a local hit. Has gone on the work with Justin Bieber, 2 Chainz, Miley Cyrus, Young Money, Lil' Wayne, Bow Wow, Busta Rhymes, and others
January 11, 1985 ~ Singer, songwriter Newton Faulkner, full name Sam Newton Battenberg Faulkner, born in Surrey, UK ~ Plays numerous instruments including guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, guzheng, kazoo and ukelele. Debuted in 2007 with the Hand Built By Robots, which spawned the UK top 10 hit Dream Catch Me. Showing a sense of humor Faulkner named his 2009 sophomore album Rebuilt By Humans. Cast as Johnny in the musical American Idiot for the 2016 UK tour, a musical based on songs from Green Day
January 11, 1981 ~ Jamelia Niela Davis, commonly known as singer, songwriter, TV personality Jamelia, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Released her debut album, Drama, in 2000. Known for a number of UK hits including Money featuring Beenie Man, Superstar, Thank You and See It In A Boy's Eyes
January 11, 1975 ~ Jason Michael Bhosal Diakite, commonly known as hip-hop, reggae rapper, singer Timbuktu, born in Lund, Sweden ~ First gained attention in the late 1990s as member of rap group Excel. Debuted as a solo artist in 2000 with the album T2 Kontrakultur. Best known for songs such as Alla Vill Till Himmelen Men Ingen Vill Do, Resten Av Ditt Liv and Flickan Och Krakån, all of which reached the top 10 in the singer's native Sweden
January 11, 1975 ~ Aaron Funk, commonly known as breakcore, IDM, drum and bass, industrial, noise, experimental programmer, sampler, drummer, keyboardist Venetian Snares, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Pioneered breakcore through his use of complex drums, eclectic use of samples and in particular odd time signatures. Best known for his acclaimed 2005 Rossz Csillag Alatt Szuletett release, merging breakbeats with orchestral samples
January 11, 1972 ~ Singer, voice actor, actor Christian Jacobs born in Rexburg, Idaho, USA ~ Best known as actor, co-creator of the Nick Jr children's TV show Yo Gabba Yo. Also co-founder, lead singer of the Aquabats of the accompanying TV show The Aquabats Super Show
January 11, 1971 ~ Mary Jane Blige, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actress Mary J Blige born in New York, New York, USA ~ By far the most successful female artist since the 1990s. Has sold over 80 million records starting with her 1992 What's The 411 album. Known for songs such as Real Love, Not Gon' Cry, Family Affair, No More Drama, Be Without You, and others
January 11, 1965 ~ Jazz pop, alternative country singer, songwriter Kelly Hogan born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Worked with Jody Grind, the Rock A Teens, Decemberists, Neko Case, Jon Langford, the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, Booker T Jones, James Gadson, Silkworm, Jakob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Alejandro Escovedo, and others
January 11, 1964 ~ Singer Siobhan Maher born ~ Lead vocalist, founding member of River City People, known best for the 1990 hit Carry The Blame. Subsequently worked with the Bangles-singer Debbi Peterson, recording under the moniker Kindred Spirit
January 11, 1961 ~ Eva Ortiz, commonly known as gothic rock, death rock, punk rock, hard rock singer, guitarist Eva O, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Darkness” and considered influential on gothic rock and death rock. Co-founded all-female trio Super Heroines, known best for the album Love And Pain originally recorded in 1983. Ortiz has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, and worked with Christian Death and Shadow Project
January 11, 1960 ~ Guitarist, singer Vicki Peterson, full name Victoria Anne Theresa Peterson, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist for the Bangles since its formation in 1981, scoring Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits with Manic Monday, Walk Like An Egyptian, Hazy Shade Of Winter, In Your Room, and Eternal Flame. Following the band's initial disbandement has worked with the Continental Drifters, the Psycho Sisters, the Hoodoo Gurus, Tom Petty, Belinda Carlisle, and others. Married to singer, drummer John Cowsill since 2003
January 11, 1959 ~ Jazz pianist Simon Nabatov born in Moscow, Russia ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Ed Schuller, Paul Motian, Ray Anderson, Arthur Blythe, Steve Lacy, Perry Robinson, Mark Helias, Tom Rainey, Nils Wogram, Phil Minton, Drew Gress, Ernst Reijseger, Han Bennink, Cor Fuhler, Mark Dresser, Franco Ambrosetti, Akira Sakata, and others
January 11, 1958 ~ Pop, reggae singer, bassist, songwriter Trevor Taylor, full name Trevor Oliver Taylor, born in Montego Bay, Jamaica ~ Lead singer of Bad Boys Blue, known for their 1985 hit You're A Woman. Also worked with UB40, Umoya, Temper Temper, the Mondo Club, and others ~ Taylor passed away in 2008
January 11, 1956 ~ Henry Lee Jackson, commonly known as rapper Big Bank Hank, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Sylvia Robinson. Best known as member of Sugarhill Gang known for their crossover hit Rapper's Delight. Also manager of local hip-hoppers the Cold Crush Brothers and of Grandmaster Caz ~ Jackson passed away in 2014
January 11, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, songwriter Robert Earl Keen born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Released his solo debut album, No Kinda Dancer, in 1984. Has recorded to critical acclaim and admiration from peers since. On par with icons such as Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. Draws from folk, country, bluegrass, rock. Had his songs recorded by George Strait, Joe Ely, Lyle Lovett, the Highwaymen, Nanci Griffith, the Dixie Chicks, and others
January 11, 1956 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal drummer Steve Riley born in Revere, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as a member of WASP during the mid to late 1980s, recording three albums with the band, and as a longtime member of the LA Guns, present on the band's best known including the 1988 LA Guns debut album, and its 1989 Cocked And Loaded follow-up. Riley can also be heard on albums by Roadmaster, Open Hand, George Lynch, and Bulletboys ~ Riley passed away in 2023
January 11, 1952 ~ Reggae, rocksteady, dancehall singer Dawn Penn born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for You Don't Love Me (No No No), a hit in Jamaica in 1967 based on the Willie Cobbs 1960 blues song You Don't Love Me. Penn's 1994 rerecording would become a hit in America and across Europe
January 11, 1949 ~ Singer Daryl Braithwaite born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Lead singer of Sherbet, one of Australia's most successful 1970s acts known for songs such as Cassandra, Slipstream, Silvery Moon, Summmer Love and perhaps their best known Howzat
January 11, 1949 ~ Frederick Dennis Greene, commonly known as singer Denny Greene, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of Sha Na Na. Sang at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Appeared in the movie Grease taking the lead vocals on Tears On My Pillow ~ Greene passed away in 2015
January 11, 1946 ~ Francis Deprijck, commonly known as pop, disco, samba, ska singer, songwriter Lou Deprijck, born in Lessines, Belgium ~ First gained attention as member of Two Man Sound, actually a trio with Sylvain Vanholme and Yves Lacomblez, merging Latin rhythms with disco. The band is known for their 1975 million-seller Charlie Brown, written and recorded by Benito di Paula the previous year, and Disco Samba. Deprijck is also known as thriving force behind Plastic Bertrand, notably providing lead vocals, songwriting and production for the 1978 pastiche Ça Plane Pour Moi. Originally a B-side the single would be re-released with sides flipped, reach top 10 across Europe and later be covered by dozens of artists including Sonic Youth, Leila K, and the Presidents of the United States. In the 1980s Deprijck would find chart success producing Viktor Lazlo ~ Deprijck passed away in 2023
January 11, 1946 ~ Diana Ellen Judd, commonly known as country singer Naomi Judd, born in Ashlan, Kentucky, USA ~ Mother of Wynonna Judd, with whom she formed the successful country duo the Judds. The duo scored numerous No.1 hits on the Billboard Country charts throughout the early 1990s, including Mama He's Crazy, Why Not Me, Have Mercy, Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days, I Know Where I'm Going and Let Me Tell You About Love ~ Judd passed away in 2022
January 11, 1946 ~ Anthony John Selvidge, commonly known as progressive rock, rock keyboardist Tony Kaye born in Leicester, UK ~ Co-founding member of Yes remaining with the band for the first three albums, rejoined in later years including for the 1983 90125 album. Following his initial departure from the band formed Badger, with whom he recorded the albums One Live Badger and White Lady. Has also worked with Detective, Badfinger, Circa, the Bonzo Dog Band, John Wetton, and David Bowie
January 11, 1942 ~ Saxophonist, actor Clarence Clemons born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Best known as longtime saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band. Scored a 1985 hit, You're A Friend Of Mine, with Jackson Browne. In-demand guest and collaborator also worked with Aretha Franklin, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Alvin Lee, Alan Niven, Lady Gaga, the Grateful Dead, Gary US Bonds, Zucchero, Dan Hartman, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, the Pezband, Ronnie Spector, Scarlet Rivera, Carlene Carter, Janis Ian, Michael Stanley, Joan Armatrading, Greg Lake, Schwarts, Little Steven, the Hawks, Ian Hunter, Steel Breeze, Silver Condor, Twisted Sister, Gloria Estefan, Narada Michael Walden, the Four Tops, Todd Rundgren, Herman Brood, Lisa Stansfield, Joe Cocker, Peter Maffay, Nils Lofgren, Roy Orbison, Jim Carroll, Great White, Luther Vandross, Nick Clemons, the Creation, Bruce Benson, and others ~ Clemons passed away in 2011
January 11, 1940 ~ Singer Sydney Devine born in Bellside, UK ~ Considered by some as Scotland's most enduring entertainer akin to America's Lawrence Welk and Pat Boone and by others as perpetuator of Scottish cultural stereotypes. Active since the late 1950s with a three-decade career highlighted by successes such as I Can't Stop Loving You, Lovesick Blues, A Tear Fell, Forty Shades Of Green, The Tennessee Waltz, and Road To Dundee ~ Devine passed away in 2021
January 11, 1937 ~ Britt Elisabet Lindroth, commonly known as singer, actress Britt Damberg, born in Koping, Sweden ~ Broke through with Nya Fagelsangen which entered the Swedish national selection for the 1959 Eurovision Songfestival but placed third. Has been recording for most of the 1960s. Retired from the music business in the 1970s to pursue a career as a preschool teacher ~ Lindroth passed away in 2019
January 11, 1936 ~ Guitarist, bassist Jody Payne, full name James L Payne, born in Garrard County, Kentucky, USA ~ Husband of singer Sammi Smith, with whom he fathered singer, actor Waylon Payne. Best known for his association with Willie Nelson, backing Nelson on tour and record from 1973 through 2008. Also worked with Charlie Monroe, Merle Haggard, Hank Snow, Leon Russell, Tanya Tucker, Ray Price ~ Payne passed away in 2013
January 11, 1936 ~ Kathryn Jewel Thorne, commonly known as boogie-woogie pianist Katie Webster, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Backed musicians such as Lightning Slim, Lonesome Sundown, Otis Redding, and others. Also worked with Garu Wiggins, Chris Rannenberg, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, and others ~ Thorne passed away in 1999
January 11, 1934 ~ Jazz drummer, composer, arranger Egil Johansen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Nicknamed “Bop” for his profiency at playing bebop jazz. Father of singer Jan Johansen. Worked with Einar Stenberg, Egil Monn-Iversen, Kjell Johansen, Rowland Greenberg, Arne Domnérus, Bengt Hallberg, Rune Gustafsson, Georg Riedel, Jan Johansson, Radiojazzgrupen, Rune Ofwerman, Quincy Jones, the Bazz Brothers, Benny Golson, Lee Konitz, Herbie Mann, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ Johansen passed away in 1998
January 11, 1933 ~ Adèle Maria Hameetman, commonly known as actress, comedienne, singer Adèle Bloemendaal, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actress for stage and TV. As a singer has worked with Piet Römer and Leen Jongewaard, noted for songs such as We Benne Op De Wereld Om Mekaar Te Helpen and Het Zal Je Kind Maar Wezen. As a solo singer best known for the single Als Je Maar Gezond Bent and Hallelujha Kameraden ~ Hameetman passed away in 2017
January 11, 1932 ~ Jazz pianist Janós Gonda born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Leader and sideman active since the early 1960s. Known for a series of Modern Jazz albums throughout the end of the decade. Led the Gonda Sextet in the 1970s, which also included Gábor Balázs and best known for the composition Shaman Song. Also branched out into other musical forms including composing soundtracks, notably 1966's Father, dance compositions and symphonic jazz works such as Australian Concerto ~ Gonda passed away in 2021
January 11, 1931 ~ Jazz saxophonist Frank Vicari born ~ In-demand sideman. First gained attention as a member of Maynard Ferguson's big band from 1960 through its disbandement in 1965. Would go on to back Buddy Rich and notably Woody Herman, remaining with the latter until 1970. Has also worked with Steve Gadd, Mike Mainieri, the Brecker Brothers, White Elephant, George Benson, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Billy Eckstine, Tom Waits, John Lennon (Walls And Bridges), Urbie Green, the Manhattan Transfer, Bette Midler, Art Farmer, James Brown, and others ~ Vicari passed away in 2006
January 11, 1930 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jack Nimitz born in Washington DC, USA ~ Dubbed “the Admiral” and active since the 1950s, initially serving in ensembles led by Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Herbie Mann. Co-founding member of the Charlie Parker tribute band Supersax, remaining with the band for about two decades starting with its inception in the early 1970s. As a session musicians remained in-demand from the 1960s well into the 1990s, appearing on albums by Nat Pierce, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Charles Mingus, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Oliver Nelson, the Monkees, Neil Diamond, Horace Silver, Captain & Tennille, Herbie Hancock, Prince (Parade (Music From The Motion Picture Under The Cherry Moon)), Toni Tennille, and Diane Schuur ~ Nimitz passed away in 2009
January 11, 1930 ~ Songwriter Lulu Mae Hardaway born in Eufala, Alabama, USA ~ Mother of R&B singer, pianist Stevie Wonder and co-writer of a number of her son's best-known including I Was Made To Love Her, Signed Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours), You Met Your Match, and I Don't Know Why I Love You ~ Hardaway passed away in 2006
January 11, 1928 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Cal Massey born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Studied under Freddie Webster. Played with artists such as Jay McShann, Jimmy Heath, Billie Holiday. In the late-1950s led an ensemble featuring Jimmy Garrison, McCoy Tyner, Albert Tootie Heath. As a composer Massey's songs have been recorded by John Coltrane (Bakal), Freddie Hubbard (Assunta), Jackie McLean (Message From Trane), Lee Morgan (These Are Soulful Days), Philly Joe Jones (Fiesta), and Archie Shepp (Cry Of My People) ~ Massey passed away in 1972
January 11, 1927 ~ Jazz saxophonist Wilton Gaynair, also known as Wilton Bogey Gaynair, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Brother of saxophonist Ferdinand Gaynair. Played with local bands in his native Jamaica, including backing visiting musicians such as George Shearing and Carmen McRae, before relocating to Europe, eventually settling in Germany. Recorded three albums as a leader, starting with Blue Bogey released in 1959. Frequently played with the Kurt Edelhagen Radio Orchestra, including at the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich, West Germany. As a session or touring musician, Gaynair has worked with Gil Evans, Shirley Bassey, the Manhattan Transfer, and Bob Brookmeyer. Retired from music in 1983, after suffering a stroke while on-stage ~ Gaynair passed away in 1995
January 11, 1926 ~ Saxophonist, songwriter George Weidler, full name George William Weidler, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Second husband of singer Doris Day, the couple were married from 1946 to 1949. Has worked with Freddie Slack, Les Brown, Charlie Barnet, Ike Carpenter, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Stan Kenton, the Metronome All-Stars, Charlie Barnet and with his brothers Warner Weidler and Walter Weidler, both of whom also played saxophone ~ Weidler passed away in 1989
January 11, 1926 ~ Trumpeter, composer, arranger Johnny Cowell born in Tillonsburg, Canada ~ Played with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1952 to 1991. As a solo artist released ten albums. Wrote or co-wrote over 200 songs. Wrote Walk Hand In Hand recorded by Tony Martin, Andy Williams, Ronnie Carroll, Gerry & the Pacemakers, and by Engelbert Humperdinck. Wrote His Girl recorded by the Guess Who. Co-wrote These Are The Young Years recorded by Floyd Cramer ~ Cowell passed away in 2018
January 11, 1924 ~ Big band, traditional pop singer Don Cherry, full name Donald Ross Cherry, born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ Sang with the orchestras of Jan Garber and Victor Young. Following a stint in the US Army during World War IIventured out on his own, recording through the late 1960s. Best known for his 1955 Band Of Gold single, which sold over 1 million copies and reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Other well known songs include Wild Cherry, Ghost Town, and Namely You. Was the first to record the John D Loudermilk-penned Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, later notably covered by the Casinos and others ~ Cherry passed away in 2018
January 11, 1924 ~ James Isaac More, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Slim Harpo, born in Lobdell, Louisiana, USA ~ Leading exponent of the swamp blues. Influenced by Jimmy Reed. Best known for songs such as I'm A King Bee, Raining In My Heart, Scratch My Back, Shake Your Hips, and I Got Love If You Want It. Much covered by many of the British Invasion acts early in their career, including the Rolling Stones, the Pretty Things, the Yardbirds, the Kinks, Pink Floyd, and Them ~ Moore passed away in 1970
January 11, 1923 ~ James Johnson, commonly known as jazz drummer, arranger, singer Osie Johnson, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, noted especially for his 1957 The Happy Jazz Of Osie Johnson. Best known as an in-demand session drummer until his death from kidney failure at age 43. Present on albums by Billy Bauer, Illinois Jacquet (The Kid And The Brute), Milt Hinton, Coleman Hawkins, Manny Albam, Urbie Green, Betty Carter, Freddie Green (Natural Rhythm), Jimmy Raney, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Joe Puma, Pee Wee Russell (Swingin' With Pee Wee), Paul Desmond, Oliver Nelson, Mose Allison (I Don't Worry About A Thing), Wes Montgomery, and Quincy Jones ~ Johnson passed away in 1966
January 11, 1915 ~ Harris Copperman, commonly known as dance band, big band saxophonist, clarinetist Harry Lewis, born in London, UK ~ Active since the late 1930s, working with artists such as George Elrick, Jack Harris, and notably Bert Ambrose's orchestra featuring singer Vera Lynn. Would marry Lynn in 1941 and serve as her accompaniest and manager after the war. Wrote This Perfect Day, recorded by Lynn in 1949 ~ Copperman passed away in 1998
January 11, 1911 ~ Singer, songwriter Tommy Duncan born in Whitney, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by singers such as Jimmie Rodgers, Bing Crosby, and Emmett Miller. Co-founding member of Bob Wills' ensemble the Texas Playboys. Hugely influental on later singers including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard, Buddy Holly, Red Steagall, George Strait, Clint Black, Randy Travis, and Garth Brooks ~ Duncan passed away in 1967
January 11, 1890 ~ Jazz guitarist, banjoist, singer Bud Scott, full name Arthur Bud Scott, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, James Reese Europe, King Oliver, Johnny Dodds, Jimmy Blythe, Erskine Tate, Jelly Roll Morton, Dave Peyton, Ethel Waters, Jimmie Noone, Mutt Carey, Ed Garland, Zutty Singleton, Buster Wilson, and others ~ Scott passed away in 1949