January 12, 1996 ~ Singer, songwriter Ella Henderson, full name Gabrielle Michelle Henderson, born in Tetney, UK ~ First gained attention as contestant in the 9th series of talent contest The X-Factor in 2012, reaching only 6th place despite being tapped to win. Released her solo debut album, Chapter One, in 2014. It spawned the UK top 20 hits Glow, Yours and perhaps her best known Ghost. Has subsequently collaborated with Sigma (Glitterball), Kygo (Here For You), Jax Jones (This Is Real), and with Sigala (We Got Love)
January 12, 1993 ~ Doh Kyung-soo, commonly known as K-pop singer, actor DO, born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Member of boy band EXO, known for a string of 2010 hits in their native South Korea including the No.1 hits December 2014 (The Winter's Tale), Love Me Right, Monster, and Ko Ko Bop. Kyung-soo has also ventured into acting for film and TV and released his Empathy solo debut EP in 2021
January 12, 1993 ~ Zain Javadd Malik, commonly known as singer Zayn Malik, born in Bradford, UK ~ Member of boy band One Direction, which went on to become one of the all-time best selling boy bands known for hits such as What Makes You Beautiful, Live While We're Young, and Best Song Ever. Malik was the first to leave the band, departing in 2015. Both his solo debut album, Mind Of Mine, and debut single, Pillowtalk, would debut at the No.1 spot on both sides of the Atlantic. Malik has recorded to commercial success since, including collaborations with Taylor Swift and Sia
January 12, 1991 ~ Victoria Louise Lott, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Pixie Lott, born in London, UK ~ Cites Céline Dion, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as major influences. Lott's debut single, Mama Do Uh-oh Uh-oh, and its follow-up, Boys And Girls, would both make it to top of the British charts. A full-length debut album, Turn It Up, would be released in 2009
January 12, 1983 ~ Indie pop, indie rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Alden Penner born in Loretteville, Canada ~ Formed the duo the Unicorns with Nicholas Thorburn, later expanded to a trio with the addition of drummer Jamie Thompson. Co-founded Clues with Brendan Reed, formerly of Arcade Fire. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing several EPs since the early-2010s with the full-length Exegesis debut album released in 2014
January 12, 1980 ~ Amerie Mi Marie Rogers, commonly known as singer, actress, model, songwriter Amerie, born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA ~ Helped develop the BET music show The Center. Debuted as a recording artist with the album All I Have in 2002. As a singer best known for 1 Thing, a Billboard top 10 hit in 2005, taken of her sophomore album Touch
January 12, 1980 ~ Xavier Lamar Dotson, commonly known as trap, hip-hop keyboardist, producer, DJ Zaytoven, born in Frankfurt, West Germany ~ In-house producer for Gucci Mane's 1017 Brick Squad record label. Perhaps best known for co-producing Usher's Raymond v Raymond album released in 2011 which included the modest hit Papers. Dotson has also worked with Future, Young Dolph, Migos, Lil' Yachty, BoB, Waka Flocka Flame, and urban gospel singer Deitrick Haddon
January 12, 1975 ~ Keyboardist Joel Cummins, full name Joel Nathan Cummins, born in La Grange, Illinois, USA ~ Founding member of progressive rock outfit Umphreys McGee. Has previously released solo albums, notably 1995's Suspended In Time. Has also collaborated with artists such as Huey Lewis, Joshua Redman, Mavis Staples, Phil Lesh, Buddy Guy, Robby Krieger, Damian Marley, Warpaint, A$AP Ferg, Koko Taylor, Sinéad O'Connor, Béla Fleck, Victor Wooten, Warren Haynes, Bob Weir, Les Claypool, John Oates, Big Light, and Adrian Belew
January 12, 1974 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock guitarist, banjoist, singer Brent Hinds, full name William Brent Hinds, born in Pelham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as member of metal outfit Mastodon, sharing guitar duties with Bill Kelliher and vocal duties with Troy Sanders and Brann Dailor. Lead guitarist, singer for surfabilly outfit Fiend Without A Face. Hinds has also worked with the Blood Vessels, West End Motel, Four Hour Fogger, the Last Of The Blue Eyed Devils, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, and the Legend Of The Seagullmen
January 12, 1973 ~ Smooth jazz, R&B, funk keyboardist, trombonist Brian Culbertson born in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Sting, the Yellowjackets, George Duke, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire. Debuted in 1994 with the album Long Night Out. It failed to chart but later albums would reach the higher echelons of the Billboard jazz charts, such as 2001's Nice & Slow, 2005's It's On Tonight, 2012's Dreams and 2016's Funk!. Has collaborated with artists such as Norman Brown, Kenny Lattimore, Kirk Whalum, Larry Graham, Take 6, Ray Parker Jr, and Eric Darius
January 12, 1970 ~ Corey Woods, commonly known as rapper Raekwon, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Cited as pioneer of mafioso rap. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Incarcerated Scarfaces and Glaciers Of Ice. Has worked with Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Dr Dre, Scram Jones, J Dilla, Slick Rick, Jadakiss, Beanie Sigel, Black Thought, Nas, Rick Ross, Maino, Freddie Gibbs, Lyfe Jennings, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Melanie Fiona, OutKast, Davina, and Troy Ave
January 12, 1970 ~ Singer, songwriter Zack de la Rocha, full name Zacharias Manuel de la Rocha, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Rose to fame as lead singer for Rage Against The Machine, known best for their 1992 debut single Killing In The Name Of. De la Rocha's militant political activism and passionate vocal delivery would make him one of the best known and most recognizable names in 1990s alternative rock, his political beliefs, opposing corporate America, the military-industrial complex and government oppression, firmly reflected in his songwriting
January 12, 1969 ~ Trumpeter, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Eric Matthews born in Compton, California, USA ~ Classically trained. Formed the duo Cardinal with singer Richard Davies. Although not a commercial success the duo were seen by some as one of the pivotal indie rock acts of the 1990s, acclaimed for their 1994 eponymous Cardinal debut album. Matthews also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his It's Heavy In Here debut in 1995, formed Belt Buckle with Sebadoh's Lou Barlow and Bob Fay, and guested on recordings by Tahiti 80, the Dandy Warhols, Ivy, Man Of The Year, Elliott Smith, Paula Kelley, and Pugwash
January 12, 1968 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Keith Anderson born ~ Wrote or co-wrote a number of 2000s country hits including Beer Run (B Double E Double R U-N) recorded by Garth Brooks & George Jones, and Lost In This Moment recorded by Big & Rich. Released a full-length solo debut album, Three Chord Country And American Rock & Roll, in 2005. Known best for songs such as Pickin' Wildflowers and I Still Miss You
January 12, 1966 ~ Guitarist, film composer Heiko Maile born in Sydney, Australia ~ Co-founding member of German synth-pop outfit Camouflage, best known for Love Is A Shield of their 1989 Methods Of Silence sophomore album. Maile is also a prolific film composer, credits including the 2008 socio-political drama film The Wave and the 2010 vampire film We Are The Night
January 12, 1966 ~ Jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen born in North Vancouver, Canada ~ Leader and sidewoman. Has worked with Maria Schneider, Steve Wilson, Jeff Tain-Watts, Dr Lonnie Smith, Bob Berg, Gary Bartz, Terri Lyne Carrington, Geoffrey Keezer, Billy Hart, George Garzone, Chris Connor, Victor Lewis, Clark Terry, Frank Wess, Darcy James Argue, Otto Brandenburg, Dena DeRose, Monika Herzig, Anne Mette Iversen, Virginia Mayhew, Sarah McKenzie, Eric Person, Judi Silvano, Ike Sturm, Roseanna Vitro, and Dan Wall
January 12, 1966 ~ Robert Bartleh Cummings, commonly known as heavy metal singer Rob Zombie, born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA ~ Founder and frontman of White Zombie, known for songs such as Thunder Kiss '65, Black Sunshine and More Human Than Human. Also known as a solo artist, starting with the 1998 album Hellbilly Deluxe, and as a film director in the horror genre
January 12, 1965 ~ Dance, house, dance-pop, pop producer, remixer, DJ Mark Moore born in London, UK ~ Perhaps best known for founding pioneering dance act S'Express with Pascal Gabriel, their Theme From S'Express debut single said to have started the UK house scene. Also known for his work with William Orbit, the duo working together on remixes such as Batdance, Electric Chair and The Future for Prince and Something's Jumpin' In Your Shirt for Malcolm McLaren
January 12, 1963 ~ Songwriter, producer Guy Chambers, full name Guy Anthony Chambers, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Best known for his association with Robbie Williams, co-writing several of the latter's best known including Rock DJ, Millenium, Let Me Entertain You, Angels, and No Regrets. Also worked artists such as Caro Emerald, Rufus Wainwright, Katy B, Marlon Roudette, Miles Kane, Mark Ronson, John Newman, Kylie Minogue, Example, the Wanted, James Blunt, Melanie C, Katie Melua, Schmidt, Tina Turner, Zak Abel, Beverkey Wright, Christophe Willem, Aqualung, Cathy Dennis, Julian Perretta, Taio Cruz, Tokio Hotel, Armin Van Buuren, Charlene Soraia, the Noisettes, Maverick Sabre, Sophie Hunter, David Archuleta, Eros Ramazzotti, Darren Hayes, Erin Boheme, World Party (1990's Goodbye Jumbo), Bbmak, Texas, Speedway, Andrea Bocelli, Hilary Duff, Tom Jones (1999's Reload), Jamie Cullum, Axelle Red, Rachel Stevens, Jewel, and the Waterboys
January 12, 1963 ~ José Fernando Gomes dos Reis, commonly known as rock bassist, singer Nando Reis, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Member of Titas from 1981 through 2002, the band regarded as one of the most popular and influential in Brazilian rock. Lead singer, guitarist, founder of Os Infernais. Also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 12 De Janeiro released in 1995. Served as producer for the likes of Jorge Ben, Vange Leonel, and Cassia Eller
January 12, 1962 ~ Tracy Darrell Adkins, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, actor Trace Adkins, born in Sarepta, Louisiana, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, Dreamin' Out Loud, in 1996 and has been recording steadily since. Known for songs such as This Ain't No Thinkin' Thing, I Left Something Turned On At Home, The Rest Of Mine, I'm Tryin', Then They Do, Hot Mama, Honky Tonk Badonkadonk, Ladies Love Country Boys, You're Gonna Miss This, all of which reached the top 10 of Billboard's country charts
January 12, 1961 ~ Free jazz saxophonist Ivo Perelman born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Learned to play guitar, cello, clarinet, trombone and piano, focuses on tenor sax since his late teens. Debuted as a leader in 1989 with Ivo, backed by Peter Erskine, John Patitucci, Airto Moreira, Eliane Elias and Flora Purim. Has recorded extensively since, often delivering numerous albums within a year working with artists such as Dominic Duval, Borah Bergman, Rashied Ali, Jay Rosen, Marilyn Crispell, Matthew Shipp, Paul Bley, Don Pullen, Fred Hopkins, Andrew Cyrille, Joanne Brackeen, Mark Helias, Billy Hart, Mino Cinélu, Naná Vasconcelos, Reggie Workman, William Parker, Louis Sclavis, John Wolf Brennan, Elton Dean, and Joe Morris
January 12, 1959 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Blixa Bargeld born in Berlin, Germany ~ Lead singer, frontman of noise rock, experimental rock outfit Einstürzende Neubauten. Closely associated with Nick Cave, backing Cave on tour and record including on key albums such as Murder Ballads and No More Shall We Part from 1983 until his departure from the Bad Seeds in 2003. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist
January 12, 1955 ~ Jazz soprano saxophonist, composer Jane Ira Bloom born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the early-1980s. Has also guested on recordings by Sandra Boynton, Jay Clayton, Anthony Davis, Giora Feidman, David Friedman, Jerry Granelli, Frederic Hand, Ron Horton, Daniel Humair, Cleo Laine, and Bobby Previte
January 12, 1955 ~ Reggae singer Johnny Clarke born in Whitfield Town, Jamaica ~ Closely associated with producer Bunny Lee. Known for songs such God Made The Sea And The Sun, Everyday Wondering, Julie and Jump Back Baby. Also worked with Clancy Eccles, Ruple Edwards, the Aggrovators, the Mad Professor, King Tubby, Errol Thompson, and Prince Jammy
January 12, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Kelly, full name Paul Maurice Kelly, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Emerged from the mid-1970s pub rock scene as one of the most acclaimed songwriters drawing from rock, folk and country. Fronted the Dots, known for their hit Billy Baxter. Fronted the Coloured Girls later renamed the Messengers, scoring hits with Before Too Long, Darling It Hurts, To Her Door and Dumb Things
January 12, 1953 ~ Country singer LaWanda Lindsey born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Scored a number of modest hits since the late-1960s, starting with Partly Bill released at age 16. Best known for Pickin' Wild Berries and Hello Out There, the former a duet with Kenny Vernon
January 12, 1952 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ricky Van Shelton born in Danville, Virginia, USA ~ Debuted in 1987 with the album Wild Eyed Dream and would subsequently reach the higher echelons of the country charts with both originals and covers throughout the early-1990s. Best known for songs such as Somebody Lied, Life Turned Her That Way, I'll Leave This World Loving You, Living Proof, I've Cried My Last Tear For You, I Am A Simple Plan, Keep It Between The Lines, Rockin' Years, the latter a duet with Dolly Parton
January 12, 1951 ~ Motonari Takano, commonly known as anisong singer, drummer Ai Takano, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Nicknamed Motchin. Best known as a solo artist, notably performing the theme songs for Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger, Pettonton and Kyojuu Tokusou Juspion. Drummer for Cama Beats, known best for the Zombies cover Suki Sa Suki Sa Suki Sa originally titled I Love You. Also drummed with the Golden Cups ~ Takano passed away in 2006
January 12, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Bell, full name Christopher Branford Bell, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as early member and along with Alex Chilton co-leader of power pop band Big Star, present on the band's 1972 No.1 Record debut album. Influenced artists such as Beck, REM, Teenage Fanclub, the Pixies, Primal Scream, Afghan Whigs, Wilco, and the Replacements ~ Bell passed away in 1978
January 12, 1949 ~ R&B, pop-jazz singer, actor Andrzej Zaucha born in Krakow, Poland ~ Lead singer of jazz fusion outfit Dzamble, present on the band's Wolanie O Sloncie Nad Swiatem. Member of Anawa, present on the eponymous 1973 Anawa album. Active as a solo artist since the early-1980s, notably known for songs such as Wszystkie Stworzenia Duze I Male and Bylas Serca Biciem. Shot and killed in a crime of passion at age 42 ~ Zaucha passed away in 1991
January 12, 1948 ~ Jazz fusion guitarist John Ethridge, full name John Michael Glyn Eth, born in London, UK ~ Best known for his work with Soft Machine, primarily in the mid to late-1970s, and its spin-off Soft Machine Legacy. Influenced by Hank Marvin and Django Reinhardt. Also worked with Rush Release, Warhorse, Darryl Way, Danny Thompson, Nigel Kennedy, Andy Summers, Zappatistas, Icarus, Stéphane Grappelli, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Elton Dean, Fairport Convention, Chris Jagger, Nik Turner, and Pye Hastings
January 12, 1947 ~ James A Gold, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Gold, born ~ Frontman of soft rock band Gallery, best known for their Nice To Be With You which reached Billboard top 10 in 1972
January 12, 1946 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter George Duke born in San Rafael, California, USA ~ Known for his solo albums, starting with The George Duke Quartet in 1966, as well as for his many collaborations including with Jean-Luc Ponty, Cannonball Adderley, Frank Zappa, the Mothers Of Invention, and Ruth Underwood. Has also produced pop and R&B hits for A Taste Of Honey, Jeffrey Osborne, Deniece Williams, Anita Baker, Rachelle Ferrell, Everette Harp, Gladys Knight, Melissa Manchester, Barry Manilow, the Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson, Seawind, and Take 6 ~ Duke passed away in 2013
January 12, 1945 ~ R&B, soul singer Abrim Tilmon born ~ Member of the Detroit Emeralds, known for songs such Show Time, Do Me Right, You Want It You Got It, Baby Let Me Take You In My Arms, and Feel The Need ~ Tilmon passed away in 1982
January 12, 1945 ~ Rock, blues rock singer Maggie Bell born in Glasgow, UK ~ Characterised by some as UK's counterpart to Janis Joplin. Co-founding member, co-lead vocalist of Stone The Crows from 1968 through 1973, known best for their 1971 Teenage Licks album. Has also worked with Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart (Every Picture Tells A Story), Midnight Flyer, the British Blues Quintet, Jon Lord, Denny Laine, and Rick Wakeman
January 12, 1944 ~ Singer, trumpeter, hornist Cynthia Robinson born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Co-founding, constant member of Sly & the Family Stone, notably present on hits such as Dance To The Music and I Want To Take You Higher. Cousin of Larry Graham, bandmate in both Family Stone and Graham Central Station. Robinson has also guested on albums by Funkadelic (The Electric Spanking Of War Babies), Flash Cadillac, Dorothy Norwood, Robert Cray, Rose Stone, and Prince. Robinson would be described as “the original hypeman” by Questlove of the Roots ~ Robinson passed away in 2015
January 12, 1941 ~ John William Baldry, commonly known as singer Long John Baldry, born in East Haddon, UK ~ Worked with Rod Stewart, Elton John, Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, Steampacket, and Caleb Quaye. Known for songs such as Let The Heartaches Begin and Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie On The King Of Rock & Roll ~ Baldry passed away in 2005
January 12, 1941 ~ Charles Jones III, commonly known as jazz guitarist, cornetist, singer Olu Dara, born in Natchez, Mississippi, USA ~ Father of rapper Nas. Leader and sideman. Formed the Okra Orchestra and the Natchezsippi Dance Band. Worked with Material, David Murray, Henry Threadgill, Hamiet Bluiett, Don Pullen, Charles Brackeen, James Blood Ulmer, Cassandra Wilson, Dr John, Rhys Chatham, Carlos Garnett, Terumasa Hino, Nona Hendryx, Tim Berne, and the Be Good Tanyas
January 12, 1939 ~ Singer, guitarist Hiroshi Kamayatsu born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Co-founded 1960s rock band the Spiders, best known for their Yuhiganaiteiru hit single. Co-founded Vodka Collins, one of the first Japanese glamrock outfits known best for Sands Of Time released in 1973. Also recorded as a solo artist, notably RTB for the anime series Sentou Yousei Yukikaze, and worked with Sans Filtre ~ Kamayatsu passed away in 2017
January 12, 1939 ~ Country singer William Lee Golden born in Brewton, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as member of the Oak Ridge Boys from 1965 through 1987, rejoining in 1995. Also recorded as a solo artist, starting in 1986 with the album American Vagabond which spawned the modest country hits Love Is The Only Way Out and You Can't Take It With You
January 12, 1935 ~ Operatic lyric soprano Margherita Rinaldi born in Turin, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in her native Italy and abroad during the 1960s and 1970s. Perhaps most acclaimed for her role as Giulietta in Vincenzo Bellini's I Capuletti E I Montecchi at La Scala in 1966 under the direction of Claudio Abbado. Has performed with renowned companies including the Dallas Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, alongside singers such as Alfredo Kraus, Plácido Domingo, and Grace Bumbry. Rinaldi would retire from the stage by the early-1980s yet continue to privately coach young singers ~ Rinaldi passed away in 2023
January 12, 1932 ~ Bebop saxophonist, flutist Hadley Caliman born in Idabel, Oklahoma, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Carlos Santana, Joe Henderson, Earl Hines, Freddie Hubbard, Jon Hendricks, Earl Anderza, Patrice Rushen, Don Ellis, Hampton Hawes, Bobby Hutcherson, Azar Lawrence, Malo, Julian Priester, the Fangs, Gerald Wilson, Thomas Marriott, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, and with Pete Christlieb ~ Caliman passed away in 2010
January 12, 1931 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae saxophonist Roland Alphonso born in Havana, Cuba ~ Co-founding member of pioneering 1960s Jamaican outfit the Skatalites. They are best known for their 1965 recording Guns Of Navarone, produced by Coxsone Dodd and featuring Alphonso as lead singer. A sleeper hit in the UK, reaching top 40 two years after its initial release, the song would over time nevertheless become to be seen as a landmark recording in ska. The song would again be a hit in the UK in 1980, as a mostly instrumental cover by ska revivalists the Specials. Originally the song, written by Dimitri Tiomkin, traces back to 1961, when it was recorded by the Sinfonia Of London as the theme song to the film of the same name ~ Alphonso passed away in 1998
January 12, 1930 ~ Singer, guitarist Glenn Yarbrough, full name Glenn Robertson Yarbrough, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ First gained attention as lead singer of the Limeliters from 1959 through 1963, known for songs such as There's A Meetin' Here Tonight, A Dollar Down, Have Some Madeira M'Dear, and The Lonesome Traveler. As a solo artist best known for his 1965 single Baby The Rain Must Fall. Yarbrough would later rejoin a reformed Limeliters incarnation and play the oldies circuit ~ Yarbrough passed away in 2016
January 12, 1929 ~ Jazz bandleader, composer, arranger Rich Matteson, full name Richmond Albert Matteson, born in Forest Lake, Minnesota, USA ~ Worked with Bob Scobey, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Harvey Phillips, the Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort, and Louie Bellson ~ Matteson passed away in 1993
January 12, 1928 ~ Ruth Alston Weston, commonly known as singer Ruth Brown, was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Best known for songs such as So Long, Teardrops From My Eyes and Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean. Worked with Duke Ellington, Rudy Toombs, the Flairs, Count Basie, the Lamp-Lighters, Louis Jordan, Christine Kittrell, Pérez Prado, and Thad Jones ~ Brown passed away in 2006
January 12, 1927 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Guy Lafitte born in Saint Gaudens, France ~ Worked with Mezz Mezzrow, Big Bill Broonzy, Lionel Hampton, Emmett Berry, Wild Bill Davis, Bill Coleman, Frank Pourcel, Peanuts Holland, Hank Jones, George Duvivier, JC Heard, Sammy Price, Lucky Thompson, and Pierre Boussaguet ~ Lafitte passed away in 1998
January 12, 1926 ~ Composer Morton Feldman born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Pioneer of indeterminate music, a development which also included Christian Wolff, Earle Brown and close friend John Cage. Has composed over 180 works including orchestral music, chamber music, and solo pieces for various instruments ~ Feldman passed away in 1987
January 12, 1926 ~ Country, western swing, traditional pop singer Ray Price, full name Noble Ray Price born in Perryville, Texas, USA ~ Blessed with a warm, smooth baritone voice and influenced by honky tonk and jazz Price is considered one of the best male singers in country history. Known for songs such as Release Me, Crazy Arms, Heartaches By The Number, Invitation To The Blues, For The Good Times, Night Life and You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me. His backing band, the Cherokee Cowboys formed in 1953, at times included musicians such as Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, Darrell McCall, Van Howard, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Bush, Buddy Emmons, Pete Wade, Jan Kurtis, Shorty Lavender, and Buddy Spicher ~ Price passed away in 2013
January 12, 1923 ~ Juan Alberto Ficicchia, commonly known a jazz drummer Tito Alberti, born in Zarate, Argentina ~ Father of Soda Stereo-drummer Charly Alberti. Best known for founding Jazz Casino, fusing Caribbean steel drums with Latin jazz. Has also worked with Xavier Cugat, and Dámaso Pérez Prado ~ Ficicchia passed away in 2009
January 12, 1916 ~ James Columbus McShann, commonly known as pianist, bandleader Jay McShann, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Veteran pianist active from the mid-1930s onwards with well over 40 albums to his name as leader or co-leader. Known for leading ensembles that included then-unknown future stars such as Charlie Parker, Ben Webster, Gene Ramey, and Jimmy Witherspoon. Faded from public view by the early-1950s, to resurface by the late-1960s. McShann continued to perform and record well into his eighties ~ McShann passed away in 2006
January 12, 1912 ~ James Young, commonly known as swing trombonist, songwriter Trummy Young, born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Closely associated with Louis Armstrong. Also worked with Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clyde Hart, Buck Clayton, Billy May, Mildred Bailey, and Chris Barber. Co-wrote T'Ain't What You Do It's The Way That You Do It, a hit for both Lunceford and Ella Fitzgerald, and Traveling Light which was recorded with Billie Holiday ~ Young passed away in 1984
January 12, 1905 ~ Woodward Maurice Ritter, commonly known as country singer, actor Tex Ritter, born near Murvaul, Texas, USA ~ Popular from the 1930s through the 1960s. Early country pioneer. Known for starring numerous westerns on radio, TV, screen such as the 1936 film Song Of The Gringo. First artist to be signed to Capitol Records. Known for songs such as I'm Wastin' My Tears On You, When You Leave Don't Slam The Door, and I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven ~ Ritter passed away in 1974
January 12, 1904 ~ Hill country blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Mississippi Fred McDowell born in Rossville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as Shake 'Em On Down, Kokomo Blues and You Gotta Move, the latter best known to rock audiences as covered by the Rolling Stones on their quintessential Sticky Fingers album ~ McDowell passed away in 1972