January 13, 2024 ~ Joel Sonnier, commonly known as Cajun, zydeco, country singer, accordionist, songwriter Jo-El Sonnier, passed away in Llano, Texas, USA ~ Active professionally since the late-1960s, first performing on the radio at age six. Would become a fixture on the Louisiana Cajun scene, earning a devoted following bridging the musical traditions. Well over two dozen albums to his name, especially noted for Come On Joe released in 1987, and for Cajun Young Blood released in 1996. Best known for No More One More Time and the Richard Thompson-cover Tear Stained Letter, both of which reached top 10 Billboard Country. Guested on albums by Emmylou Harris (Elite Hotel), Johnny Cash, George Strait, Elvis Costello (King Of America), Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton, the Indigo Girls, Sammy Kershaw, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, and Mark Knopfler ~ Sonnier was born in 1946
January 13, 2023 ~ Singer Miley Cyrus releases Flowers, lifted off her Endless Summer Vacation album ~ Warmly received by critics, many of whom praised her vocal delivery while the New York Times complimented the singer's apparent growth into “laid-back maturity and convincing self-assurance”, Flowers expresses an ex-lover's acceptance of being independent after no feeling the need to rely on someone else to be complete, or simply put she doesn't need a lover to buy her flowers. Although Cyrus has not publicly commented on the matter, the song is believed to be about actor Liam Hemsworth with whom she had an on-and-off relationship for several years, and was engaged twice, leading up to a marriage that ended in divorce after eight months. Cyrus released Flowers on the 33rd birthday of Hemsworth. The single would top the charts in well over a dozen countries including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, and spent eight consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in her native America, making it her second American No.1 hit, preceded by Wrecking Ball a decade earlier
January 13, 2022 ~ Vincent Edwards, commonly known as hip-hop, gangsta rap rapper CPO Boss Hogg, passed away ~ Influenced by George Clinton, Prince, Barry White, Michael Jackson, Chuck D, KRS One, LL Cool J. Formed Capitol Punishment Organization with DJ Train, known for their sole To Hell And Back album released in 1990. Has since guested on recordings by NWA, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur (Picture Me Rollin'), E-A-Ski, Warren G, and Tha Chill ~ Edwards was born in 1969
January 13, 2022 ~ R&B singer Sonny Turner passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Mentored by Jackie Wilson. Member of the Metrotones. Lead singer of the Platters from 1960, replacing Tony Williams, through 1970. Present on songs such as I Love You 1,000 Times, With This Ring and Washed Ashore ~ Turner was born in 1939
January 13, 2021 ~ Edward Gernel Fletcher, commonly known as hip-hop producer, rapper Duke Bootee, passed away ~ Best known for co-writing and appearing on the Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five 1982 hit The Message. The single is considered a landmark hip hop recording as one of the first to take rap music from the house parties of its origins and venture into providing social commentary, its lyrics telling of the stress of inner-city poverty, lack of prospects, and crime ~ Fletcher was born in 1951
January 13, 2021 ~ John Voorhis Bogert III, commonly known as bassist, singer Tim Bogert, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ One of hard rock's most distinguished and respected bassists. As Willie Kizart, Link Wray, and Dave Davies have been said to pioneer guitar distortion, so is Bogert credited as a pioneer of bass guitar distortion. Closely associated with drummer Carmine Appice, including in celebrated late-1960s, early-1970s outfits Vanilla Fudge, known for their Billboard Hot 100 You Keep Me Hanging On top 10 hit, Cactus, and Beck Bogert & Appice. Has released a handful of solo albums, such as Progressions and Master's Brew in the early-1980s, perhaps somewhat overlooked and underpromoted due to lack of time and effort while working on other projects around the same time. Bogert appears on recordings by Marcus, Jan Akkerman (Tabernakel), Michael Quatro, Boxer, Rod Stewart, Rick Derringer, Buzzy Linhart, Jeff Beck (Beckology), Jon Bare, and Graham Bonnet. While already in his 70s, Bogert reluctantly retired from touring in 2010, following a motorcycle accident, yet he continued to record, churning out a few more decent solo albums until his death about a decade later ~ Bogert was born in 1944
January 13, 2019 ~ Pianist, singer, producer, songwriter Willie Murphy passed away ~ Influenced by Little Richard, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles. Best known for his association with John Koerner, notably on the duo's acclaimed 1969 album Running Jumping Standing Still, and as pianist, singer, frontman of R&B, blues, rock outfit Willie & the Bees. Produced Bonnie Raitt, Bonnie Raitt's 1971 eponymous debut album. Has also worked as a session musician for Greg Brown, Prudence Johnson, Little Milton, and others ~ Murphy was born in 1943
January 13, 2016 ~ Music manager, producer Giorgio Gomelsky, full name Giorgio Segio Alessando Gomelsky, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Owned the the Crawdaddy Club where the Rolling Stones served as house band and was involved with their early management. Hired the Yardbirds as their replacement, becoming their manager and producer through 1966. Founded the 1960s Marmalade Records label, which signed Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll, the Blossom Toes, Graham Gouldman and Kevin Godley. In the 1970s became involved with progressive jazz rock bands including Gong, Henry Cow and Magma ~ Gomelsky was born in 1934
January 13, 2014 ~ Robert Laurence Albert Simpson, commonly known as guitarist Ronny Jordan, passed away ~ Spearheaded 1990s acid jazz movement. Came to prominence after being featured on Guru's Jazzmatazz (Volume 1) released in 1993. Best known for his 1992 rendition of So What, a cover of the old Miles Davis tune ~ Jordan was born in 1962
January 13, 2013 ~ Tabla, sitar player Harihar Rao passed away ~ Close friend and protegé of Ravi Shankar. Fused Indian and Western music. Best known for leading the Hindustani Jazz Sextet, which also included trumpeter Don Ellis. Also noted for the 1966 album Raga Rock, recorded under the moniker the Folkswingers featuring Harihar Rao, containing instrumental renditions of popular rock songs of the day including Norwegian Wood, Eight Miles High and Paint It Black, originally recorded by respectively the Beatles, the Byrds and the Rolling Stones ~ Rao was born in 1927
January 13, 2010 ~ Edmund Leonard Thigpen, commonly known as drummer Ed Thigpen, passed away in Copenhagen ~ Son of drummer Ben Thigpen who played with Andy Kirk in the 1930s and 1940s. Ed Thigpen followed in his father's footsteps starting at the Savoy Ballroom employed by Cootie Williams, playing with and backing artists such as Dinah Washington, Gil Melle, Oscar Pettiford, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Paul Quinichette, Ernie Wilkins, Charlie Rouse, Lennie Tristano, Jutta Hipp, Johnny Hodges, Dorothy Ashby, Bud Powell, and Billy Taylor. Later Thigpen played with Oscar Peterson, Teddy Edwards, Howard McGhee, Phineas Newborn Jr, Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald (tour crew from 1967 to 1972}, moved to Copenhagen and worked with Kenny Drew, Ernie Wilkins, Thad Jones, Svend Asmussen, Mads Vinding, Alex Riel, Clark Terry, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Milt Jackson, and Monty Alexander ~ Thigpen was born in 1930
January 13, 2010 ~ Singer Teddy Pendergrass, full name Theodore DeReese Pendergrass, passed away in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Made his name in 1972, at age 21, as singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, particularly with two songs originally intended for other artists. Vocal group the Dells passed on I Miss You, so Kenny Gamble build the song to suit Pendergrass. It's follow-up, If You Don't Know Me By Now was intended for Patti Labelle's R&B unit Marmalade, but they had to pass due to scheduling conflicts. Stayed with the band through 1975. Pendergrass would release his solo debut album, Teddy Pendergrass, in 1977. It would go platinum on the strength of the disco hit I Don't Love You Anymore. Would continue to regularly reach the top 10 of Billboard's R&B charts throughout the early-1990s with songs such as Close The Door, Love TKO, Hold Me (a 1984 ballad duet with Whitney Houston), Joy, and It Should've Been You ~ Pendergrass was born in 1950
January 13, 2007 ~ Saxophonist Michael Brecker, full name Michael Leonard Brecker, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of Randy Brecker, with whom he regularly worked including under the moniker the Brecker Brothers. Member of Dreams. In-demand session musician and sideman, appearing on albums by Horace Silver, Billy Cobham, Lou Reed (Berlin), Donald Fagen, Eric Clapton, John Lennon (Mind Games), Aerosmith (Get Your Wings), Dan Fogelberg, Steely Dan (Gaucho), Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen (Born To Run), Chaka Khan (Chaka), the Blue Öyster Cult, Patti Austin, Art Garfunkel (Fate For Breakfast), Chick Corea, Billy Joel (An Innocent Man), George Benson, Aretha Franklin (Aretha), Charles Mingus, Max Roach, the Dire Straits (Brothers In Arms), Michael Franks, Carly Simon, McCoy Tyner, and others ~ Brecker was born in 1949
January 13, 2006 ~ David Roberto Hellman, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal singer, guitarist Dave Lepard, passed away in Uppsala, Sweden ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Crashdiet, present on hit singles such as Riot In Everyone, Breakin' The Chainz, Knokk 'Em Down and It's A Miracle. After his suicide the band continued initially as a trio, later joined by singer H Olliver Twisted ~ Hellman was born in 1980
January 13, 2001 ~ Stanley Freeman, commonly known as pianist, conductor, arranger, songwriter Stan Freeman, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Tex Beneke, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Percy Faith, Mabel Mercer, Charlie Parker, Rosemary Clooney (Come On-a My House), Buddy Hackett, Marlene Dietrich, Michael Feinstein, and others. Co-wrote the musical Lovely Ladies Kind Gentlemen with Franklin Underwood ~ Freeman was born in 1920
January 13, 1991 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Julian Perretta, full name Julian Remo Perretta, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention with Wonder Why in 2010. Also known for songs such as If I Ever Feel Better, Wildfire, Miracle and I Cry. Has collaborated with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Mark Ronson
January 13, 1984 ~ Electropop, dance-pop, crunkcore singer, rapper, keyboardist, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Nathaniel Motte, full name Nathaniel Warren Seth Motte, born in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA ~ Half of electropop duo 3OH!3, the other half being Sean Foreman, known for songs such as Don't Trust Me and Starstrukk featuring Katy Perry. As a songwriter and producer Motte worked with Jeffree Star, Elen Levon, Maroon 5 (Love Somebody), Ariana Grande, Karmin, Blues Traveler, Kaskade, and Delta Goodrem
January 13, 1984 ~ R&B, soul, pop sibling group the Pointer Sisters release Automatic, lifted off their Break Out album ~ A Billboard Hot 100 No.5 hit, it also earned them a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, and became a signature song for the band. Eldest sister Ruth Pointer sang lead on this one, her defining deep vocals helping to make the song a hit. She later recalled on selecting the songs for the album: “We all sat up straight when we first heard Automatic and told (producer) Richard Perry we wanted to include it on the album. ‘Okay,’ he said ‘But who would sing the low part?’ Are you kidding me, I said, I'll do the low part!”
January 13, 1983 ~ Jazz guitarist Barry Galbraith, full name Joseph Barry Galbraith, passed away in Bennington, Vermont, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, notably The Rhythm Section released in 1956. Had worked with the likes of Babe Russin, Art Tatum, and Claude Thornhill prior to a stint in the US Army. Best known as an in-demand session musician, mostly active during the 1950s and 1960s appearing on albums by Joe Puma, Milt Hinton (Basses Loaded), Charlie Shavers, Don Elliott, Clark Terry, Tito Puente, Joe Newman, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Mildred Bailey, George Russell (The Jazz Workshop), Coleman Hawkins (The Hawk Flies High), Carmen McRae, Billie Holiday (Lady In Satin), Creed Taylor, Urbie Green, Jack Teagarden (Think Well Of Me), Sheila Jordan (Portrait Of Sheila), Stanley Turrentine, Sarah Vaughan, Illinois Jacquet, John Lee Hooker, and Manny Albam ~ Galbraith was born in 1919
January 13, 1981 ~ Singer, lute player, songwriter Giannis Haroulis born in Crete, Greece ~ Worked with Mikis Theodorakis, Stavros Xarchakos, Thanassis Papakonstantinou, Dionysis Savvopoulos, Alkistis Protopsalti, Sokratis Malames, Chainedes, Loukas Thanoy, Christos Tsiamoulis, Manos Eleutheriou, Christos Thiveos, Miltos Pashalidis, Nikos Portokaloglou, Manos Xydous, Minos Matsas, Natassa Bofiliou, and others
January 13, 1980 ~ Abram Naumovich Kostelyanetz, commonly known as conductor, arranger Andre Kostelanetz, passed away ~ Best known for arranging and recording light classical music, pop tunes, Broadway show tunes for mass audiences, especially on his weekly CBS radio show Andre Kostelanetz Presents starting in the 1930s. Kostelanetz has also notably worked with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra ~ Kostelanetz was born in 1901
January 13, 1979 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, We've Got Tonight by Bob Seger peaks at No.13 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Seger lifted the chords and melody off his own This Old House, originally issued as the B-side off his 1974 UMC (Upper Middle Class) single. The lyrics came to him after watching the film The Sting, inspired in particular by the scene where Robert Redford hits on a waitress who says, “I don't even know you”, after which Redford replies “You know me. I'm the same as you. It's two in the morning and I don't know nobody.” Seger's song would be covered several times, notably in 1983 as a duet by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton, which topped the Billboard Country charts and reached No.6 Billboard Hot 100, and in 2002 as a duet by Ronan Keating and Lulu, which reached top 10 across Europe
January 13, 1979 ~ R&B, soul, gospel, jazz singer, keyboardist, songwriter Donny Hathaway, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Iconic soul singer influential on Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, Common, George Benson, Justin Timberlake, and Amy Winehouse. Known for songs such as The Ghetto (Part 1), This Christmas, Someday We'll All Be Free, Little Ghetto Boy, A Song For You and For All We Know. Has duetted with Roberta Flack, notably on Where Is The Love and The Closer I Get To You. Session singer, later producer, worked with the Staple Singers, Jerry Butler, Aretha Franklin, the Impressions, and Curtis Mayfield ~ Hathaway was born in 1945
January 13, 1976 ~ Julissa Arce Rivera, mononymously known as Christian, CCM singer, songwriter Julissa, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Married to Mike Rivera, with whom she regularly collaborated starting with her acclaimed 1998 Regresara Por Mi debut album. Became the first Puerto Rican singer to be nominated for a Dove Award for her 2006 Mi Proposito album. Rivera has collaborated with the likes of Funky, Marcela Gándara, Daniel Calveti, Redimi2, and Alex Zardo
January 13, 1975 ~ Jaakko Salvaara, commonly known as DJ, producer JS16, born ~ Best known for his association with Finnish hip hop outfit the Bomfunk MC's, noted for the international 2000 hit Freestyler. As a solo artist Salovaara is perhaps best known for his 1991 hit Hypnosynthesis
January 13, 1971 ~ Jazz clarinetist Willie Lewis, full name Willie Meria Tawlton Lewis, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Served in ensembles led by Will Marion Cook and Sam Wooding through the early-1930s. Led his own band for the next decade finding popularity in Europe, the band including sidemen such as Herman Chittison, Benny Carter, Garneth Clark, and June Cole. Returning to New York by 1941 and with his fortunes in decline Lewis would only sparsely perform since, working as an actor and bartender to pay the bills ~ Lewis was born in 1905
January 13, 1968 ~ Miwa Watabiki, commonly known as singer, actress Chara, born in Kawaguchi, Japan ~ Active since the early-1990s, known for songs such as Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai No Uta), Yasashii Kimochi, and the Yuki duet Ai No Hi Mittsu Orange. She would later again team up with Yuki and form the all-female rock band Mean Machine, known for their sole Cream album released in 2001
January 13, 1968 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, Love Me Two Times by the Doors peaks at No.25 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Though the song was recorded for their eponymous The Doors debut album, it didn't make the cut. The song would be included on their Strange Days sophomore album released later the same year, and issued as the album's second single, after People Are Strange. Guitarist Robby Krieger said his guitar work on the song was inspired by Southbound Train by Koerner Ray & Gloever, one of his favorite acts
January 13, 1963 ~ Conrad Yeatis Clark, commonly known as hard bop pianist Sonny Clark passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Buddy DeFranco, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Paul Chambers, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Art Farmer, Curtis Fuller, Grant Green, Philly Joe Jones, Clifford Jordan, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Art Taylor, Wilbur Ware, Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, Billie Holiday, Stanley Turrentine, Lee Morgan, and others ~ Clark was born in 1931
January 13, 1961 ~ Graham McPherson, commonly known as singer, songwriter, radio personality, actor Suggs, born in Hastins, UK ~ Best known as lead singer of ska revival band Madness, scoring hits such as One Step Beyond, My Girl, Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, The Return Of The Los Palmas 7, Grey Day, It Must Be Love and House Of Fun, all of which reached the British top 10
January 13, 1961 ~ Alternative rock, neo-psychedelia singer Wayne Coyne born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA ~ Member of the Flaming Lips, which he co-founded with his brother Mark Coyne, Michael Ivins and Richard English, known for songs such as She Don't Use Jelly, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.1 and The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power)
January 13, 1959 ~ David Ramos, commonly known as electric blues, blues rock guitarist Kid Ramos, born in Fulleron, California, USA ~ Released a number of well-received solo albums, starting with Two Hands One Heart released in 1995. Best known as a sideman, worked with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, James Harman, Roomful Of Blues, the Big Rhythm Combo, the Mannish Boys, Bobby Jones, and Los Fabulocos
January 13, 1959 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Simon H Fell born in Dewsbury, UK ~ Primarily known as free improviser and composer of ambitously complex post-serialist works. Active since the early-1970s. Closely associated with Paul Hession, Alan Wilkinson, and Badland. As a composer best known for his Compilation series, especially the 1998 Composition No.30 (Compilation III) album. Has appeared on albums by Lol Coxhill, Mick Beck, Charles Wharf, Something Else, the London Improvisers Orchestra, and SFQ ~ Fell passed away in 2020
January 13, 1958 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Sandy Stewart born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her album Cat Dancer, and for her association with Fleetwood Mac-singer Stevie Nicks. Stewart backed Nicks regularly and co-wrote several of Nicks's solo songs, including If Anyone Falls, Nightbird, Maybe Love Will Change Your Mind, and Too Far From Texas. Stewart also co-wrote Fleetwood Mac's US top 20 single Seven Wonders, taken of the band's 1987 Tango In The Night album. Stewart has also duetted with Nile Rodgers (This Is Your Day) and written for Tina Turner (Falling Like Rain) and Belinda Carlisle (Valentine)
January 13, 1957 ~ Pop rock, new wave singer, keyboardist, saxophonist Don Snow born in London, UK ~ Best known for his work with Squeeze, notably on the 1982 Sweets From A Stranger album, the Sinceros, and the Catch. Toured with Tina Turner on her 1987 Break Every Rule world tour. Has also worked with Procol Harum, Lene Lovich, the Vibrators, Judie Tzuke, Tracey Ullman, Nik Kershaw (The Riddle), ABC, Tom Jones, Gary Moore, Van Morrison (Too Long In Exile), Joe Cocker, Kylie Minogue, and others
January 13, 1957 ~ Classic rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist John Lees born in Oldham, UK ~ Co-founding member of Barclay James Harvest, known for songs such as Titles, Life Is For Living and Victim Of Circumstance
January 13, 1955 ~ Frederick Eugene Adams, commonly known as drummer Fred White, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his association with R&B, funk, disco outfit Earth Wind & Fire, serving as the band's drummer from 1974 through 1984 including on acclaimed albums such as That's The Way Of The World, Spirit, All 'n All and Powerlight. Also notably present on Donny Hathaway's pivotal Live album released in 1972. Other credits include Albertina Walker, Little Feat, Linda Ronstadt, Deniece Williams, the Emotions, and Ramsey Lewis ~ Adams passed away in 2023
January 13, 1955 ~ Keyboardist, music producer, video producer, film producer Jimmy Lifton, full name James Ina Lifton, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ As a musician worked with Merlin, Bruce Nazarian, and Millie Scott. Ventured in producing music videos and eventually into producing feature films, his first major film production being the horror cult classic Mirror Mirror released in 1990
January 13, 1954 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist Trevor Rabin born in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Worked with Rabbitt and Manfred Mann's Earth Band before joining symphonic rock outfit Yes, remaining with the band from 1983 through 1995 and first appearing on the band's best known album 90125 which included the Billboard No.1 Owner Of A Lonely Heart single
January 13, 1952 ~ Bassist, pianist, violinist, producer, composer Pejje Phojola, full name Jussi Pekka Pohjola, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Member of progressive rock outfit Wigwam. Debuted as a solo artist with 1972's Pihkasilma Kaarnakorva. Also worked with the Boys, Made In Sweden, the Group, Jukka Tolonen, Mike Oldfield, and others ~ Pohjola passed away in 2008
January 13, 1949 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, percussionist Frank Ricotti born in London, UK ~ Worked with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Neil Ardley, Dave Gelly, Graham Collier, Mike Gibbs, Stan Tracey, Harry Beckett, Norma Winstone, Gordon Beck, Hans Zimmer, Chris Spedding, Chris Laurence, Bryan Spring, Mike de Albuquerque, Paragone, Status Quo, Freddie Mercury, the Pet Shop Boys, Swing Out Sister, Art Of Noise, the Style Council, Belle & Sebastian, Clannad, Barclay James Harvest, Meat Loaf, Elkie Brooks, Rick Wakeman, Oasis, Tina Turner, Aztec Camera, Thomas Anders, Alphaville, Mark Knopfler, Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Gerry Rafferty, Status Quo, Delta Goodrem, Robbie Williams, Seal, Bryan Ferry, Peter Frampton, Mika, Sheena Easton, and others
January 13, 1946 ~ Reggae, ska, lovers rock bassist, singer Boris Gardiner born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a solo artist best known for songs such as Elizabethan Reggea, I Wanna Wake Up With You and You're Everything To Me. Has worked with the Upsetters, Delano Stewart, the Dragonaires, the Aggrovators, the Crystallites, the Heptones, Marcia Griffiths, and Lee Scratch Perry
January 13, 1941 ~ Folk singer Frankie Armstrong born in Workington, UK ~ Active since the 1960s, her music often focusing on the lives of women. Renowned as a voice groups for theatrical groups. Acclaimed for her 1966 Birds In The Bush album. Has collaborated with a host of artists including Blowzabella, the Orckestra, Ken Hyder, John Kirkpatrick, Brian Pearson, Leon Rosselson, Dave Van Ronk, Maddy Prior, and others
January 13, 1938 ~ Crathman Plato Spencer, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter, producer CP Spencer, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Closely associated with the Motown label. Best known as member of the Originals. Also worked with the Marvelettes, the Carpenters, the Spinners, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, and others ~ Spencer passed away in 2004
January 13, 1938 ~ Christopher David Allen, commonly known as psychedelic rock, space rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Daevid Allen born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founded Soft Machine. Co-founded Gong. Released his solo debut album, Banana Moon, in 1971, featuring guests such as Robert Wyatt, Gilli Smith, Gary Wright, Pip Pyle and Maggie Bell. Has recorded prolifically since, over 50 albums to his name as solo artist or collaborator ~ Allen passed away in 2015
January 13, 1938 ~ Ricardo Anthony Btesh, commonly known as pop singer Richard Anthony, born in Cairo, Egypt ~ Popular 1960s, 1970s pop singer, best known for French covers of English-language songs, including Tu M'Etais Destinée (Paul Anka's You Are My Destiny), C'Est Ma Fête (Lesley Gore's It's My Party), Et J'Entend Siffler Le Train (Bobby Bare's 500 Miles), and Fille Sauvage (the Rolling Stones' Ruby Tuesday) ~ Btesh passed away in 2015
January 13, 1937 ~ Operatic soprano Milka Stojanović born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Debuted at the the Belgrade Opera at age 22 portraying the role of Amelia in Giuseppe Verdi's Un Ballo In Maschera. Would go on to become an in-demand international guest singer with appearances with the Graz Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Cologne Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Hamburg State Opera ~ Stojanovic passed away in 2023
January 13, 1930 ~ Pianist, singer Bobby Lester born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Founding member and co-lead singer of the Moonglows. Bandmate Harvey Fuqua would usually lead on the rock & roll songs, Lester on the doo-wop songs. Lester sang lead on their 1954 single Sincerely, perhaps their best known, which reached the Billboard top 20 ~ Lester passed away in 1980
January 13, 1930 ~ Elizabeth Jane Haaby, commonly known as songwriter, singer Liz Anderson, born in Rosseau, Minnesota, USA ~ Paved the way for women in country. Anderson has had some success as a singer, noted especially for late-1960s tracks such as Mama Spank and Game Of Triangles, yet she enjoyed her biggest success as a songwriter. Artists who recorded her songs include Merle Haggard (I'm A Lonesome Fugitive), Del Reeves, Roy Drusky (The Pick Of The Week), Conway Twitty (Guess My Eyes Were Bigger Than My Heart), Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette, Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Skeeter Davis, Waylon Jennings, Kitty Wells, Connie Smith, Faron Young, the Browns, Porter Wagoner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Anderson, Norma Jean (I Cried All The Way To The Bank), Brenda Lee, Tex Williams, Lorrie Morgan, and Mary Lou Turner. Anderson's daughter is country singer Lynn Anderson, who also recorded several songs written or co-written by her mother including Ride Ride Ride, If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away), and Big Girls Don't Cry ~ Haaby passed away in 2011
January 13, 1929 ~ Joseph Anthony Jacobi Passalaqua, commonly known as jazz guitarist Joe Pass, born in New Brunswick, USA ~ Particularly known for his technique, innovative chord inversions and walking basslines and improvisational skills. Has worked extensively with pianist Oscar Peterson and singer Ella Fitzgerald. Also worked as a sideman for artists such as Gerald Wilson, Bud Shank, Les McCann, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Della Reese, Johnny Mathis, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Benny Carter, Milt Jackson, Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and others ~ Passalaqua passed away in 1994
January 13, 1926 ~ Jazz trombonist, arranger, composer Melba Liston born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ First woman trombonist to play the 1940s big bands. Eventually better known as an arranger, particularly for Randy Weston. Also arranged for Motown and Stax/Volt. Performed and recorded with Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Quincy Jones, Milt Jackson, Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, Betty Carter, Jimmy Smith, Dinah Washington, Bennie Green, Jimmy Cleveland, Babs Gonzales, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Mark Murphy, Sam Jones, Junior Mance, Oliver Nelson, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, Kim Weston, and others ~ Liston passed away in 1999
January 13, 1925 ~ Jazz trombonist Nat Peck born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Glenn Miller, Don Redman, Coleman Hawkins, James Moody, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Michel Legrand, André Hodeir, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, the Clarke-Boland Big Band, Benny Goodman, Peter Herbolzheimer, and others ~ Peck passed away in 2015
January 13, 1915 ~ Virgina Lucille Overstake, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jenny Lou Carson, born in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ Wrote over 170 songs including Tex Ritter's 1945 hits Jealous Heart and You Two Timed Me One Time Too Often. The latter would be the first country No.1 written by a female songwriter. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Carson include Roy Acuff, Eddy Arnold, Ernest Tubb, her brother-in-law Red Foley, Hank Snow, Patti Page, Gene Autry, and others ~ Overstake passed away in 1978
January 13, 1909 ~ Jazz guitarist, singer Danny Barker, full name Daniel Moses Barker, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Cab Calloway, Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Jelly Roll Morton, Baby Dodds, James P Johnson, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Sidney Bechet, Mezz Mezzrow, Fess Williams, Billy Fowler, Albert Nicholas, Bunk Johnson, Charlie Parker, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Paul Barbarin, Vic Dickenson, and Billie Holiday ~ Barker passed away in 1994
January 13, 1909 ~ Jazz trombonist Quentin Jackson born in Springfield, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his stints with Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington, working with the latter's orchestra for a little over a decade starting in 1949. Other notable collaborations include Clark Terry, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Bill Coleman, Randy Weston, Count Basie, Oliver Nelson, Shirley Scott (For Members Only), Billy Taylor, Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), Milt Jackson, Herbie Mann, Barbara Lewis (Workin' On A Groovy Thing), Jimmy Smith, the Manhattan Transfer, and Johnny Hodges ~ Jackson passed away in 1976
January 13, 1905 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader Percy Humphrey, full name Percy Gaston Humphrey, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of clarinetist Willie Humphrey and trombonist Earl Humphrey. Worked with the Eureka Brass Band, Sweet Emma Barrett, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Emanuel Paul, and others ~ Humphrey passed away in 1995
January 13, 1885 ~ Songwriter James Monaco, full name James Vincent Monaco, born in Formia, Italy ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It) with lyricist Joseph McCarthy, performed originally by Al Jolson in 1913 and recorded by numerous artists including Doris Day, Perry Como, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Patsy Cline. Also known as a frequent collaborator of Johnny Burke, especially writing for several Bing Crosby films. Four songs co-written by Burke would receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Song: Only Forever from 1940's Rhythm On The River co-written with Burke, We Mustn't Say Goodbye from 1943's Stage Door Canteen co-written with Al Dubin, I'm Making Believe from 1944's Sweet And Low-down co-written with Mack Gordon, I Can't Begin To Tell You from 1945's The Dolly Sisters also co-written with Gordon ~ Monaco passed away in 1945