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, Delta Goodrem, and others
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, 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, 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, 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, Millie Scott, and others. 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, Lee Scratch Perry, and others
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 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, amongst others ~ 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. Best known as a songwriter. As a singer best known for late-1960s songs such as Mama Spank and Game Of Triangles. Wrote extensively for a wide array of artists including her daughter Lynn Anderson, Merle Haggard (All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers, I'm A Lonesome Fugitive), Del Reeves, Roy Drusky (The Pick Of The Week), Conway Twitty (Guess My Eyes Weer 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, Mary Lou Turner, and numerous others ~ 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, Billie Holiday, and others ~ 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, 1890 ~ Theodore Brown, commonly known as bassist Steve Brown, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of trombonist Tom Brown. Worked with the New Orleans Rhytm Kings, Jean Goldkette, Paul Whiteman, and others ~ Brown passed away in 1965
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