January 14, 2023 ~ R&B, soul singer Keith Beaton passed away ~ Member of Philly soul group Blue Magic, known for songs such as Sideshow, Three Ring Circus, and What's Come Over Me featuring Margie Joseph ~ Beaton was born in 1950
January 14, 2022 ~ Guitarist, composer Angelo Gilardino passed away in Vercilli, Italy ~ Actively performing since the late-1950s, noted for premiering Mutations On Dies Irae in 1974 written by John Duarte. As a composer, Gilardino wrote for solo guitar as well as chamber music, concertos and sonatas, and is perhaps best known for his Studi Di Virtuosita Di Transcendenza collection. Gilardino had his compositions recorded by the likes of Cristiano Porqueddu, Ermanno Brignolo, Sanja Plohl, Lorenzo Micheli, and Aniello Desiderio ~ Gilardino was born in 1941
January 14, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Dallas Frazier passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee, USA ~ Moderately successful as a late-1950s singer best known for writing and first recording Alley Oop, later a hit for the Hollywood Argyles. Would find his greatest fame as a songwriter, his songs recorded by Ferlin Husky (Timber I'm Falling), OC Smith, George Jones, Jack Greene (There Goes My Everything), Diana Ross, Johnny Duncan (Johnny One Time), Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lee Lewis (Touching Home), Connie Smith (In My Baby's Arms Again), Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Charlie Rich (Mohair Sam), Gene Watson (Fourteen Carat Mind), Elvis Presley (True Love Travels On A Gravel Road), Moe Bandy (Don't Anyone Make Love At Home Anymore), Roy Head, Charlie Louvin, Rodney Crowell, Dan McCafferty, Poco, Ronnie Hawkins, Henson Cargill (This Just Ain't No Good Day For Leavin'), Anne Murray, Stoney Edwards (Hank And Lefty Raised My Country Soul), Glen Campbell, George Strait, Randy Travis, and Patty Loveless. In 1988 Frazier left the music industry to become a Christian minister ~ Frazier was born in 1939
January 14, 2022 ~ R&B, funk, soul drummer Greg Webster passed away in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Although he departed the band slightly before their rise to fame, Webster was a key member of funk outfit the Ohio Players. Webster led the band from its inception in 1964 until 1974, appearing on the albums Observations In Time, Pain, and Pleasure. The latter would spawn the band's first major hit, Funky Worm, which reached No.15 Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard R&B charts. Although Webster did not remain with the band for its most successful run, he is considered pivotal in helping create the band's distinctive sound, and is acknowledged as a pioneer drummer whose drumming style and beats have been emulated by many, including in the hip hop community ~ Webster was born in 1938
January 14, 2021 ~ Gospel singer Duranice Pace, full name Duranice Ann Pace, passed away ~ Member of sibling gospel outfit the Anointed Pace Sisters, started singing in their father's church and recording professionally since the late-1980s. The group is best known for their 1992 U-Know album ~ Pace was born in 1958
January 14, 2021 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter, label executive Larry Willoughby passed away ~ As a recording artist debuted in 1984 with the album Building Bridges and best known for first recording a number of songs later made famous by others such as Building Bridges recorded by Brooks & Dunn and Operator Operator recorded by Eddy Raven, both Billboard Country top 10 hits. Others who have recorded his songs include the Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings and his cousin Rodney Crowell. Willoughby has also served as vice-president of A&R at Capitol Records ~ Willoughby was born in 1950
January 14, 2017 ~ Jazz, soul, R&B drummer John Boudreaux, full name John Mortimer Boudreaux Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Professor Longhair. Worked with Duke Burrell, Dr John, Charlie Fairlie, Barbara George, Clarence Frogman Henry, Al Hibbler, Big Joe Turner, Dinah Washington, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Harold Battiste, Alvin Tyler, Roy Montrell, Chuck Badie, Prince La La, Melvin Lastie, Tami Lynn, Sam Cooke, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Billy Eckstine, Dexter Gordon, Richard Groove Holmes, Big Mama Thornton, and others ~ Boudreaux was born in 1936
January 14, 2012 ~ Drummer, producer, arranger Robbie France passed away in Mazarron, Spain ~ While living in Australia formed the jazz fusion group Carnival, which opened for John McLaughlin. Also worked with the Easybeats lead singer Stevie Wright, Marty Rhone, and Tim Gaze. After returning to his native England joined heavy metal outfit Diamond Head in 1983, appearing on the band's Canterbury album as well as on the hit single Making Music. Toured with UFO, replacing Andy Parker. Has subsequently also worked with Wishbone Ash, Simon Ellis, Skunk Anansie notably present on the band's Sunburnt & Paranoid debut album and co-writing the hit Weak, Alphaville, and others ~ France was born in 1959
January 14, 2011 ~ Singer, model, actress Georgia Carroll passed away in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Actress since the early-1940s, noted for her appearance in the 1942 musical Yankee Doodle Dandy alongside James Cagney. As a singer known as member of Kay Kyser's band joining in 1943. Carroll and Kyser were married from 1945 until the latter's death in 1985 ~ Carroll was born in 1919
January 14, 2011 ~ Bandleader, pianist, arranger Marty Gold passed away in Agour Hills, California, USA ~ Pianist, arranger for popular 1940s novelty danceband the Korn Kobblers. Perhaps best remembered for penning Tell Me Why, a 1951 hit record for the Four Aces ~ Gold was born in 1915
January 14, 2011 ~ Singer Trish Keenan, full name Patricia Trish Keenan, passed away in Warwick, UK ~ Lead singer, founding member of electronic band the Broadcast, best known for their single Come On Let's Go of their The Noise Made By People debut album. Keenan passed away unexpectedly of pneumonia after contracting the swine flu ~ Keenan was born in 1968
January 14, 2010 ~ Robert Charles Guidry, commonly known as singer, songwriter Bobby Charles, passed away in Louisiana, USA ~ Helped pioneer swamp pop. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Bill Haley's See You Later Alligator, Fats Domino's Walking To New Orleans and It Keeps Raining, and Clarence Frogman Henry's (I Don't Know Why I Love You) But I Do ~ Guidry was born in 1938
January 14, 2002 ~ Country, rockabilly singer, guitarist Eddie Jackson passed away ~ Fronted the Cowboy Swingsters for nearly five decades. The band is noted by rock & roll historians and aficionados for two singles, 1956's Rock & Roll Baby and 1957's Baby Doll ~ Jackson was born ca.1926
January 14, 1999 ~ Reggae singer, songwriter Lincoln Thompson passed away in London, UK ~ Got his start in music as a member of the Tartans. After the band disbanded in 1969 taken on by producer Coxsone Dodd recording the singles Daughters Of Zion, True Experience and Live Up To Your Name. Would go on to work with Cedric Myton, Clinton Hall, and front the Rasses. Thompson's hit single Love The Way It Should Be would be notably covered by John Legend in 2010, retitled to Humanity (Love The Way It Should Be), featuring backing by the Roots ~ Thompson was born in 1949
January 14, 1997 ~ Emile Stern, commonly known as pianist, conductor, songwriter Emil Stern, passed away in Cannes, France ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Edith Piaf, Michèle Arnaud, André Claveau, Frida Boccara (Un Jour Un Enfant), Serge Lama, and others ~ Stern was born in 1913
January 14, 1996 ~ Ohannes Tuncboyaci, commonly known as pop bassist, keyboardist, guitarist, producer, songwriter Onno Tunç, passed away in Armatlu, Turkey ~ Brother of singer Arto Tuncboyaciyan. Active since the 1960s. Known for songs such as Suc Bende, O Hep Bana, Iki Tas Çorba, Bize Gidelim, and Aya Benzer. Has collaborated with Emin Findikoglu, Özdemir Erdogan, Nilüfer, Bülent Ortaçgil, Ajda Pekkan, Nükhet Duru, Askin Nur Yengi, Zuhal Olcay, and with Sezen Aksu ~ Tunçboyaci was born in 1948
January 14, 1994 ~ Kim Jong-in, commonly known as K-pop, hip hop, R&B singer, dancer, actor Kai, born in Suncheon, South Korea ~ Considered one of the best dancers of South Korea and K-pop, and among the most influential Korean fashion icons. 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. Member of supergroup SuperM. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with his Kai EP released in 2020
January 14, 1992 ~ Gerard Nolan, commonly known as rock, punk rock guitarist Jerry Nolan, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Joined the New York Dolls in 1972, replacing the late Billy Murcia. Nolan would remain with the band through 1975, leaving with Johnny Thunders to co-found the Heartbreakers. The band is considered pivotal to the development of punk rock and known especially for their sole LAMF studio album released in 1977. Nolan has also worked with the Idols, Sid Vicious, the London Cowboys, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Nolan was born in 1946
January 14, 1991 ~ Antti Yrjo Hammarberg, commonly known as rock, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Irwin Goodman, passed away in Hamina, Finland ~ Protest singer popular from the 1960s forward with some two dozen albums to his name. Frequent collaborator of lyricist Vexi Salmi. Well known songs include Tyomiehen Lauantai, En Kerro Kuinka Jouduin Maimisiin, El Tippa Tapa, Poing Poing Poing, Haistakaa Pasja Koko Valtiovalta and Rentun Ruusu ~ Hammarberg was born in 1943
January 14, 1989 ~ Francesca Sanford, commonly known as pop, R&B, dance-pop singer Frankie Bridge, born in Upminster, UK ~ Best known as a member of girl group the Saturdays, scoring a number of UK top 10 hits starting in the late-2000s including Just Can't Get Enough, Forever Is Over, Missing You, All Fired Up, and What About Us featuring Sean Paul. Bridge also became a style icon, her signature short hair starting a trend around the UK
January 14, 1987 ~ Dixieland, jazz pianist Alton Purnell passed away in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Worked with Isaiah Morgan, Alphonse Picou, Louis Nelson Delisle, Sidney Desvigne, Cousin Joe, Bunk Johnson, Teddy Buckner, Joe Darensbourg, Kid Ory, Barney Bigard, and Ben Pollack ~ Purnell was born in 1911
January 14, 1982 ~ Soul, rock, pop, swamp pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Marc Broussard born in Carencro, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of guitarist Ted Broussard. Member of Christian outfit Y. Active as a solo artist since the early-2000s, merging funk, blues, R&B, rock and pop and acclaimed for his 2014 A Life Worth Living album. Well known songs include Where You Are, Home, Gavin's Song and Must Be The Water, the latter used as the theme song for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game
January 14, 1977 ~ Llandel Verguilla Malavé, commonly known as reggaeton singer, producer Yandel, born in Cayey, Puerto Rico ~ Half of reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel, known for songs such as Llamé Pa' Verte (Bailando Sexy), Pam Pam, Me Estas Tentando, Abusadora, Gracias A Ti featuring Enrique Iglesias and Follow The Leader featuring Jennifer Lopez/ Yandel released his solo debut album, Quien Contra Mi, in 2003
January 14, 1971 ~ R&B group the Temptations release Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), which would become a signature song and the band's third Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit ~ Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the former also serving as producer, Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) lifted off their Sky's The Limit album would be the band's third of four Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits, preceded by My Girl and I Can't Get Next To You. The song would the final single to feature founding member Eddie Kendricks, who departed the group to pursue a solo career, and Paul Williams, who retired for health reasons. The following year, the band would score their fourth and final No.1 hit on the pop charts with Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
January 14, 1970 ~ Singer Diana Ross gives her last performance with the Supremes at Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas ~ Vocal group the Supremes perform their last concert featuring Diana Ross, the latter departing the band to pursue a solo career. The group would be joined on-stage by Ross' successor Jean Terrell. Motown owner Berry Gordy Jr would change his mind the same evening, preferring to pick Syreeta Wright as the new lead singer but this was vetoed by singer Mary Wilson
January 14, 1969 ~ Drummer, guitarist Dave Grohl, full name David Eric Grohl, born in Warren, Ohio, USA ~ Rose to fame as drummer for Nirvana from 1990 through 1994, appearing on the masterpiece Nevermind and its follow-up In Utero. Following the death of lead singer Kurt Cobain, the band disbanded and Grohl would go on to form the Foo Fighters, initially intended as a one-man project. The band would prove an important force in alternative rock and score the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits Learn To Fly and Best Of You. Grohl has also worked with Scream, Mondo Generator, Them Crooked Vultures, and notably the Queens Of The Stone Age
January 14, 1968 ~ James Todd Smith, commonly known as pop-rapper LL Cool J, born in Bay Shore, New York, USA ~ One of the first, alongside Kurtis Blow and Run-DMC, to achieve mainstream success with hip-hop and rap especially with his 1985 Radio album and accessible poppy songs such as I Need A Beat, Rock The Bells and I Need Love. Other well known recordings include Mama Said Knock You Out, Hey Lover featuring Boyz II Men, Father, Luv U Better, Control Myself, and others. Has collaborated with EPMD, Keith Sweat, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Keith Murray, Ludacris, Brad Paisley, Alicia Keys, Amerie, Busta Rhymes, Marley Marl, Nelly, andothers
January 14, 1967 ~ Rock drummer, percussionist, songwriter Steve Bowman born ~ Co-founding member of the Counting Crows, present on the band's 1993 acclaimed August & Everything After debut album which spawned the hit singles Mr Jones and Round Here. After departing the band in 1994 Bowman has worked with Third Eye Blind, John Wesley Harding, Penelope Houston, and notably Luce including on the song Good Day which was used in the films How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and 13 Going On 30
January 14, 1967 ~ Zachary Phillip Wylde, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock, groove metal, southern rock guitarist, keyboardist, singer Zakk Wylde, born in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, guitarist for Black Label Society with whom he recorded about a dozen albums. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1999 Sonic Brew debut album. Closely associated with Ozzy Osbourne, joining Ozzy's backing unit in the late-1980s and present on over half a dozen studio and live albums including the acclaimed 1991 No More Tears album. Lead guitarist, singer for Pride & Glory, known for their sole 1994 eponymous Pride & Glory album
January 14, 1965 ~ Conductor, violinist Andrew Manze born in Beckenham, UK ~ Artistic director of the English Concert. Has also worked with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, and the NDR Radiophilharmonie
January 14, 1965 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Subterannean Homesick Blues at Columbia Recording Studio, New York, New York ~ Self-penned, drawing from Jack Kerouac, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Chuck Berry. Produced by Tom Wilson. Released as a single the following March, paired with She Belongs To Me on the flip side. Included on the Bringing It All Back Home album
January 14, 1965 ~ Richard Walters, commonly known as rapper Slick Rick born in London, UK ~ Rose to prominence in the mid-1980s as member of Doug E Fresh's backing unit the Get Fresh Crew, known for songs such as The Show and La-di-da-di. Both songs are considered hip-hop classics, the latter becoming one of the most sampled songs in history. As a solo artist debuted in 1988 with the album The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick, which spawned the hits Teenage Love and Children's Story. Has also collaborated with Montell Jordan, Aaliyah, OutKast, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Chamillionaire, Al B Sure, Jermaine Dupri, Kid Capri, Rahzel, Will Smith, Macy Gray, Tony Touch, Mos Def, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and others
January 14, 1964 ~ R&B outfit the Isley Brothers record Who's That Lady at Bell Sound Studios, New York, New York ~ At the time still a trio, the sibling act record the first version of Who's That Lady. Released later the same year as a single, which did not chart. By 1973, however, with the addition of Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, and Chris Jasper the trio had expanded to a sextet and reworked the song, adding organ, congas, and a funky guitar line by Ernie. Now titled That Lady (Parts 1 & 2), it would become a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for the band, top 20 in the UK, and help establish Ernie as a funky powerhouse guitarist
January 14, 1962 ~ David Anthony Healy, commonly known as industrial, post-punk, alt-country, rock singer, guitarist, bassist David Virgin, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Member of Broken Toys. Member of SPK. Member of Sekret Sekret. Released his Landlord Green solo debut album in 1992. Has also served as producer for the likes of the Thought Criminals, the Dublin City Rounders, Kate Dineen, Ciaran Moran, and others
January 14, 1959 ~ Jazz guitarist Nguyên Lê born in Paris, France ~ Worked with Randy Brecker, Vince Mendoza, Eric Vloeimans, Carla Bley, Michel Portal, Renaud Garcia-Fons, Per Mathisen, Marc Johnson, Peter Erskine, Trilok Gurtu, Michel Alibo, Karim Ziad, Romain Labayer, Gergo Borlai, Terri Lyne Carrington, Aida Khann, Corin Curschellas, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bojan Zulfukarpasic, Francois Verly, Art Lande, Jamey Haddad, Michel Benita, Himiko Paganotti, Illya Amar, Stephane Galland, Sylvain Gontard, Stephane Guillaume, Celine Bonacina, Daniel Zimmerman, Paul McCandles, Danny Gottlieb, Tino di Geraldo, Carles Benavent, Safy Boutella, the Caine Ensamble, Paolo Fresu, Francois Moutin, Cæcilie Norby, Dhafer Youssef, and others
January 14, 1957 ~ Drummer Steve Jordan born in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand session musician. Best known as a drummer for the TV shows Saturday Night Live and Late Night With David Letterman. Has also worked with Steve Khan, Anthony Jackson, Manolo Badrena, the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, the X-Pensive Winos, the Blues Brothers, John Mayer, Don Henley, John Mellencamp, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, Sonny Rollins, BB King, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Neil Young, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, the Verbs, Patti Austin, Bunky Green, Booker T & the MG's, Andrés Calamaro, Josh Groban, George Benson, Bonnie Tyler, Mark Ronson, Ziggy Marley, Steve Cropper, Bruno Mars, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Vince Gill, Solomon Burke, Garland Jeffreys, Cissy Houston, and others
January 14, 1956 ~ Chanson, pop, new wave singer, songwriter Étienne Daho born in Oran, French Algeria ~ Cites artists as diverse as Serge Gainsbourg, the Velvet Underground, the Beach Boys and Syd Barrett as influences. Well over a dozen albums to his name, recording to critical acclaim and commercial succes since the early-1980s drawing from surf, new wave, drum and bass, hi-NRG, pop, rock, and chansons. Especially noted for the albums Pop Satori, Paris Ailleurs, and Corps Et Armes. Daho is also an in-demand collaborator, having worked with a wide array of French and international artists including Brigitte Fontaine, Air, the Working Week, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Jane Birkin, Marianne Faithfull, Françoise Hardy, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vanessa Paradis, and Dani
January 14, 1954 ~ Drummer Ed Mann born ~ Best known for his association with Frank Zappa, appearing on over 30 of his albums including Sheik Yerbouti, Joe's Garage Acts I II & III, Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar and Them Or Us. Mann has also worked with Tommy Mars, Banned From Utopia, Project Object, Agent Moosehead, and Desert Rain. Mann has also recorded several albums as a solo artist, perhaps most notably Global Warming released in 1995. Upon hearing of his death, fellow Zappa alumnus Chad Wackerman described Mann as a masterful and brilliant percussionist, adding Mann “could play anything Zappa threw at him and I never once heard him make a mistake” ~ Mann passed away in 2024
January 14, 1952 ~ Michael Cooper, commonly known as reggae keyboardist, guitarist Michael Ibo Cooper, born in Clarendon, Jamaica ~ Member of Jamaican pop outfit Inner Circle. Co-founding member of reggae unit Third World, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums. The band is best known for Now That We Found Love and Try Jah Love, both of which remain radio staples across Europe to this day. Cooper also appears on albums by the Abyssinians, Burning Spear (Social Living), Buju Banton, Beenie Man, and Beres Hammond ~ Cooper passed away in 2023
January 14, 1951 ~ Bassist Mark Egan, full name Mark McDanel Egan, born in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Well known for his association with Pat Metheny, including on the acclaimed albums Pat Metheny Group and American Garage. Co-founded jazz fusion outfit Elements with drummer Danny Gottlieb, a longtime college friend and bandmate in Metheny's backing unit, the jazz fusion outfit recording well over half a dozen albums since the early 1980s including notably Illumination released in 1987. Egan has recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, starting with 1985's Mosaic, and is a prolific sideman present on albums by David Sanborn, Walter Bishop Jr (Cubicle), Steve Grossman, Michael Franks, Mark Murphy (The Artistry Of Mark Murphy), Mimi Fariña, Mike Stern, Sting (Nothing Like The Sun), David Liebman, Tuck & Patti, Laurie Anderson (Strange Angels), Chroma, Marc Cohn (Marc Cohn), David Wilcox (Home Again), Dee Carstensen, Art Garfunkel, Jules Shear (Between Us), Chuck Loeb, Gato Barbieri, Gil Evans, George Gruntz, Eric Andersen, Cyndi Lauper (The Body Electric), Flora Purim, and Joan Osborne
January 14, 1951 ~ Producer, arranger, engineer Peter Collins, full name Peter Julian Alexander Collins, born in Reading, UK ~ Briefly a pop performer and jingle writer before becoming a producer in the 1980s, starting with UK acts such as Musical Youth, Tracey Ullman, and Nik Kershaw. After relocating to the USA, Collins would establish himself as an in-demand producer working with a wide array of artists including Queensrÿche, Voice Of The Beehive, the Indigo Girls (Indigo Girls), Gary Moore, Alice Cooper (Hey Stoopid), Suicidal Tendencies (The Art Of Rebellion), Nanci Griffith, Bon Jovi, Billy Squier, Sneaker Pimps, Letters To Cleo, the Brian Setzer Orchestra (The Dirty Boogie), Shawn Mullins, the Cardigans, Jewel, LeAnn Rimes, and Lisa Loeb. Upon hearing of his passing, guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush, for whom he produced four albums, commented: “Collins will forever live in my memory as Mr. Big, sitting at his control center beside a recording console with his ubiquitous tools: a legal pad, an ashtray and a Monte Cristo No.2” ~ Collins passed away in 2024
January 14, 1949 ~ Progressive rock, reggae bassist, singer, songwriter Charlie Tumahai, full name Charles Turu Tumahai, born in Orakei, New Zealand ~ Best known as a member of Be Bop Deluxe, joining the band after their first album and present on some of their most acclaimed including the 1976 Sunburst Finish album. Tumahai has also worked with several other noted groups from New Zealand, Australia, and the UK including Mississippi, which later evolved into the Little River Band, as well as Chain, Healing Force, the Dukes, Tandoori Cassette, and reggae outfit Herbs. Tumahai is also known as an advocate for several Maori causes, working as a voluntary member to assist young Maori offenders, and helping develop an arts program for Maori prisoners. Following a heart attack, Tumahai passed away unexpectedly at age 46 ~ Tumahai passed away in 1995
January 14, 1949 ~ Jazz clarinetist George Baquet, full name George Francis Baquet, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Incremental in the development of early New Orleans jazz. Son of Theogene V Baquet, brother of Achille Baquet and Harold Baquet, all clarinetists. George has worked with PT Wright, the Georgia Minstrels, Buddy Bolden, John Robichaux, Freddie Keppard, the Onward Brass Band, the Original Creole Orchestra, Sam Gordon's the Lafayette Players, the New Orleans Nighthawks, Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and others ~ Baquet was born in 1881
January 14, 1949 ~ Wilhelm Levkowitz, commonly known as vaudeville singer Willie Howard, passed away ~ Formed the sibling duo the Howard Brothers with his younger brother Eugene Howard. The duo were among the earliest openly Jewish performers and known for their burlesque and vaudeville performances and appeared in several Broadway revues, most notably The Passing Show series starting in the early-1910s and the George Gershwin-penned Girl Crazy musical in 1930 ~ Levkowitz was born in 1883
January 14, 1948 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Roy Kenner born in Toronto, Canada ~ Lead singer of late-1960s R&B outfit Mandala. Member of Bush. Subsequently fronted the James Gang from 1972 through 1974, present on the albums Straight Shooter, Passin' Thru, Bang, and Miami. Member of the Law, appearing on the album Breakin' It and Hold On To It
January 14, 1948 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer T-Bone Burnett born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ First gained attention as Bob Dylan's guitar player ih the 1970s. Widely revered and sought-after producer who has worked with the Counting Crows, Los Lobos, his wife Sam Phillips, Gillian Welch, Gregg Allman, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp, and others. Has been releasing solo albums since 1980
January 14, 1947 ~ Rock, blues rock, hard rock, acid rock drummer Paul Whaley, full name Paul Gene Whaley, born in Albany, California, USA ~ Son of country singer Paul Edward Whaley. Member of the Oxford Circle, present on the live album Live At The Avalon 1966. Best known as drummer for rock band Blue Cheer, present on some of the band's best known including the 1968 singles Summertime Blues and Just A Little Bit ~ Whaley passed away in 2019
January 14, 1945 ~ Poet, singer, screenwriter Jacques Werup born in Malmö, Sweden ~ Best known as a poet and author, publishing his first novel Returbiljett Polen in 1971. As a musician and songwriter closely associated with singer, guitarist Michael Saxell, co-writing songs for their own projects as well as others including collaborations with Lill Lindfors, Mats Ronander and Benneth Fagerlund ~ Werup passed away in 2016
January 14, 1943 ~ Conductor Mariss Jansons, full name Mariss Ivars Georgs Jansons, born in Riga, Latvia ~ Revered interpreter of the works of Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Dmitri Shostakovich. Closely associated with the Oslo Philharmonic serving as its music director from 1979 through 2000. Has also worked with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Jansson passed away in 2019
January 14, 1940 ~ Georges Mayer Dahan, commonly known as pop singer Georgie Dann, born in Paris, France ~ Enjoyed popularity in Spain during the 1970s and 1980s with upbeat, catchy and danceable songs such as El Bimbo, Carnaval Carnaval, El Dinosaurio and Mi Cafetal. Dann was honored in the song Que Vuelva Ya Georgie Dann, recorded by La Banda Del Capitán Canalla ~ Dahan passed away in 2021
January 14, 1938 ~ Pianist, producer, songwriter Allen Toussaint born in Gert Town, Louisiana, USA ~ Iconic New Orleans all-hatter. Influenced by Professor Longhair. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Mother-in-law and Here Come The Girls (Ernie K-Doe), I Like It Like That (Chris Kenner), Fortune Teller (Benny Spellman), Get Out Of My Life Woman and Working In The Coal Mine (Lee Dorsey), Yes We Can Can (the Pointer Sisters), Play Something Sweet (Three Dog Night), Southern Nights (Glen Campbell), Right Place Wrong Time (Dr John), Ruler Of My Heart (Irma Thomas), Pain In My Heart (Otis Redding), and Lady Marmalade (Labelle). As a leader, sideman, producer or songwriter Tousssaint has worked with Snooks Eaglin, Huey Piano Smith, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Lee Allen, Smiley Lewis, Alvin Tyler, Frank Fields, Charles Hungry Williams, the Meters, and Wild Tchoupitoulas ~ Toussaint passed away in 2015
January 14, 1938 ~ Billie Jean Moore, commonly known as singer Billie Jo Spears, born in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Recorded well over a dozen albums from the late-1960s through the 1980s. Scored her first hit in 1969 with Mr Walker It's All Over, a tale of a secretary standing up against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Best known for her 1975 Billboard Country No.1 hit Blanket On The Ground. Other well known songs include What I've Got In Mind, Misty Blue, If You Want Me, and '57 Chevrolet ~ Spears passed away in 2011
January 14, 1938 ~ John Allan Jones, commonly known as singer Jack Jones, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the late-1950s, performing with his father singer Allan Jones in Las Vegas, to become somewhat of an anomaly during the 1960s, an era dominated by pop, rock & roll and British Invasion while Jones favored big band material, lush arrangements and romantic ballads, though ocassionally Jones did venture into pop, country and bossa nova. Well known songs include Wives And Lovers, Dear Heart, The Race Is On, The Impossible Dream (The Quest), and If You Ever Leave Me. To younger audiences, Jones is perhaps best remembered for Love Boat Theme, the theme to the popular TV show The Love Boat which aired from 1977 through 1986 ~ Jones passed away in 2024
January 14, 1936 ~ Blues, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Clarence Carter, full name Clarence George Carter born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Probably best known for his 1970 rendition of Patches, which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic and earned Carter a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Song. Over the course of his career, Carter has recorded well over a dozen albums, enjoying popularity especially through the early-1970s. Well known songs include Slip Away, Snatching It Back, Doin' Our Thing, and I Can't Leave Your Love Alone, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B. Carter was married to singer Candi Staton from 1970 through 1973
January 14, 1935 ~ R&B, rock & roll drummer Charles Connor born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for backing Little Richard on iconic rock & roll recordings such as Lucille, She's Got It and Keep A-Knockin'. Described as “the first to put the funk into the rhythm” by James Brown, with whom he also worked. Has worked with Professor Longhair, Smiley Lewis, Guitar Slim, Champion Jack Dupree, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, the Coasters, Big Joe Turner, and Don Covay ~ Connor passed away in 2021
January 14, 1932 ~ Jazz, soul jazz drummer, singer Grady Tate born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Got his start in music in the early-1960s working with Quincy Jones. Would go on to work with the New York Jazz Quartet during the 1970s. Drummed for Simon & Garfunkel during their famed 1981 Central Park concert. As a singer known best for I Got Six, Naught Number Nine and Fireworks. In-demand sideman, worked with Jimmy Smith, Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Stan Getz, Cal Tjader, Wes Montgomery, Eddie Harris, JJ Johnson, and others ~ Tate passed away in 2017
January 14, 1931 ~ Singer, guitarist, actress Caterina Valente born in Paris, France ~ Sings in various languages including French, German and English. Known for songs such as Malagueña, The Breeze And I, Dreh Dich Nicht Um, Gans Paris Traumt Von Der Liebe. Over the course of her lengthy career, Valente has collaborated with a wide array of artists including Kurt Edelhagen, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Claus Ogerman, Tommy Dorsey, Sy Oliver, Buddy Rich, and Edmundo Ros ~ Valente passed away in 2024
January 14, 1930 ~ Country singer, songwriter Joy McKean, full name Mildred Geraldine Joy McKean, born in Singleton, Australia ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Australian Country” and considered one of the country's leading songwriters and bush balladeers. Married to Slim Dusty, also serving as his manager, songwriter, and musical partner for some five decades. Well-known Dusty songs written by McKean include The Lights On The Hill, Indian Pacific, and Walk A Country Mile. Sister of Heather McKean, with whom she also performed under the moniker the McKean Sisters ~ McKean passed away in 2023
January 14, 1930 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz trumpeter, hornist Kenny Wheeler, full name Kenneth Vincent John Wheeler, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Leader and sideman. Especially acclaimed for his mid-1980s streak, consisting of the albums Double Double You, Jumpin' In, and Rambler. Closely associated with John Taylor, including in Azimuth. Has also worked with Johnny Dankworth, the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Anthony Braxton, Lee Konitz, Marc Copland, John Abercrombie, and others ~ Wheeler passed away in 2014
January 14, 1925 ~ Blues singer Bessie Smith records Saint Louis Blues ~ Penned by WC Handy, reportedly inspired by a chance meeting with a woman on the streets lamenting her husband's absence. Sometimes referred to as “the jazzmen's Hamlet” the song would become a standard recorded by numerous artists including Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, and Guy Lombardo. Smith's version would be released in April 1926, paired with Cold In Hand Blues on the flip side. Jazz icon Louis Armstrong would also record his own version in 1929, as well as play the cornet on Smith's 1925 recording
January 14, 1919 ~ Joel Seneca McGhee, commonly known as actor, singer, songwriter Joe Seneca, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as an actor for film and TV, notably portraying the role of Dr Hanes in The Cosby Show. To music audiences perhaps best known for penning Talk To Me, originally recorded by Little Willie John in 1958. Seneca himself would record the song two years later. Other songs written or co-written by Seneca include Break It To Me Gently (Brenda Lee), What Kind Of Girl Do You Think I Am (the Charmaines), and Same Time Same Place) (Clyde McPhatter) ~ McGhee passed away in 1996
January 14, 1916 ~ Violinist, orchestra director, composser Enrique Mario Francini born in San Fernando, Argentina ~ Formed the Orquesta Francini-Pontier in 1945 with bandoneonist Armando Pontier. Also noted for working with Astor Piazzolla's Octeto Buenos Aires. Has also worked with Miguel Caló, Hector Stamponi, the Quinteto Real, Elvino Vardaro, Orlando Tripodi, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, and others ~ Francini passed away in 1978
January 14, 1916 ~ R&B saxophonist, arranger, producer Maxwell Davis born in Independence, Kansas, USA ~ Worked with Fletcher Henderson, Jay McShann, Jimmy Witherspoon, Percy Mayfield, Peppermint Harris, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, T-Bone Walker, BB King, with Amos Milburn, and others ~ Davis passed away in 1970
January 14, 1908 ~ Ruggerio Eugenio di Rodolfo Colombo, commonly known as baritone singer, violinist, songwriter, actor Russ Columbo, born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ Known for songs such as Prisoner Of Love, Too Beautiful For Words and perhaps his best known You Call It Madness But I Call It Love ~ Columbo passed away in 1934
January 14, 1895 ~ Violinist, bandleader Erskine Tate born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Early figure on Chicago's jazz scene. Has worked with sidemen such as Louis Armstrong, Freddie Keppard, Buster Bailey, Jimmy Bertrand, Ed Atkins, Teddy Weatherford, Stump Evans, Bob Shoffner, Punch Miller, Omer Simeon, Preston Jackson, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, and others ~ Tate passed away in 1978
January 14, 1880 ~ Violinist, pianist Alfred Wittenberg born in Breslau, Poland ~ Fled Nazi Germany prior to World War II, eventually settling in America. Has worked with the Staatskapelle Berlin, Frederic Lamond, Anton Hekking, Artur Schnabel, and Heinrich Grünfeld ~ Wittenberg passed away in 1952
January 14, 1710 ~ Giovanni Battista Draghi, commonly known as composer Giovanni Pergolesi, born in Jesi, Italy ~ Baroque composer, violinist, organist best known for his Stabat Matar and the opera La Serva Padrona. Given the nickname “Pergolesi” for the town of Pergola, the birthplace of his ancestors. Died of tuberculosis at age 26 ~ Draghi passed away in 1736