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 ca.1951
January 14, 2022 ~ Guitarist, composer Angelo Gilardino passed away ~ Actively performing since the late 1950s, noted for premiering Mutations On Dies Irae in 1974 written by John Duarte. As a composer wrote for solo guitar as well as chamber music, concertos and sonatas, best known for his Studi Di Virtuosita Di Transcendenza collection. Had his compositions recorded by the likes of Cristiano Porqueddu, Ermanno Brignolo, Sanja Plohl, Lorenzo Micheli, Aniello Desiderio, and others ~ Gilardino was born in 1941
January 14, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Dallas Frazier passed away ~ Moderately successful as a late 1950s singer best known for writing and first recording Alley Oop, later a hit for the Hollywood Argyles. Best known as a songwriter. Artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Frazier include 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, Patty Loveless, and others ~ Frazier was born in 1939
January 14, 2022 ~ R&B, soul drummer Greg Webster passed away ~ Member of the Ohio Players from 1964 through 1974. Present on Funky Worm, a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 and Billboard R&B No.1 hit of their 1972 Pleasure album ~ Webster was born ca.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, 2020 ~ Carmelo Esteban Martin Caro, commonly known as singer Steve Martin, passed away ~ Original lead singer of the Left Banke, known for songs such as Pretty Ballerina, Desiree and Walk Away Renee ~ Martin was born in 1948
January 14, 2018 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Bill Hughes passed away ~ Best known as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra starting in the mid-1950s. Served as its bandleader from 2003 to 2010 ~ Hughes was born in 1930
January 14, 2018 ~ Marlene Paula Pampinella, commonly known as singer Marlene Verplanck, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Worked with Hank Jones, Joe Wilder, Wendell Marshall, Kenny Clarke, Herbie Mann, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, JJ Johnson, and others ~ Verplanck was born in 1933
January 14, 2018 ~ Flutist, conductor Paul Lustig Dunkel passed away ~ Director of the Westchester Philharmonic ~ Dunkel was born in 1943
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, 2013 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Julius Green passed away ~ Original member of the Mad Lads, known for Don't Have To Shop Around, I Want Someone, Patch My Heart, and others ~ Green was born in 1947
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 Walkng To New Orleans and It Keeps Raining, Clarence Frogman Henry's I Don't Know Why I Love You (But I Do), and others ~ Guidry was born in 1938
January 14, 2002 ~ Country, rockabilly singer, guitarist Eddie Jackson ~ 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, 1995 ~ Singer Solly McElroy passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Early member of influential doo-wop band the Flamingos, remaining with the band through late 1954 and present on recordings such as If I Can't Have You and That's My Desire ~ McElroy was born in 1933
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, 1988 ~ Jordy Claude Daniel Lemoine, mononymously known as Jordy, born in St-Germain-en-Laye, France ~ Son of producer Claude Lemoine. Perhaps best known for his 1992 hit single Dur Dur D'Etre Bébé, recorded at age 4
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, Ben Pollack, and others ~ Purnell was born in 1911
January 14, 1983 ~ Folk, alternative rock singer, guitarist, banjoist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter James Vincent McMorrow born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Best known for his critically acclaimed albums Early In The Morning and Post Tropical
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, 1981 ~ Alternative rock, folk, jazz, country, CCM bassist, songwriter, producer Shaun Huberts born in Victoria, Canada ~ Best known as bassist of contemporary Christian band Starfield. Has also worked with Tegan & Sara, Roccocode, Cindy Davis, and others
January 14, 1979 ~ Songwriter, producer Joy Deb, full name Joy Neil Mitro Deb, born ~ Worked with Fifth Harmony, JoJo, Mic Lowry, and with Akon. Often collaborated with fellow Swedish songwriters, producers Linnéa Deb and Anton Hård af Segerstad including on Måns Zelmerlöw's Heroes, 2015 Eurovision Songfestival winner
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 Liam 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, 1974 ~ Rock, jazz, blues-rock guitarist, singer Bruno de Groote born ~ Member of dEUS since 2018. Has previously worked with artists such as Raymond van het Groenewoud, Axelle Red, Lalalover, Kommil Foo, Mambo Chillum, de Tijgers van Eufraat, and others
January 14, 1970 ~ R&B group the Supremes perform their final show with Diana Ross at Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas ~ Vocal group the Supremes perform their last concert featuring Diana Ross who would go on 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, the Queens Of The Stone Age, and others
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, 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, the NDR Radiophilharmonie, and others
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 flipside. Included on the Bringing It All Back Home album
January 14, 1965 ~ Folk, folk-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Ellis Paul born in Fort Kent, Maine, USA ~ Literate songwriter and key figure in the folk revival of the 1990s. Debuted in 1989 with the Urban Folk Songs album and has been recording to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim since
January 14, 1965 ~ Singer, actress Jeanette Macdonald passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for a number of 1930s musical films starring alongside Maurice Chevalier. Recorded extensively. Credited with introducing opera to film-going audiences ~ MacDonald was born in 1903
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, 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 ~ Country singer Jesse Hunter born in Shelby County, Tennessee, USA ~ Enjoyed moderate succes with a number of singles of his sole album, 1994's A Country Man Like Me, most notably Long Legged Hannah From Butte Montana peaking at No.42 on the American country charts, No.56 in Canada
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. Recording to critical acclaim and commercial succes since the early 1980s drawing surf, new wave, drum ' bass, hi-NRG, pop, rock and chansons. In-demand collaborator has worked with Brigitte Fontaine, Air, the Working Week, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Jane Birkin, Marianne Faithfull, Françoise Hardy, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vanessa Paradis, Dani, and others
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. Also worked with Tommy Mars, Banned from Utopia, Project Object, Agent Moosehead, Desert Rain, and others
January 14, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist Gunnar Andreas Berg born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Palle Mikkelborg, Ole Edvard Antonsen, Bjørn Alterhaug, Siri Gjaere, Åge Aleksandersen, Morten Harket, and others
January 14, 1951 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion bassist, trumpeter, singer Mark Egan, full name Mrk McDanel Fleming, born in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA ~ First gained attention as member of the Pat Metheny Group. Co-founded Elements with Danny Gottlieb. Has also worked with David Sanborn, Vicki Sue Robinson, Walter Bishop Jr, Johnny Winter, Stan Getz, Michael Franks, Randy Brecker, Gil Evans, Sting (Nothing Like The Sun), Lew Soloff, Laurie Anderson, Rory Block, Ernie Watts, Roberta Flack, Joan Osborne, Pam Fleming, Don Sebesky, and others
January 14, 1949 ~ Progressive rock, reggae bassist, singer, songwriter Charlie Tumahai born in Orakei, New Zealand ~ Best known as member of Be-Bop Deluxe. Has also worked with Chain, Healing Force, Friends, Mississippi, Tandoori Cassette, Herbs, the Dukes, the Hollywood Killers, and others ~ 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 ~ Bassist Lamar Williams born in Gulfport, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as member of the Allman Brothers Band from 1972 through 1976 and member of Sea Level from 1976 through 1980 ~ Williams passed away in 1983
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 Malmo, 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, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Krzysztof Klenczon born in Pultusk, Poland ~ Best known as member of Czerwone Gitary from 1965 through 1970, also writing or co-writing several of the band's best known including Taka Jak Ty, Nikt Na Swieciie Nie Wie, Kwiaty We Wlosach, and Jesien Idzle Przez Park ~ Klenczon passed away in 1981
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 and/or as 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, Wild Tchoupitoulas, BJ Thomas Willy DeVille, Sandy Denny, Elkie Brooks, Solomon Burke, Frankie Miller, Mylon LeFevre, and the Band ~ Toussaint passed away in 2015
January 14, 1938 ~ John Allan Jones, commonly known as jazz, pop singer Jack Jones, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Mostly a pop singer with forays into big band and swing material. Best known for songs such as Lollipops And Roses, Wives And Lovers, The Race Is On, The Impossible Dream, Call Me Irresponsible, and The Love Boat Theme
January 14, 1938 ~ Jazz drummer Tony Inzalaco, full name Arthur Frank Inzalaco J, born in Passaic, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Vinnie Burke, Jaki Byard, Donald Byrd, Chris Connor, Maynard Ferguson, Jim Hall, Roger Kellaway, Morgana King, Lee Konitz, Morris Nanton, Duke Pearson, Benny Powell, Buddy Rich, Charlie Shavers, Johnny Smith, Billy Taylor, Ben Webster, Kurt Edelhagen, Eugen Cicero, Benny Bailey, Don Byas, Kenny Clarke, Francy Boland, Kenny Drew, Art Farmer, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Peter Herbolzheimer, Carmen McRae, Sal Nistico, Horace Parlan, Fritz Pauer, Oscar Peterson, Idrees Sulieman, Jiggs Whigham, Jimmy Woode, Leo Wright, Ruby Braff, Al Cohn, Dakota Staton, and others
January 14, 1937 ~ Billie Joe Moore, commonly known as singer Billie Jo Spears, born in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her smash hit Blanket On The Ground. Also known for songs such as Mr Walker It's All Over, Misty Blue, '57 Chevrolet, Love Ain't Gonna Wait For Us, and If You Want Me ~ Spears passed away in 2011
January 14, 1936 ~ Blues, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Clarence Carter, full name Clarence George Carter born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for the songs Slip Away, Back Door Santa and Patches. The latter, written by General Johnson and Ron Dunbar, would earn Carter a Grammy Award in 1971 for Best R&B Song
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, Don Covay, and others ~ 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. Has worked with Kurt Edelhagen, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Claus Ogerman, Tommy Dorsey, Sy Oliver, Buddy Rich, Edmundo Ros, and others
January 14, 1931 ~ Jazz pianist Wray Downes born in Toronto, Canada ~ Worked with Sidney Bechet, Bill Coleman, Oscar Peterson, Roy Eldridge, Coleman Hawkins, Clark Terry, Lester Young, Peter Appleyard, Dave Young, Archie Alleyne, Pete Magadini, Buddy Tate, Dave Turner, and others ~ Downes passed away 2020
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, 1929 ~ Country, rock & roll singer, guitarist, songwriter Billy Walker, full name William Marvin Walker, born in Rails, Texas, USA ~ Nicknamed “the Tall Texan” best known for Charlie's Shoes, a hit in 1962. Walker is also known for first recording Bear With Me A Little Longer, later notably covered by Eddy Arnold ~ Walker passed away in 2006
January 14, 1928 ~ Joseph P Myranyi, commonly known as clarinetist, producer Joe Muranyi, born ~ Worked with Eddie Condon, Jimmy McPartland, Max Kaminsky, Yank Lawson, Bobby Hackett, Red Allen, the Red Onion Jazz Band, Danny Barker, Wingy Manone, Village Stompers, Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Cozy Cole, Herman Aubrey, Wild Bill Davison, Zutty Singleton, and others ~ Muranyi passed away in 2012
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, Guy Lombardo, and others. Smith's version would be released in April 1926, paired with Cold In Hand Blues on the flipside. 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, 1921 ~ Jazz singer Lucy Reed born in Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA ~ Popular on the Chicago jazz scene in the late 1950s, especially known for the albums The Singing Reed and This Is Lucy Reed. Worked with Bill Evans, Dick Marx and Johnny Frigo ~ Reed passed away in 1998
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, 1917 ~ Jazz bandleader, trumpeter, hornist, cornetist Billy Butterfield, full name Charles Wiliam Butterfield, born in Middletown, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Austin Wylie, Bob Crosby, Artie Shaw, Les Brown, Benny Goodman, Charlie Spivak, Yank Lawson, Tommy Dorsey, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, and others ~ Butterfield passed away in 1988
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 numerous others ~ Davis passed away in 1970
January 14, 1912 ~ Saxophonist David Young born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Worked with Frankie Jaxon, Fletcher Henderson, Carroll Dickerson, Roy Eldridge, Horace Henderson, Walter Fuller, Lucky Millinder, Sammy Price, Dinah Washington, and others ~ Young passed away in 1992
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, 1901 ~ Phyllis Virginia Daniels, commonly known as actress, singer, dancer Bebe Daniels, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Child actress in silent film era. Would go on to star in musicals such as Rio Rita. Has appeared in over 230 films ~ Daniels passed away in 1971
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, Heinrich Grünfeld, and others ~ Wittenberg passed away in 1952
January 14, 1872 ~ Pianist, composer Joseph Kessler, full name Joseph Christoph Kessler, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Influential and revered composer admired by peers such as Franz Liszt, Sigismond Thalberg, Ignaz Moscheles, Friedrich Kalkbrenner, and others ~ Kessler was born in 1800
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