January 15, 2023 ~ Doris Svensson, mononymously known as pop, soul, funk singer Doris, passed away ~ Known for her sole Did You Give The World Some Love Today album released in 1970. A late-1990s re-release would attract international attention, critics hailing the album as an overlooked rarity of Swedish pop ~ Svensson was born in 1947
January 15, 2022 ~ Carmela Bizman, commonly known as singer, actress Carmela Corren, passed away in Hollywood, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria since the early-1960s. Represented Austria in the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with the song Vielleicht Geschieht Ein Wunder. Corren would record well over a dozen albums through the late-1970s ~ Bizman was born in 1938
January 15, 2022 ~ A&R executive, songwriter Jon Lind, full name Jonathan G Lind, passed away ~ Classically trained guitarist. Member of Howdy Moon. Member of the Fifth Avenue Band. A&R executive at Hollywood Records. Best known as a songwriter, songs written or co-written by Lind recorded by the likes of the Emotions, Jennifer Holliday, DJ Rogers, Atlantic Starr, Ramsey Lewis, Madonna (Crazy For You), the Temptations, Vanessa Williams (Save The Best For Last), Cheap Trick, Cher, and perhaps most notably Earth Wind & Fire (Boogie Wonderland) ~ Lind was born ca.1948
January 15, 2022 ~ Country music radio DJ, TV host Ralph Emery, full name Walter Ralph Emery, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ First gained attention as late-night DJ on Nashville's WSM radio station, a mecca for country music. Best known for hosting the nationally syndicated TV shows Pop Goes The Country from 1974 to 1980 and Nashville Now from 1983 to 1993. Remembered by Mickey Newbury in The Night You Wrote That Song of his 1979 The Sailor album. Emery occasionally released music of his own, notably the 1961 single Hello Fool which reached top 10 on the Billboard Country charts ~ Emery was born in 1933
January 15, 2019 ~ Actress, singer, dancer, comedian Carol Channing passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Best known as an actress in Broadway and film musicals, also making appearances in feature films and TV series. Received numourous awards and nominations, notably a number of Tony's (including for the lead role of Dolly in 1949's Broadway performance of Hello Dolly) and a 1968 Oscar-nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Thoroughly Modern Millie ~ Channing was born in 1921
January 15, 2018 ~ Violinist, conductor Anshel Brusilow passed away ~ Worked with the New Orleans Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Chamber Orhcestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra ~ Brusilow was born in 1928
January 15, 2018 ~ Singer, songwriter Dolores O'Riordan, full name Dolores Mary Eileen O'Riordan, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Gregorian chants, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Frank Sinatra, Jim Reeves, Bing Crosby. Rose to fame fronting the Cranberries, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in 1990s rock with songs such as Linger, Zombie, and Salvation. Released her Are You Listening solo debut album in 2007. Duetted with Jah Wobble (The Sun Does Rise), Zucchero (Pure Love), Giuliano Sangiorgi (Senza Fiato). Married to former Duran Duran tour manager Don Burton from 1994 to 2014, with whom she has three children ~ O'Riordan was born in 1971
January 15, 2015 ~ Producer, manager Kim Fowley passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Best known for his role behind a number of cult pop singles including Alley Oop (the Hollywood Argyles), Like Long Hair (Paul Revere & the Raiders), and Popsicles And Icicles (the Murmaids), as well as the manager for Joan Jett's outfit the Runaways ~ Fowley was born in 1942
January 15, 2013 ~ Singer Bruno Mars releases When I Was Your Man, lifted off his Unorthodox Jukebox sophomore album ~ In this emotional heartbreak ballad, Bruno Mars looks back on a failed relationship, regretting failing to do all the things he should have done. Mars has stated it was the most honest song he ever written, as he once told MTV: “I remember writing that and it's the simple things, the little things. Like, I should have bought you flowers; I should have just let you know when I had the chance. And that was probably the most difficult song to write just because you know I'm so naked on that song, out of all the sexual songs I'm singing about, that's the one I'm most vulnerable.” Preceded by Adele's Someone Like You in 2011, When I Was Your Man would be only the second song ever with just vocals and piano to top the American Billboard Hot 100
January 15, 2012 ~ Singer, songwriter Terry Dolan passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Founder, frontman of Terry & the Pirates. Influenced by Leadbelly, Hank Williams, Wanda Jackson, Carl Perkins. Opened for artists such as Taj Mahal, Blue Cheer, BB King, and Elvin Bishop ~ Dolan was born in 1943
January 15, 2011 ~ Harvey William James Harrop, commonly known as guitarist Harvey James, passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Member of Mississippi, notably present on the hit Will I. Member of Sherbet, present on the band's biggest hit Howzat and co-writing several other hits including Rock Me Gently, Beg Steal & Borrow and Angela. Has also worked with Ariel and with the Party Boys ~ Harrop was born in 1952
January 15, 2005 ~ Operatic lyric soprano Victoria de los Angeles passed away in Barcelona, Spain ~ Popular soprano from the mid-1950s through the 1960s. Worked with the Paris Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, the Teatro Colón, and La Scala. Especially acclaimed for portraying Carmen in Georges Bizet's Carmen, one of her favorite roles ~ De los Angeles was born in 1923
January 15, 2003 ~ Songwriter, singer Doris Fisher passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of Fred Fisher, sister of Dan Fisher and Marvin Fisher, all respected songwriters. Doris wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by the Ink Spots (Whispering Grass, Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall), Louis Prima (Angelina (The Waitress At The Pizzeria)), Billie Holiday (That Ole Devil Called Love), Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Pearl Bailey, the Mills Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald, and Moon Mullican (You Always Hurt The One You Love), Slim Gaillard (Tutti Frutti), Stan Kenton, Ella Mae Morse, and Pearl Bailey ~ Fisher was born in 1915
January 15, 2002 ~ Western singer, guitarist, songwriter Red River Dave, full name David Largus McEnery passed away ~ Best known for his 1939 recording Amelia Earhart's Last Flight. Also known for playing in several westerns as a singing cowboy, including 1944's Swing In The Saddle, and 1948's Hidden Valey and Echo Ranch. Member of the Swift Boys ~ McEnery was born in 1914
January 15, 2000 ~ Anna Maria Palmen, commonly known as singer Annie Palmen, passed away in Beverwijk, the Netherlands ~ Represented her native the Netherlands at the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching tied thirteenth place with the song Een Speeldoos. The other contestant reaching thirteenth place was Laila Halme, who represented Finland with Muistojeni Laulu (The Song Of My Memories) ~ Palmen was born in 1926
January 15, 2000 ~ Charles Nelson Miller, commonly known as singer, pianist Chuck Miller, passed away in Hawaii, USA ~ As a pianist influenced by Moon Mullican and Fats Waller, as a singer by Dean Martin and Bing Crosby. Best known for his 1955 rendition of The House Of Blue Lights, originally recorded by Ella Mae Morse. Subsequent releases such as Baby Doll, The Auctioneer, and Down The Road A Piece would fail to reach the succes of his The House Of Blue Lights top 10 hit ~ Miller was born in 1924
January 15, 1999 ~ Blues, alternative rock, grunge bassist John Baker Saunders, full name John Baker Saunders Jr, passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Began as a blues bassist, working with traditional artists such as Hubert Sumlin and Sammy Fender. Member of the Walkabouts. Member of grunge rock supergroup Mad Season alongside Layne Staley, Mike McCready and Barrett Martin ~ Saunders was born in 1954
January 15, 1998 ~ Amos Wells Blakemore Jr, commonly known as singer Junior Wells, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Iconic electric Chicago blues singer, blues harpist. Best known for his critically acclaimed, highly influential 1965 album Hoodoo Man Blues. Worked with artists such as Muddy Waters, Earl Hooker, and Buddy Guy. Gained attention with rock audiences by opening for the Rolling Stones ~ Wells was born in 1934
January 15, 1994 ~ Singer, songwriter Harry Nilsson, full name Harry Edward Nilson III, passed away in Agour Hills, California, USA ~ Best known for songs such as I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City, Me And My Arrow, Jump Into The Fire, Coconut, and Spaceman. Though a respected songwriter in his own right, admired by peers, his two biggest hits were written by others, namely Fred Neil's Everybody's Talking and Badfinger's Without You both reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 ~ Nilsson was born in 1941
January 15, 1994 ~ Jazz trumpeter Philippe Brun passed away in Paris, France ~ Worked with Gregor, Danny Polo, Ray Ventura, Bert Ambrose, Jack Hylton, Fred Waring, Django Reinhardt, Alix Combelle, Eddie Brunner, André Ekyan, Edmond Cohanier, and Teddy Stauffer ~ Brun was born in 1908
January 15, 1993 ~ Samuel Cohen, commonly known as lyricist, pianist, violinist, songwriter Sammy Cahn, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Mostly a lyricist, frequently partnered up with composers such as Saul Chaplin, Jimmy van Heusen and Jule Styne, co-wrote numerous hits including Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow (Vaughn Monroe), Three Coins In The Fountain (Dinah Shore), Ain't That A Kick In The Head, Day By Day, Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week and Love & Marriage (Frank Sinatra), Because You're Mine (Mario Lanza), It's Magic and It's A Great Feeling (Doris Day), I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry (Kitty Kallen) and Teach Me Tonight (Dinah Washington) ~ Cohen was born in 1913
January 15, 1992 ~ David Murray Oates, commonly known as bassist Dee Murray passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Briefly a member of the Spencer Davis Group. Best known for backing Elton John through 1975, first appearing on the 1970 Tumbleweed Connection album. Would go on to work with the Mirage, Rick Springfield, Procol Harum, Alice Cooper, Yvonne Elliman, Shaun Cassidy, Kiki Dee, Stefanie Faines, Barbi Benton, Jimmy Webb, Ronnie Hawkins, Lewis Storey, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and John Prine ~ Oates was born in 1946
January 15, 1988 ~ Sonny John Moore, commonly known as DJ, producer, singer Skrillex, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, the Doors, Aphex Twin, and Daft Punk. Lead singer of post-hardcore outfit From First To Last, present on the albums Dear Diary (My Teen Angst Has A Body Count) and Heroine leaving the band in 2007. Member of Dog Blood. Formed the duo Jack Ü with Diplo. Active as a solo artist, remixer, producer going by the moniker Skrillex since the late-2000s. As a producer, Skrillex has worked on tracks by MIA, Craig David, Incubus, Justin Bieber (Where R U Now), the Weeknd, XXXTentacion, Ed Sheeran (Take Me Back To London), Lady Gaga, and Juice WRLD
January 15, 1987 ~ Pop-rock, celtic folk, country singer, songwriter Andrea Begley born in Pomeroy, Northern Ireland ~ Winner of the 2nd series of talent show The Voice UK aired on BBC One in 2013
January 15, 1985 ~ R&B, soul, funk, pop outfit the Commodores release their Nightshift album ~ The band's last album for Motown before their switch to Polydor Records would spawn the band's biggest hit of its post Lionel Richie-era, its Nightshift title track reaching No.3 Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard R&B charts. The single also earned the band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The album, the first featuring lead singer JD Nicholas, formerly of Heatwave, would also top the Billboard R&B album charts and reach No.12 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 200, making it their last top 20 album
January 15, 1983 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Down Under by Men At Work hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Often misinterpreted as merely a patriotic song, Down Under actually celebrates Australia's rich history. As the band's lead singer Colin Hay, who co-wrote the song with guitarist Ron Strykert, would later explain: “White people haven't been in Australia all that long, and it's truly an awesome place, but one of the most interesting and exciting things about the country is what was there before. The true heritage of a country often gets lost in the name of progress and development.” Issued as the band's second single off their Business As Usual debut album, the song would become a major hit, including topping the Billboard Hot 100 just as its predecessor Who Can It Be Now had done. Men At Work had previously issued Down Under as the B-side to Keypunch Operator, an independently released single of which only 300 copies were made
January 15, 1981 ~ Armando Christian Perez, commonly known as MC, rapper, singer, songwriter Pitbull, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Emerged in the early 2000's recording reggaeton and Latin hip-hop. Released his full-length MIAMI debut album, produced by Lil' Jon, in 2004 and has recorded to commercial succes since. Best known for his 2009 breakthrough single I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) which would reach top 10 across the globe including in the Netherlands, the UK and America. Has collaborated with T-Pain, Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer, Shakira, Christina Aguilera (Feel This Moment), Danny Mercer, Ke$ha (Timber), Jennifer Lopez (On The Floor), J Balvin, Ty Dolla $ign, Enrique Iglesias (I Like It), Usher, and Havana Brown
January 15, 1980 ~ Tenor singer David Whitfield passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Popular 1950s singer. The first to score a transatlantic charttopper, reaching No.1 in both America and his native England in 1954 with Cara Mia backed by conductor Mantovani and his orchestra. Other well known recordings by Whitfield include Bridge Of Sighs, Answer Me, My September Love, I'll Find You, and William Tell ~ Whitfield was born in 1925
January 15, 1979 ~ Singer, songwriter, model Karen Elson, full name Karen Jill Elson, born in Oldham, UK ~ Best known as a supermodel, discovered at age 16. As a singer known for founding and fronting cabaret troupe and cover band the Citizens Band. Released a solo debut album, The Ghost Who Walks, in 2010. Married to the White Stripes-guitarist Jack White from 2005 to 2013, with whom she has two children
January 15, 1979 ~ D'Juan Montrel Hart, commonly known as rapper Young Dro, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted in 2001 with the I Got That Dro album. Would first gain attention with his 2006 major label debut Best Thang Smokin' which included the Billboard top 10 hit Shoulder Lean featuring TI. Has also worked with PSC, Yung LA, Yung Joc, Kia Shine, Mike Epps, DJ Khaled, Keyshia Cole, Iggy Azalea, E-40, and Gorilla Zoe
January 15, 1977 ~ In its thirteenth week on the charts, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing by Leo Sayer hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Sayer co-wrote the song with Vini Poncia, who also co-wrote Ringo Starr's Devil Woman. For Sayer, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing would be his first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, also earning the singer a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Ray Parker Jr, also present on the recording, has claimed he should have gotten songwriting credit yet does not blame Sayer as the decision to leave his name off was made higher up: “Every time I hear the song on the radio, the first thing that comes to mind is, ‘I don't have a Grammy for that and my name isn't on it, and nobody recognizes me for writing that song’”
January 15, 1975 ~ Patrick Denard Douthit, commonly known as hip-hop producer 9th Wonder, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Little Brother, Mary J Blige, Destiny's Child, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, Ludacris, Mac Miller, David Banner, Lecrae, Jill Scott, Big Boi, Rapsody, 2 Chainz, Nipsey Hussle, and Anderson Paak
January 15, 1975 ~ Tom Jenkinson, commonly known as uitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer Squarepusher, born in Chelmsford, UK ~ Draws from drum and bass, IDM, jazz, electroacoustic music and other idioms. Active since the mid-1990s. Best known for a number of mid to late-2000s albums, notably 2004's Ultravisitor which reached the top 10 of the American dance album charts
January 15, 1972 ~ Steve McCutcheon, commonly known as producer, songwriter Steve Mac, born in Surrey, UK ~ In-demand songwriter, producer with over two dozen UK No.1 hits to his name. First gained attention in the early-1990s writing and producing Nomad's I Wanna Give You Devotion, a hit across Europe. Would go on to write and produce for artists including Westlife (Queen Of My Heart), JLS, James Blunt (When I Find Love Again), Shakira, Jess Glynne, Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran (The Shape Of You), Clean Bandit, Rita Ora (Your Song), P!nk, 5 Seconds Of Summer (Want You Back), Little Mix, Marshmello (Here With Me), Kelly Clarkson, and the Chainsmokers
January 15, 1970 ~ Folk, alternative country singer, songwriter, actor Will Oldham, full name Joseph Will Oldham, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Draws from Americana, folk, roots, country, punk, and indie rock. Best known as frontman and constant member of Palace, recording four albums during under variations of the Palace moniker. Recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist since, mostly going by the moniker Bonnie Prince Billy, especially acclaimed for the 1997 Joya album. Had his songs covered by Tender Mercy, Calexico, Iron & Wine, Alexis Taylor, Johnny Cash (I See A Darkness), and BMX Bandits
January 15, 1966 ~ Lisa Veléz, commonly known as R&B, pop, freestyle singer Lisa Lisa, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Discovered while still in her teens by New York-based songwriter, producer team Full Force, who got her signed to Columbia Records on the stipulation that the label not team her up with other producers. Full Force's breakthrough hit was UTFO's Roxanne Roxanne. As it worked in a song title, they figured it might also work in a moniker and they gave Velez the moniker Lisa Lisa. Velez recorded a number of albums fronting Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam starting in the mid-1980s. They are best known for their Spanish Fly sophomore album issued in 1987, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Head To Toe and Lost In Emotion. After the group's popularity waned by the early-1990s, Velez has recorded as a solo artist albeit it to lesser success. Full Force enjoyed success from the 1980s onwards writing and producing for acts such as Samantha Fox, James Brown, the Force MD's, Wild Orchid, the Backstreet Boys (All I Have To Give), NSYNC, Lil' Kim, Rihanna, and Black Eyed Peas (Don't Phunk With My Heart), yet during the 1980s Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam were the team's biggest act
January 15, 1965 ~ Alternative metal, progressive metal, progressive rock guitarist Adam Jones, full name Adam Thomas Jones, born in Park Ridge, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of Tool. Has also worked with Electric Sheep, Tom Morello, Jello Biafra, and Puscifer
January 15, 1965 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Maggie's Farm at Columbia Recording Studio, New York, New York ~ Self-penned. Produced by Tom Wilson. Included on the Bringing It All Back Home album. Released as a single, b/w On The Road Again, the following June. Widely covered and referenced by numerous artists, the phrase or reference to “Maggie's farm” even adopted by many opponents of British PM Margaret Thatcher such as in the Mark Knopfler-song Wye Aye Man (“nae more work on Maggie's farm”) and the Placebo-song Slave To The Wage (“sick and tired of Maggie's farm”)
January 15, 1964 ~ Weldon Leo Teagarden, commonly known as jazz, swing, dixieland trombonist, singer Jack Teagarden, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Preeminent trombonist of the pre bebop era. Best known as a sideman in ensembles led by Paul Whiteman and Louis Armstrong. Has also worked with Peck Kelley, Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Jimmy McPartland, Mezz Mezzrow, Glenn Miller, Eddie Condon, Red Allen, and Ben Pollack. Notably present on the Red Allen Kid Ory & Jack Teagarden At Newport album, released on Verve in 1957 ~ Teagarden was born in 1905
January 15, 1964 ~ Norosbaldo Morales, commonly known as pianist, bandleader Noro Morales, passed away in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Led the Brothers Morales Orchestra, which also included his siblings Humberto Morales and Esy Morales, known for their 1939 hit Serenata Ritmica. Worked with Rafael Muñoz, Alberto Socarrás, Augusto Cohen, Tito Rodriguez, José Luis Moneró, Chano Pozo, Willie Rosario, and Tito Puente ~ Morales was born in 1911
January 15, 1964 ~ Wes Madiko, mononymously known as pop singer Wes, born in Cameroon ~ Best known for In Youpendi of The Lion King II soundtrack and Alane, the latter reaching top 10 across Europe in 1997 including No.1 spots in France and the Netherlands. Has also worked with French world fusion outfit Deep Forest ~ Madiko passed away in 2021
January 15, 1962 ~ Machida Yasushi, commonly known as punk rock singer, poet, author, actor Ko Machida, born in Osaka, Japan ~ First gained attention founding and fronting Inu, known for their 1981 album Meshi Kuuna. Would go on to released several albums with various backing units, enjoying a cult following and critical acclaim. Also known as a poet and author starting with Kuge, a collection of poems, released in 1992
January 15, 1959 ~ Bassist, singer Pete Trewavas born in Middlesbrough, UK ~ Influenced by Paul McCartney. Best known as member of Marillion joining the band in 1982, replacing Diz Minnitt, known for a string of impressive 1980s albums including Fugazi, Misplaced Childhood and Clutching At Straws. Member of progressive rock group Transatlantic. Co-founded Kino, which also includes John Mitchell, John Beck, and Chris Maitland. Formed the duo Edison's Children with Eric Blackwood
January 15, 1958 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Hard Headed Woman at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Claude Demetrius. Recorded for inclusion in the 1958 film King Creole. Released the next June as a single featuring Don't Ask Me Why on the B-side
January 15, 1957 ~ Nigel Trubridge, commonly known as clarinetist, saxophonist Horace Trubridge or Horatio Hornblower, born in Shoreham-by-Sea, UK ~ Member of Rocky Sharpe & the Razors. Co-founding member of 1970s doo-wop revival outfit the Darts, for whom he wrote a vast amount of their material including the hit Get It
January 15, 1954 ~ Rock, pop bassist Nels Busch born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands ~ Co-founded 1970s group Elevator. Co-founded Frank Boeijen Groep, known for songs such as Linda, Doe Iets, Zwart Wit and Kronenburg Park. Following the band's disbandement in the early-1990s Busch has worked with Kali Tichi, Aesun, Taste Of Ruby. Busch is also an accomplished painter
January 15, 1953 ~ Club DJ, artist manager, label executive Rob Gretton born in Wyhenshawe, UK ~ Leading figure in late-1970s Manchester punk scene. Manager of Joy Division and New Order. Label co-owner of Factory Records for which Gretton signed artists such as Section 25, X O Dus, Crispy Ambulance, the Stockholm Monsters, Minny Pops, the Names, Quando Quango, Wake, 52nd Street, and the Happy Mondays ~ Gretton passed away in 1999
January 15, 1952 ~ Cellist Melvyn Gale born ~ Worked with the London Palladium Orchestra, the London Youth Symphony Orchestra, as well as with several West End shows. To pop audiences best known for his association with the Electric Light Orchestra, replacing Mike Edwards in 1975 and remaining with the band through 1979, present on some of the band's best-selling albums including A New World Record and Out Of The Blue
January 15, 1952 ~ Eduardo Beilinson, commonly known as rock guitarist Skay Beilinson, born ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, Vanilla Fudge. Considered one of the premier Argentinian guitarists. Co-founding member of Los Redondos, a band credited with shaping Argentinian rock. Has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with acts such as La Cofradia De La Flor Solar, Edelmiro Molinari, Pedro Conde, and El Soldado
January 15, 1951 ~ Singer Martha Davis, full name Martha Emily Davis, born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Lead singer of the Motels, known for Only The Lonely and Suddenly Last Summer both of which reached Billboard top 10 in the early-1980s
January 15, 1949 ~ Daniel Le Bras, commonly known as Celtic rock, folk guitarist Dan Ar Braz, born in Quimper, France ~ Perhaps best known for organizing L'Heritage Des Celtes, merging traditional music with modern rock elements. The band initially was a one-time collaboration of over 70 musicians brought together especially for the 1992 Festival De Cornoaille but its succes spawned several critically well-received albums. Has recorded as a solo artist and worked with the likes of Alan Stivell, Fairport Convention, John Kirkpatrick, and Jean-Jacques Goldman
January 15, 1948 ~ Leon Jerry Guthrie, commonly known as Western swing singer Jack Guthrie, passed away in Livemore, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1945 hit Oklahoma Hills, a rewritten version of Woody Guthrie's Oklahoma Hills. The two were cousins ~ Guthrie was born in 1915
January 15, 1948 ~ James Reginald Riley, commonly known as jazz fusion, R&B percussionist Juma Santos, born in Massachusetts, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning four decades in jazz, fusion and R&B. Perhaps best known for touring with trumpeter Miles Davis for about a year and appearing on the seminal Bitches Brew jazz fusion album released in 1970. Other notable credits include Compost, Roy Ayers (He's Coming), Paul Pena, Andy Pratt (Andy Pratt), Larry Young, Michael Gibbs, David Sanborn, Chico Freeman, Freddie Hubbard, and Taj Mahal ~ Riley passed away in 2007
January 15, 1948 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Ronnie Van Zant, full name Ronald Wayne Van Zant, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Founding member, lead singer of Southern rock outfit Lynyrd Skynyrd and present on songs such as Sweet Home Alabama, Free Bird and Saturday Night Special. Van Zant died in a 1977 plane crash which also killed bandmates Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines, their road manager Dean Kilpatrick, the pilot and co-pilot ~ Van Zant passed away in 1977
January 15, 1947 ~ Producer, songwriter Pete Waterman born in Coventry, UK ~ One third of hugely successful Stock-Aitken-Waterman producer, songwriter trio, alongside Mike Stock and Matt Aitken, scoring numerous Eurobeat and pop hits from the mid-1980s through the early-1990s with artists such as Kylie Minogue (I Should Be So Lucky), the Dolly Dots, Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up), Sinitta, Errol Brown, Bananarama (Venus), Judas Priest, Divine (You Think You're A Man), Mel & Kim (Respectable), Pepsi & Shirlie, Donna Summer (This Time I Know It's For Real), Samantha Fox, Hazell Dean (Whatever I Do), and Jason Donovan
January 15, 1946 ~ Songwriter, singer Bobby Bloom born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ One-hit wonder known for Montego Bay, co-written with and produced by Jeff Barry. The song would reach top 10 in Canada, the UK and America. Bloom's follow-up to Montego Bay, the single Heavy Makes You Happy, would fail to make much of an impression but would become a hit for the Staple Singers in 1971. Bloom also co-wrote Mony Mony for Tommy James & the Shondells, Sunshine for the Archies and Do It In The Name Of Love for the Monkees as well as several other tracks of the latter's Changes album ~ Bloom passed away in 1974
January 15, 1946 ~ Classical pianist Joseph Kalichstein born in Tel Aviv, Palestine ~ Concerto, recital, chamber music pianist. Has collaborated with conductors such as André Previn, Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin. Closely associated with violinist Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson, the trio having performed at the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter, having recorded works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms and Maurice Ravel, and having works written especially for them by the likes of Richard Danielpour, John Corigliano and Daron Hagen ~ Kalichstein passed away in 2022
January 15, 1946 ~ Songwriter Ron Davies, full name Ronny Wayne Davies, born ~ Son of country singer Tex Dickerson. Brother of singer, songwriter Gail Davies. Released two albums as a recording artist, Silent Song Through The Land and UFO. Best known as a songwriter. Three Dog Night, Long John Baldry, David Bowie, Dave Edmunds and Shelby Lynne all covered his It Ain't Easy. Other well known Davies songs include Long Hard Climb (covered by Maria Muldaur), The Man I Used To Be (Jerry Jeff Walker) and Waiting On A Dark Eyed Girl (the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) ~ Davies passed away in 2003
January 15, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Joan Marie Johnson born ~ Original member of the Dixie Cups alongside her cousins Barbara Ann Hawkins and Rosa Lee Hawkins, best known for their 1964 million-seller Chapel Of Love ~ Johnson passed away in 2016
January 15, 1943 ~ Producer, songwriter Fonce Mizell born in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member of vocal jazz quartet the Vanlords, which also included his brother Larry Mizell. Best known as a producer and songwriter, again in tandem with his brother, producing numerous albums for Blue Note Records setting the tone for 1970s jazz fusion sound and scoring pivotal R&B hits including A Taste Of Honey's Boogie Oogie Oogie, LTD's Love Ballad and Mary Wells' Gigolo. Fonce was also a member of Motown's producer, songwriter collective the Corporation alongside Berry Gordy Jr, Freddie Perren and Deke Richards, responsible for all of the Jackson 5's early hits including I Want You Back, ABC and The Love You Save ~ Mizell passed away in 2011
January 15, 1941 ~ Don van Vliet, commonly known as singer, songwriter Captain Beefheart, was born in Glendale, California, USA ~ Backed by the Magic Band recorded some dozen albums drawing from blues, free jazz, rock, and avant-garde. Critically acclaimed, especially for the albums Safe As Milk and Trout Mask Replica. Worked with Alexis Shouffer, Frank Zappa, John French, Denny Walley, Jeff Cotton, Jerry Handley, Bruce Botnick, Bill Harkleroad, Gary Marker, and Mark Boston ~ Van Vliet passed away in 2010
January 15, 1938 ~ Bluegrass banjoist, songwriter, publisher Pete Kuykendall born in Washington DC, USA ~ Co-founded Bluegrass Unlimited in 1966 becoming its main editor in 1970. Instrumental in the formation of the International Bluegrass Music Association in 1985. As a musician best known as a member of the Country Gentlemen in the late-1950s and for penning a number of bluegrass standards including Down Where The Still Waters Flow, I Am Weary (Let Me Rest) and Remembrance Of You ~ Kuykendall passed away in 2017
January 15, 1936 ~ Edward Jessie Bivins Jr, commonly known as R&B, soul singer, songwriter Edward Sonny Bivins born in Macon, Georgia, USA ~ Member of the Manhattans, best known for their 1976 hit Kiss And Say Goodbye. Wrote the band's There's No Me Without You, a 1973 Billboard R&B top 10 hit ~ Bivins passed away in 2014
January 15, 1930 ~ Blues guitarist Earl Hooker, full name Earl Zebedee Hooker, born in Quitman County, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by T-Bone Walker and Robert Nighthawk. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Junior Wells, John Lee Hooker, Kansas City Red, Johnny O'Neal, Little Sammy Davis, Boyd Gilmore, Pinetop Perkins, the Dells, Arbee Stidham, Lorenzo Smith, Harold Tidwell, Little Arthur Duncan, Lillian Offitt, Magic Sam, AC Reed, Ricky Allen, Reggie Guitar Boyd, Jackie Brenston, Carey Bell, Geno Skaggs, Andrew Odom, Freddie Roulette, and Jimmy Witherspoon ~ Hooker passed away in 1970
January 15, 1930 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, arranger Onzy Matthews, full name Onzy Durrett Matthews Jr, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ As a leader known for the mid-1960s albums Blues With A Touch Of Elegance and Sounds For The 60's. Closely associated with Duke Ellington orchestra during the 1960s and 1970s. Also especially noted as arranger, conductor, pianist for the 1963 Lou Rawls album Black And Blue, and as arranger, conductor for the Richard Groove Holmes album Book Of The Blues Vol.1 the following year. Other notable associations include Kenny Dorham, Curtis Amy, Gene Shaw, Dexter Gordon, and specifically Ray Charles, working in one capacity or another on a string of the latter's mid-1960s albums ~ Matthews passed away in 1997
January 15, 1928 ~ Country, rockabilly guitarist Joe Pennington, full name Joseph Lephmon Pennington, born in Plant City, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of Hank Williams' backing unit the Drifting Cowboys through 1949. Has subsuquently worked with Lefty Frizzell. As a solo artist known for a number of 1950s rockabilly singles under the moniker Joe Penny, notably Bip A Little (Bop A Lot) released in 1958 ~ Pennington passed away in 2020
January 15, 1922 ~ Singer, stage and film actress Thelma Carpenter born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ To pop audiences best known for portraying the role of the Good Witch of the North in the 1978 movie version of The Wiz. Previously a child prodigy. Hosting her own radio show by her teens. As a singer worked with Teddy Wilson, Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie, Eddie Cantor, and Duke Ellington ~ Carpenter passed away in 1997
January 15, 1921 ~ Itzchol Reev Smolover, commonly known as tenor, director Ray Smolover, born ~ Best known as founder and director of the Opera theater Of Westchester. Though primarily performing music by others Smolover composed several pieces, including a cantate and several art songs. Smolover also served as executive VP of American Conference Of Cantors for over three decades ~ Smolover passed away in 2015
January 15, 1920 ~ R&B, jazz guitarist, vibraphonist Dave Hamilton, full name David Lewis Hamilton, born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Member of the Helen Pennington Quartet, the Noc-Tunes, the Peppers. In-demand session musician since the late-1950s, appearing on recordings by Jackie Wilson (Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want To Meet), Lonely Teardrops), John Lee Hooker (Boom Boom), Marvin Gaye (Stubborn Kind Of Fellow), Mary Wells (My Guy). Released his Blue Vibrations solo debut album in 1964 ~ Hamilton passed away in 1994
January 15, 1915 ~ Musicologist Alan Lomax born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Known as one of the most important musicologists, along with his father John Avery Lomax, and director of the Archive of American Folk Song at the Library of Congress ~ Lomax passed away in 2002
January 15, 1909 ~ Jazz, swing, Dixieland drummer Gene Krupa, full name Eugene Bertram Krupa, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. One of the first superstar drummers. Influenced by Tubby Hall, Zutty Singleton, Baby Dodds. Noted for his drum solos on the 1937 Benny Goodman recording of Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing) as well as on the 1938 Live At Carnegie Hall performance. Has worked with Red McKenzie, Eddie Condon, Martha Tilton, Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Ventura, and Eddie Shu ~ Krupa passed away in 1973
January 15, 1904 ~ Edgar DeLange Moss, commonly known as bandleader, lyricist Eddie DeLange, born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Irving Mills, Will Hudson and Jimmy van Heusen. Songs written or co-written by DeLange include Solitude (Louis Armstrong, Etta Jones), Shake Down The Stars (Bob Crosby, Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald), The Man With The Horn (Boyd Raeburn, Anita O'Day, Nina Simone), The Blues Are Brewin' (Billie Holiday), Whatever Happened To You (Xavier Cugat), Lost April (Nat King Cole, Frankie Carle), Just As Though You Were (Tommy Dorsey, the Ink Spots) ~ Moss passed away in 1949
January 15, 1899 ~ Cellist Hans Münch-Holland, full name Hans Rudolph Münch-Holland, born in Bern, Germany ~ Active since the 1920s. Longtime member of the Strub Quartet, remaining with the quartet from 1939 through 1953. Has also worked with the Stuttgart Chamber Trio, the Staatstheater Stuttgart, the Gewandhausorchestrer, and the Leipzig Trio ~ Münch-Holland passed away in 1971
January 15, 1882 ~ Harry Haley McClaskey, commonly known as singer, radio personality, producer Henry Burr, born in St Stephen, Canada ~ Enjoyed popularity from the early-1900s onwards. Known for songs such as Just A Baby's Prayer At Twilight, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, When I Lost You, and In The Shade Of The Apple Tree. McClaskey also formed the duo Campbell & Burr, the pair known for songs such as The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine, Somebody's Waiting For Someone, and I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles ~ McClaskey passed away in 1941