January 16, 2023 ~ Producer, artist manager Gary Smith passed away ~ Active since the mid-1980s. First gained attention producing early recordings by the Pixies, including their 1987 Come On Pilgrim EP. Other notable credits include Throwing Muses, Tanya Donelly, the Blake Babies, the Connells, Juliana Hatfield, Scrawl, 10,000 Maniacs, and Billy Bragg ~ Smith was born in 1958
January 16, 2021 ~ Pekka Juhani Maijanen, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer Pave Maijanen, passed away ~ Best known as member of the Hurriganes in the 1970s, and of Dingo in the 1980s. Has also worked with the Royals, the Rock 'n Roll Band, Pepe & Paradise, Albert Järvinen, Pave's Mistakes, and others. Represented his native Finland at the 1992 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching last place with the song Yamma Yamma ~ Maijanen was born in 1950
January 16, 2021 ~ Producer Phil Spector, full name Harvey Philip Spector, passed away in Stockton, California, USA ~ One of the most influential producers in pop music history, known for his Wagnerian approach to rock & roll. Active since the late-1950s, co-founding member, guitarist of the Teddy Bears and writing their 1958 Billboard No.1 hit To Know Is To Love Him. Founded Phillies Records in 1960, at the time becoming the youngest label owner to date at age 21. Scored numerous hits throughout the 1960s as writer, co-writer, producer of acts such as the Ronettes, the Crystals, the Righteous Brothers and Ike & Tina Turner. Produced the Beatles final album, Let It Be. Continued his chart succes in the 1970s with artists such as Leonard Cohen, Dion and the Ramones. Sentenced in 2009 to 19 years to life for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson ~ Spector was born in 1939
January 16, 2019 ~ Alfred Leopold Kunz, commonly known as composer, conductor Alfred Kunz, passed away in Kitchener, Canada ~ Composed several hundreds of works. Founding conductor or the Concordia Club Choir ~ Kunz was born in 1929
January 16, 2018 ~ Rock, hard rock, heavy metal drummer Dave Holland passed away in Lugo, Spain ~ Member of Trapeze from 1969 through 1979, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including Medusa and You Are The Music (We're Just The Band). Following his departure from the band in 1979, Holland joined Judas Priest, first appearing on the highly acclaimed British Steel album. Holland has also worked with Finders Keepers, Pinkerton's Assorted Colours, Blue Jays, Glenn Hughes (Play Me Out), Justin Hayward (Songwriter), Robin George, Leonor Marchesi, Tony Iommi, and Al Atkins ~ Holland was born in 1948
January 16, 2018 ~ Singer Javiera Muñoz, full name Javiera Margarita Odija Ubal Muñoz, passed away in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Has recorded two albums, Javiera released in 2001 and True Love released three years later. Best known for the songs Varje Timma (Var Minut) and No Hay Nada Más. Muñoz passed away at age 40 after a decade long struggle with anorexia nervosa ~ Muñoz was born in 1977
January 16, 2017 ~ Charles Wesley Shaw, commonly known as free jazz drummer Charles Bobo Shaw, passed away ~ Member of the Human Arts Ensemble. Member of the Black Artists Group. Also worked with Lester Bowie, Frank Lowe, Hamiet Bluiett, John Mixon, Oliver Lake, Anthony Braxton, Steve Lacy, Frank Wright, Alan Silva, Michel Portal, Cecil Taylor, Richard Martin, Frank Lowe, Julius Hemphill, Billy Bang, Luther Thomas, and Defunkt ~ Shaw was born in 1947
January 16, 2017 ~ Bassist Steve Wright passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Greg Kihn Band remaining with the band through 1996 known for The Breakup Song (They Don't Write) and Jeopardy, the latter a 1983 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit and radio staple since ~ Wright was born ca.1950
January 16, 2016 ~ Songwriter, lyricist, guitarist Hubert Giraud, full name Hubert Yves Adrian Giraud, passed away in Montreux, Switzerland ~ Played with Django Reinhardt's the Quintette du Hot Club, Ray Ventura and with Jacques Hélian. As a songwriter best known for co-authoring, with Pierre Delanoë, the song Dors Mon Amour, the 1958 Eurovision Songfestival winner performed by André Claveau ~ Giraud was born in 1920
January 16, 2013 ~ Bassist Nic Potter passed away in London, UK ~ Best known for his work with Van Der Graaf Generator, present on albums such as H To He (Who Am The Only One), The Quiet Zone (The Pleasure Dome), and Vital. Also appeared on over a dozen Peter Hammill albums, starting with the acclaimed Fool's Mate. Has also worked with Magna Carta, Steve Swindells, Duncan Browne, the Pool Sharks, Steve Hyams, Rare Bird, the Misunderstood, and others ~ Potter was born in 1951
January 16, 2012 ~ Funk, R&B, soul singer Jimmy Castor, full name James Walter Castor, passed away in Henderson, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Hey Leroy Your Mama's Calling You, It's Just Begun, The Bertha Butt Boogie and his biggest hit Troglodyte Cave Man. Also worked with the Teenagers, Jimmy & the Juniors, the Fatback Band, and with Joyce Sims ~ Castor was born in 1940
January 16, 2011 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter Steve Prestwich, full name Steven William Prestwich, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Best known as co-founding member of Adelaide-based rock, pub rock band Cold Chisel, for whom he wrote When The War Is Over and Forever Now. Briefly a member of the Little River Band during the 1980s ~ Prestwich was born in 1954
January 16, 2010 ~ Honky-tonk singer Carl Smith passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ First husband of June Carter. Father of Carlene Carter. Known for songs such as Let's Live A Little, If The Teardrops Were Pennies, Loose Talk, Are You Teasing Me, Hey Joe, You Are The One, and Air Mail To Heaven. Smith has also notably collaborated with Molly O'Day and Skeets Williamson ~ Smith was born in 1927
January 16, 2009 ~ Gordon Mitchell, commonly known as jazz bassist Whitey Mitchell, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Began on clarinet and tuba before settling on bass, the same instrument as his more famous brother Red Mitchell. First gained attention playing with the New York Jazz Ensemble. Would go on to guest on albums by Pete Rugolo, Herbie Mann, Betty Roché (Take The A Train), Candido, Jimmy Raney, Oscar Pettiford, and Buck Clayton ~ Mitchell was born in 1932
January 16, 2000 ~ Eugene Haire, commonly known as jazz, blues, soul-jazz pianist, keyboardist, organist Gene Harris, passed away in Boise, Idaho, USA ~ Influenced by Oscar Peterson and Junior Mance. Rose to fame as leader of the Three Sounds. The trio would initially be dismissed by critics as lounge-jazz, yet became one of the most popular acts on the Blue Note label in the late-1950s and 1960s, and in retrospect earned critical acclaim for their blues-infused jazz with Harris acknowledged as a unique stylist. Harris recorded prolifically with the trio through the late 1960s, including collaborative albums with Lou Donaldson (LD+3), Stanley Turrentine (Blue Hour), and Anita O'Day (Anita O'Day & the Three Sounds). After the trio disbanded, Harris continued to record under his own name until retiring in 1977, only to return to the stage after being persuaded by bassist Ray Brown in the early-1980s and record to critical acclaim until his death at age 66 ~ Haire was born in 1933
January 16, 2000 ~ Pianist, fiddler, songwriter John Morris Rankin passed away in Margaree, Canada ~ Original member of sibling outfit the Rankin Family, known for a string of country hits in their native Canada starting in the early-1990s. Well known songs include Orangedale Whistle, Fare Thee Well Love, Gillis Mountain, North Country, and The Roving Gypsy Boy. Rankin's daughter Molly Rankin is also a musician, lead singer and guitarist of indie pop band Alvvays ~ Rankin was born ca.1959
January 16, 2000 ~ Will J Jones, commonly known as R&B singer Will Dub Jones passed away in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Member of the Cadets, present on the band's biggest hit Stranded In The Jungle. Along with Cornell Gunter joined the Coasters in 1958, notably present on the classics Yakety Yak and Charlie Brown. Other notable credits include singing bass or backing vocals on 1950s singles such as Richard Berry's Jelly Roll, the Crescendos' Sweet Dreams, and Jesse Belvin's My Satellite ~ Jones was born in 1928
January 16, 1998 ~ Clifford Gilpin Snyder, commonly known as country singer, producer, publisher, radio and TV personality Cliffie Stone, passed away in Saugus, California, USA ~ A&R executive for Capitol Records in the 1940s. Discovered and managed Tennessee Ernie Ford. Host several radio and TV shows. As a singer, Stone recorded about half a dozen albums and is best known for the 1955 hit The Popcorn Song ~ Snyder was born in 1917
January 16, 1996 ~ Rock keyboardist, percussionist Richard Kermode passed away in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ First gained serious attention as member of Janis Joplin's backing unit the Kozmic Blues Band, present at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair performance in 1969. Following Joplin's death in 1971 joined Latin rock band Malo. Appeared on Santana's 1973 Welcome album as well as tour with the band on the Caravanserai tour. Would continue to work as a session musician, including with Betty Davis, Ned Doheny, José Areas, Patti Labelle, and Pete Escovedo ~ Kermode was born in 1946
January 16, 1995 ~ Jazz saxophonist Mickey Fields passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Mentor to many local emerging talents. Mentored Paul H Brown. Member of jump blues outfit the Tilters. Local celebrity, refused to play outside the greater Baltimore area ~ Fields was born ca.1933
January 16, 1991 ~ Blues guitarist, singer John Lee Hooker inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ~ Described by the Hall as “in a league of his own”, the blues singer is inducted into this year's class. Other inductees include the Byrds, Lavern Baker, the Impressions, Wilson Pickett, Jimmy Reed, and Ike & Tina Turner
January 16, 1987 ~ Actor, singer, fiddler Art Davis passed away in Bloomburg, Texas, USA ~ Accomplished fiddler by age 7. Not to be confused with the jazz bassist Art Davis. Played with Milton Brown, the Light Crust Doughboys, Bill Boyd, backed Gene Autry in movies and on tours. His last film appearance was in the 1949 film Cowboy's Holiday. Davis continued to perform into the 1980s ~ Davis was born in 1913
January 16, 1987 ~ Robert de Keersmaeker, commonly known as jazz pianist, trumpeter, bandleader Robert de Kers, passed away in Brussels, Belgium ~ Influenced by Louis Armstrong. Has worked with Fud Candrix, David Bee, Josephine Baker, Jack Kruger, Gus Clark, Eddie Tower, Toots Thielemans, and others ~ De Keersmaeker was born in 1906
January 16, 1984 ~ Alternative rock, post-hardcore, progressive rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist Kurt Travis, full name Kurt Thomas Travis, born in Scotsdale, Arizona, USA ~ Active since the early-2000s. First gained serious attention as lead singer of rockers O The Joy, present on the 2008 Zen Mode album. Member of Dance Gavin Dance from 2008 through 2010, present on the albums Dance Gavin Dance and Happiness. Best known for his work with A Lot Like Birds from 2011 through 2016 and as member of Royal Coda. Has also worked with Five Minute Ride, There & Back Again, No Not Constant, Eternity Forever, Push Over, Gold Necklace, Strawberry Girls, and others
January 16, 1981 ~ Indie rock, garage rock revival, rock guitarist Nick Valensi born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead and rhythm guitarist of rock band the Strokes. Also founded CRX, for which he serves as lead singer and guitarist, debuting with the album New Skin, in 2016. Has written for and sessioned with various artists including Sia, Regina Spektor and Kate Pierson
January 16, 1979 ~ Singer Aaliyah Dana Houghton, commonly known simply as Aaliyah, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ First gained attention at age 10 appearing on Star Search singing alongside Gladys Knight. Signed to Jive Records at age 12. Debuted in 1994 with the Age Ain't Nothing But A Number, produced by R Kelly. Would go on to work with producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott on her 1996 sophomore album One In A Million. Best known for Billboard top 20 hits such as At Your Best (You Are Love), The One I Gave My Heart To, Try Again, and Miss You. Killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas ~ Houghton passed away in 2001
January 16, 1979 ~ Funk, jazz, hip-hop, rock trumpeter Rashawn Ross born in St Thomas, Virgin Islands ~ Best known as touring member and session trumpeter with the Dave Matthews Band. Has also worked with Soulive, Yerba Buena, Lettuce, DJ Quik, Ninja Sex Party, the Fugees, Maceo Parker, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Roy Hargrove, Questlove, Common, Nate Dogg, Kelly Price, Meshell Ndegeocello, the String Cheese Incident, Taj Mahal, Ariana Grande, and Willie Nelson
January 16, 1976 ~ Rock, pop bassist Stuart Fletcher, full name Stuart Michael Fletcher, born in York, UK ~ Best known as member of the Seahorses, recruited by frontman John Squire who spotted Fletcher playing in a local pub blues band filling in for the band's regular bassist. Has also worked with the Yards, the Happy Mondays, Saint Etienne, Chris Helme, We Could Be Astronauts, and with Hurricane No.1
January 16, 1975 ~ Keyboardist Paul Beaver, full name Paul Henry Beaver Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Pioneering electronic musician. Closely associated with Bernie Krause, recording under the moniker Beaver & Krause. Has also played the Moog synthesizer on songs such as the Monkees' Star Collector and the Byrds' Goin' Back. Member of Scientology and a right-wing Republican ~ Beaver was born in 1925
January 16, 1974 ~ Pianist, composer Roy Bargy, full name Roy Fredrick Basrgy, passed away in Vista, California, USA ~ Reportedly, in 1928 became the first pianist to record George Gershwin's Piano Concerto In F. Has worked with Charley Straight, the Benson Orchestra Of Chicago, Isham Jones, Paul Whiteman, Jimmy Durante, and others ~ Bargy was born in 1894
January 16, 1973 ~ Singer Clara Ward, full name Clara Mae Ward, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Led family gospel outfit the Ward Singers, active since the 1930s and a major influence on singers such as Aretha Franklin. The group has backed up artists such as Mahalia Jackson, sang on Broadway and entertained troops during Vietnam tours ~ Ward was born in 1924
January 16, 1973 ~ Jazz saxophonist, violinist Edgar Sampson, full name Edgar Melvin Sampson, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Active since the mid-1920s, working with the likes of Duke Ellington, Bingie Madison, Billy Fowler, Fletcher Henderson, and Rex Stewart. Best known for his brief tenure with Chick Webb's ensemble from 1933 through 1936, during which time Sampson also co-wrote several of Webb's best known, including If Dreams Come True, Don't Be That Way, and Stompin' At The Savoy. The latter would become a standard, covered by over an estimated 400 artists including Coleman Hawkins, Cozy Cole, Art Pepper, and Charlie Byrd. Other well known songs co-written by Sampson include Blue Lou, first recorded by Benny Carter, and Lullaby In Rhythm, first recorded by Benny Goodman. Following his tenure with Webb, Sampson has worked with Artie Shaw, Red Norvo, Teddy Wilson, and Ella Fitzgerald, and from the late-1940s onwards Latin jazz artists such as Marcelino Guerra, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodriguez ~ Sampson was born in 1907
January 16, 1972 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, actor Greg Page, full name Gregory John Page, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Best known as lead singer, co-founder of children's music group the Wiggles from 1991 through 2006, rejoining in later years. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Greg Page album released in 1998
January 16, 1970 ~ Drummer Brendan O'Hare born ~ Member of Teenage Fanclub from 1989 through 1994, appearing on all the band's albums through Thirteen. Briefly played with Mogwal. Also worked with the Telstar Ponies, Macrosmica, Dave Barker, Liminal, and the Plimptons, as well as released a number of solo works starting with Ad Astra album in 1997
January 16, 1970 ~ William van Enckevort, commonly known as accordionist, keyboardist Tren van Enckevort, born in Sevenum, the Netherlands ~ Best known as member of Rowwen Hèze. In-demand session musician appearing on records by Acda & De Munnik, Anouk, Manuela Kemp, Guus Meeuwis. Has also produced Away From Here, the 2005 debut album of singer Stevie Ann
January 16, 1969 ~ Per Yngve Ohlin, commonly known as heavy metal singer, songwriter the Dead, born in Vasterhaninge, Sweden ~ One of the most prominent frontmen in metal. Best known as lead singer of black metal outfit Mayhem from 1988 until his death in 1991. Has previously fronted Morbid, which he co-founded ~ Ohlin passed away in 1991
January 16, 1969 ~ Indie pop guitarist, singer, songwriter Stevie Jackson born ~ Best known as member of Belle & Sebastian. Wrote a considerable amount of the band's material including Jonathan David on which Jackson also sang lead vocals. The band is best known for a number of early to mid-2000s singles, notably Legal Man, I'm A Cuckoo and Funny Little Frog. Has also worked with the Moondials and the Vaselines
January 16, 1969 ~ Vladimir Dukelsky, commonly known as composer, songwriter Vernon Duke, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Collaborated with lyricists such as Johnny Mercer, Ira Gershwin, Ogden Nash, and Sammy Cahn. Well known songs co-written by Duke include Taking A Chance On Love from the 1940 musical Cabin In The Sky, Hal Kemp's I Can't Get Started, April In Paris from the 1932 musical Walk A Little Faster and perhaps his best known Autumn In New York from the 1934 revue Thumbs Up. The latter would become a jazz standard recorded by Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Stan Kenton, Sarah Vaughan, and Tal Farlow ~ Dukelsky was born in 1903
January 16, 1966 ~ Wilma Cosmé, commonly known as singer hip-hop,Latin dance singer Safire, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Queen of Latin dance and hip-hop. Known for dance hits such as Don't Break My Heart, Let Me Be The One, I've Been Told and her biggest hit 1989's Thinking Of You crossing over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
January 16, 1963 ~ Jazz saxophonist Ike Quebec, full name Ike Abrams Quebec, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Barons Of Rhythm, Frankie Newton, Hot Lips Page, Roy Eldridge, Trummy Young, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, Coleman Hawkins, Cab Calloway, Sonny Clark, Grant Green, Jimmy Smith, Dodo Greene, and others ~ Quebec was born in 1918
January 16, 1962 ~ Nigel Hunter, oommonly known as singer, keyboardist Danbert Nobacon, born in Burley, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Chumbawamba, remaining with the band from 1982 through 2004, present on the band's best known such as Tubthumping and its follow-up Amnesia
January 16, 1962 ~ Robert William Athas, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal, heavy metal singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist Kane Roberts, born ~ Best known for backing Alice Cooper from 1985 through 1988, present on the albums Constrictor and Raise Your Fist And Yell. Also notably present on the 1986 Rod Stewart-album Every Beat Of My Heart. Co-wrote Take It Off of the 1992 Kiss-album Revenge. Released his eponymous Kane Roberts solo debut album in 1987. Has also worked with Phoenix Down, Berlin, SouthGang, Dudes Of Wrath, Desmond Child, Steve Vai, and others
January 16, 1962 ~ Singer Maxine Jones born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Founding member of R&B group En Vogue. singing lead on songs such as My Lovin' (You Never Gonna Get It) and Don't Let Go (Love). Released her solo debut album, To The Max, in 2014. Would reunite with a new En Vogue reincarnation in 2015. Teamed up with Dawn Robinson in 2019, touring under the moniker the Funky Divas
January 16, 1962 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Paul Webb, full name Paul Douglas Webb, born in London, UK ~ Best known as founding member, bassist of Talk Talk, remaining with the band through 1988 and present on the band's best known including It's My Life, Such A Shame, Life's What You Make It and Living In Another World. Webb's composition Another Word is the only Talk Talk song not written or co-written by the band's singer Mark Hollis. Webb also founded 1990s outfit O.rang, worked with Beth Gibbons on the collaborative album Out Of Season, produced James Yorkston's The Year Of The Leopard album, and has released a number of solo recordings
January 16, 1961 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, comedian Kenneth Sivertsen born in Bomlo, Norway ~ Worked with Jan Eggum, Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Tony Levin, Bob Mintzer, Herborg Kråkevik, Reidar Skar, and others
January 16, 1961 ~ Bassist Paul Raven, full name Paul Vincent Raven, born in Wolverhampton, UK ~ Best known as a member of post-punk outfit Killing Joke, including on their UK top 20 hit Love Like Blood of their 1985 Night Time album. Has also worked with Neon Hearts, Kitsch, Dogs D'Amour, Tony McPhee, Murder Inc, Prong, Zilch, Society 1, Ministry, Pigface, and others ~ Raven passed away in 2007
January 16, 1960 ~ Helen Folasade Adu, commonly known as singer Sade Adu, born in Ibadan, Nigeria ~ Former fashion student and model. Backup singer in Pride. Frontwoman, founder and eponym of Sade. Credited as one of the most successful, as well as most influential, British female vocalists in history. Debuted in 1983 with the Diamond Life album, which became the best-selling album ever by a British female singer and spawned hits such as Your Love Is King and Smooth Operator. The latter would reach the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. Subsequent albums would spawn more American top 10 hits through the remainder of the 1980s, The Sweetest Taboo and Never As Good As The First Time, and top 20 in the early-1990s, No Ordinary Love and Kiss Of Life
January 16, 1958 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist Wayne Bergeron born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Worked with Maynard Ferguson, David Benoit, Rosemary Clooney, Neil Diamond, Julio Iglesias, Jack Sheldon, Gordon Goodwin, Bill Elliott, Michael Feinstein, Bob Florence, Tom Kubis, John LaBarbera, Frank Macchia, Barry Manilow, John Powell, Chris Walden, Bill Watrous, Robbie Williams, Ryan Adams, Christina Aguilera, Avenged Sevenfold, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole, John Debney, Earth Wind & Fire, Amy Grant, Marvin Hamlisch, INXS, the Mars Volta, Martina McBride, Bette Midler, Buddy Miles, Tito Puente, the Pussycat Dolls, Brian Setzer, Lee Ann Womack, Neil Young, and others
January 16, 1957 ~ Conductor Arturo Toscanini passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most beloved musicians of the late 19th century, early 20th century. Household name in America, known for popularizing operatic and symphonic repertoire. Worked with La Scala, the New York Philharmonic, and the NBC Symphony Orchestra ~ Toscanini was born in 1867
January 16, 1957 ~ Rock & roll singer, pianist Little Richard records Keep A Knockin' (But You Can't Come In) ~ The origins of the song probably date back to the late-1920s, a well known version titled Keep Knockin' An' You Can't Get In recorded in 1928 by blues singer James Boodle It Wiggins. Variations have also been recorded by Lil Johnson in 1935, Milton Brown in 1936, and Louis Jordan in 1939. Richard's version, an uptempo rock & roll song, would reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts. It would be widely regarded as one of the songs that defined rock & roll. Musicians on the original Richard 1957 recording include Wilbert Smith, Grady Gaines, Clifford Burks, and Samuel Parker on saxophones, Nathaniel Douglas on guitar, Olsie Robinson on bass, Charles Connor on drums
January 16, 1956 ~ Andrew McArthur Smith, commonly known as new wave, rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Greedy Smith, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Joined Mental As Anything shortly after its formation in 1976 and remained with the band until his death. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Live It Up, a top 10 hit in the band's native Australia as well as across Europe after its inclusion in the film Crocodile Dundee. Smith has also worked with Greedy's People and with the Space Shuttle Ramblers ~ Smith passed away in 2019
January 16, 1955 ~ Guitarist, singer, producer, songwriter David Malachowski, full name David Frank Malachowski, born in Chenectady, New York, USA ~ Worked with Reckless, the Greg Austin Band, Janie Fricke, Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen, Shania Twain, Savoy Brown, Garth Hudson, Phoebe Legere, Mechanical Bull, Genya Ravan, Anthony Rapp, Daphne Rubin Vega, and others ~ Malachowski passed away in 2022
January 16, 1955 ~ Hard rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Dean Fasano born in Mountainside, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer of the short-lived early-1980s rock band Message, which also included Richie Sambora and Alec John Such. The band disbanded in 1983 with Sambora and Such recruited by Jon Bon Jovi. Fasano would go on to found and front Prophet ~ Fasano passed away in 2009
January 16, 1951 ~ Oswald Hibbert, commonly known as reggae organist, pianist, keyboardist Ossie Hibbert, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Active since the mid-1970s. Member of the Professionals, the Aggrovators, the Revolutionaries. Sessioned for artists such as Johnny Clarke, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy London, Delroy Wilson, Linval Thompson. As a solo artist known for two 1970s albums, 1976's Crueshal Dub and 1978's Satisfaction In Dub. Served as producer for Freddie McKay, Dillinger, Carlene Davis, Pat Kelly, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Errol Dunkley, Peter Hunnigale, the Wailing Souls ~ Hibbert passed away in 2012
January 16, 1950 ~ Hard rock, glam rock, pop rock guitarist, producer Bob Kulick, full name Robert Joel Kulick, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Brother of Kiss-guitarist Bruce Kolick. Worked with the Random Blues Band, Hookfoot, Michael Wendroff, Lou Reed, Balance, Meat Loaf, Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, WASP, the Skull, Blackthorne, Murderer's Row, Doro, Tim Ripper Owens, Michael Bolton, Motörhead, Tim Curry, Alice Cooper, Mark Farmer, Janis Ian, Was (Not Was), Kris Hadlock, Spys, and David Glen Eisley
January 16, 1950 ~ Kenji Suzuki, commonly known as krautrock, experimental rock singer Damo Suzuki, born in Kobe, Japan ~ Though his tenure with Krautrock pioneers Can was brief, it is generally considered the band's most important period. Busking outside a Hamburg cafe, he was spotted by bassist Holger Czukay and drummer Jaki Liebezeit who invited him to join the band. Suzuki gave his first performance with the band that same day, and would sing lead vocals on the albums Tago Mago, Ege Bamyasi, and Future Days. As a solo artist, Suzuki is most acclaimed for his 1998 Seattle live double album. Suzuki has been cited as an influence by Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Geoff Barrow of Portishead, and the band Spoon, who took their name from a Can song. Pavement's Stephen Malkmus has been quoted as saying: “I played Can's Ege Bamyasi album every night before I went to sleep for about three years.” ~ Suzuki passed away in 2024
January 16, 1949 ~ Bluegrass banjoist Tony Trischka, full name Anthony Cattell Trischka, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the most influential banjoists in progressive bluegrass. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist. Especially acclaimed for the 1992 Solo Banjo Works album, a collaborative effort with Béla Fleck, and for his 2008 Territory solo album. Closely associated with Skyline, Psychograss, and the Wayfaring Strangers. Has also appeared on albums by Country Cooking, David Grisman, Pete Wernick, Hazel Dickens, Peter Rowan, Violent Femmes, Alison Krauss, and Eugene Chadbourne
January 16, 1947 ~ James Pinkard, commonly known as bassist, singer Sandy Pinkard, born in Abbeville, Louisiana, USA ~ Half of Pinkard & Bowden, the other half being Richard Bowden. Pinkard also has written hits for Mel Tillis, Anne Murray, and Vern Gosdin. Played in a Dixieland high school band, together with childhood friend and then future the Eagles-singer Don Henley. Pinkard & Bowden has often been compared to Homer & Jethro, who also mixed musical parody and original songs, yet their material was often considered to be profane and they were actually the first country comedy act to have explicit content warning on its albums
January 16, 1946 ~ Michael Wells, commonly known as jazz drummer Spike Wells, born in Turnbridge, UK ~ Influenced by Miles Davis-drummers Tony Williams and Philly Joe Jones, also receiving some tutoring from the latter. Collaborated with Pat Crumly, Brian Priestley, Ron Mathewson, Ray Warleigh, Chris Pyne, Mick Pyne, Tubby Hayes, Humphrey Lyttelton, Stan Getz, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Art Farmer, Johnny Griffin, James Moody, Alan Barnes, Ian Maher, John Horler, Gwilym Simcock, and others
January 16, 1944 ~ R&B singer Katherine Anderson born ~ Co-founding and constant member of the Marvelettes, one of the seminal 1960s girl groups known for the hits Please Mr Postman, Playboy, and Don't Mess With Bill, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Beechwood 4-5789, Someday Someway, Strange I Know, As Long As He's Mine, Too Many Fish In The Sea, The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, When You're Young And In Love, and My Baby Must Be A Magician would all reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 Anderson retired from music ~ Anderson passed away in 2023
January 16, 1943 ~ Avant-garde jazz, chamber music, classical, pop double bassist Gavin Bryars, full name Richard Gavin Bryars, born in Goole, UK ~ First gained attention as bassist of jazz, free improvisation outfit the Joseph Holbrooke Trio alongside guitarist Derek Bailey and drummer Tony Oxley. Founding member of the Portsmouth Sinfonia. As a composer best known for his 1969 composition The Sinking Of The Titanic, and When Harry Met Addie, a tribute to singer Adelaide Hall and saxophonist Harry Carney premiered in 1999. Has also written operas, string quartets, vocal and choral music
January 16, 1943 ~ Country, country-pop pianist, singer, songwriter Ronnie Milsap, full name Ronnie Lee Milsap, born in Robbinsville, North Carolina, USA ~ One of the most popular performers in country, crossover country during the 1970s and 1980s. Relocated to Nashville at the urging of Charley Pride, who encouraged him to change course and focus on country. Broke through with the 1973 single I Hate You, reaching the top 10 of the country charts. Known for songs such as Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends, It Was Almost Like A Song, What A Difference You've Made In My Life, Only One Love In My Life, Smoky Mountain Rain, There's No Gettin' Over Me, I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World, Any Day Now, He Got You and Don't You Know How Much I Love You, all of which would top Billboard's country charts
January 16, 1942 ~ Barbara Lynn Ozen, commonly known as electric blues, R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Barbara Lynn born in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her debut single You'll Lose A Good Thing, co-written by Huey P Meaux, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1962 later covered by Aretha Franklin as well as by country singer Freddy Fender. Another of Lynn's songs, 1964's Oh Baby We've Got A Good Thing Goin', would be covered by the Rolling Stones on their 1965 The Rolling Stones Now album
January 16, 1941 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion, rock drummer Aldo Romano born in Belluno, Italy ~ Actively recording as a leader since the late-1970s. Worked with Don Cherry, Steve Lacy, Dexter Gordon, Michel Petrucciani, Gordon Beck, Paolo Damiani, Michel Graillier, Rolf Kühn, Joachim Kühn, Enrico Rava, and Louis Sclavis
January 16, 1941 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Mike Waterson born in Hull, UK ~ Best known as member of family outfit the Watersons, which also included his sisters Lal Waterson and Norma Waterson and brother-in-law Martin Carthy. Also worked with Albion Country Band on the album No Roses. Member of Blue Murder ~ Waterson passed away in 2011
January 16, 1940 ~ Salsa percussionist, bandleader Roberto Roena, full name Roberto Roena Vázquez, born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico ~ Original member of Cortijo & su Combo. Member of El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico. Formed and led El Apollo Sound since 1969, known for songs such as Y Tu Loco Loco, Traicion, Que Se Sepa and Herencia Rumbero and generally considered one of the premier salsa bands in Puerto Rico. Also known for his long-standing association with salsa supergroup the Fania All-Stars ~ Roena passed away in 2021
January 16, 1937 ~ Jacoba Adriana Hollestelle, commonly known as pop singer Conny Vandenbos, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known for songs such as Ik Ben Gelukkig Zonder Jou, Paleis Met De Gouden Muren, Sjakie Van De Hoek and perhaps her best known Een Roosje Mijn Roosje ~ Hollestelle passed away in 2002
January 16, 1934 ~ Surf guitarist, bassist Bob Bogle, full name Robert Lenard Bogle, born near Wagoner, Oklahoma, USA ~ Co-founded surf group the Ventures with Don Wilson. Initially the group's lead guitarist, perhaps most notably on their hit Walk Don't Run, later served as bassist ~ Bogle passed away in 2009
January 16, 1934 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Had her breakthrough when she was discovered by Igor Stravinsky. Would go on to sing with the Gelsenkirchen Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, and others. Married to conductor Henry Lewis from 1960 to 1979
January 16, 1930 ~ Drummer, pianist, bandleader Art Hickman, full name Arthur George Hickman, passed away ~ Worked with Ben Black, Earl Burtnett, Fred Coffman, Clyde Doerr, Frank Ellis, Dick Noolan, Ed Fitzpatrick, Jess Fitzpatrick, Roy Fox, Roy Hoback, Vic King, Lou Marcasie, Hank Miller, Mark Moica, Bert Ralton, Juan Ramos, Forrest Ray, Walt Rosemar, Bela Spiller, Dick Winfree, Flo Ziegfield and others ~ Hickman was born in 1886
January 16, 1930 ~ Henry Berthold Robinson, commonly known as jazz tenor saxophonist Spike Robinson born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA ~ While in the Navy, as a musician, and stationed in Britain played with English beboppers such as Tommy Pollard, Johnny Dankworth, and Victor Feldman. Worked as an engineer for the next three decades before returning to music recording with Victor Feldman, Ray Brown, Dick Morrisey, Bill Le Sage, Alec Dankworth, Bill Eyden, Louis Stewart, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Cohn, Roy Williams, and Claude Tissendier ~ Robinson passed away in 2001
January 16, 1929 ~ Wilbert Granville Thodore Hogan Jr, commonly known as jazz drummer GT Hogan, born in Galveston, Texas, USA ~ Played with Earl Bostic, Randy Weston, Kenny Drew, Kenny Dorham, Ray Charles, Elmo Hope, Bud Powell, Walter Bishop Jr, Earl Coleman, Hank Crawford, Curtis Fuller, Wilbur Harden, Cal Massey, Leo Parker, Ike Quebec, and with AK Salim ~ Hogan passed away in 2004
January 16, 1928 ~ Edward Lamonte Franklin, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Guitar Pete Franklin born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Guitar Pete's Blues and Casey Brown Blues. Influenced by guitarist Scrapper Blackwell and pianist Leroy Carr. Has worked with St Louis Jimmy Oden, Jazz Gillum, John Brim, Sunnyland Slim, Tampa Red ~ Franklin passed away in 1975
January 16, 1914 ~ Eugene Moss, commonly known as Piedmont blues harpist, guitarist, singer Buddy Moss, born in Jewell, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his early to mid-1930s recordings, notably Hey Lawdy Mama which would become a jazz and blues standard recorded by Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Freddie King (titled See See Mama), Junior Wells, and Cream. Moss has collaborated Curley Weaver, Fred McMullen, Blind Willie McTell, Ruth Willis, and Josh White ~ Moss passed away in 1984
January 16, 1913 ~ Vito Gugliermo Musso, commonly known as saxophonist Vido Musso born in Palermo, Italy ~ Recorded three albums as a leader in the mid-1950s, noted most for his sophomore effort The Swingin'st which featured Maynard Ferguson and Milt Bernhart. Spent most of his career as a sideman. Closely associated with Stan Kenton, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including Kenton In Hi-Fi released in 1956. Other associations include Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Dorsey, Billie Holiday, Martha Tilton, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Carl Fontana ~ Musso passed away in 1982
January 16, 1908 ~ Ethel Agnes Zimmermann, commonly known as singer Ethel Merman, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Dubbed “the First Lady of the Musical Comedy Stage” and known for introducing songs such as I Got Rhythm, Everything's Coming Up Roses, Some People, Rose's Turn, It's De-lovely, Friendship, I Get A Kick Out Of You, You're The Top, Anything Goes, and There's No Business Like Show Business ~ Zimmermann passed away in 1984
January 16, 1902 ~ Pianist, songwriter Evelyn Danzig born in Waco, Texas, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Scarlet Ribbons For Her Hair with Jack Segal, recorded by Jo Stafford, Harry Belafonte, the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Sinéad O'Connor, the Lennon Sisters, Wayne Newton, Perry Como, Dinah Shore, and others ~ Danzig passed away in 1996
January 16, 1894 ~ Isador Minsky, commonly known as music publisher, composer, songwriter Irving Mills, born in Odessa, Ukraine ~ Best known as music publisher, working with songwriters such as Zez Confrey, Sammy Fain, Harry Barris, Gene Austin, Hoagy Carmichael, Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields. Mills was incremental to the careers of artists such as Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ben Pollack, Jack Teagarden, Benny Goodman, Will Hudson, and Raymond Scott ~ Mills passed away in 1985
January 16, 1885 ~ Actress, singer Irène Bordoni born in Ajaccio, France ~ Child actress in silent films. Would go on to a lengthy career on stage and screen, including several Broadway musicals notably The French Doll1 in 1922 introducing the George Gershwin-penned Do It Again and Paris in 1928 which spawned the hit Let\s Do It (Let's Fall In Love), the first big succes for songwriter Cole Porter ~ Bordoni passed away in 1953