January 18, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter David Crosby, full name David Van Cortlandt Crosby, passed away ~ Best known as co-founding member of Crosby Stills & Nash, a pivotal group emerging from the 1960s and noted especially for their harmonies. The trio would on occasion be joined by guitarist Neil Young, including on the seminal 1970 Déjà Vu album for which Crosby wrote Almost Cut My Hair and Déjà Vu. Also a member of the Byrds, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Lady Friend, Why and Eight Miles High. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with If I Could Only Remember My Name released in 1971. Formed CPR with guitarist Jeff Pevar and his son James Raymond ~ Crosby was born in 1941
January 18, 2023 ~ Marcel Zannini, commonly known as jazz clarinetist, bandleader Marcel Zanini, passed away ~ Best known for Tu Vuex Ou Tu Veux Pas, an adaptation of Wilson Simonal's Nem Vem Que Não Tem. Worked with Léo Missir, Georges Arvanitas, Eddy Louiss, and others. Father of writer, painter, jazz guitarist Marc-Edouard Nabe, with whom he occasionally worked ~ Zannini was born in 1923
January 18, 2022 ~ Richard Bernard Halligan, commonly known as pianist, trombonist, flutist, producer, arranger Dick Halligan, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Co-founding member of Blood Sweat & Tears. Wrote Redemption and Lisa Listen To Me. Trombonist on the band's 1968 Child Is Father To The Man debut album, switched to piano and flute after Al Kooper left. Remained with the band through 1971, leaving after the BS&T 4 album. Worked as a film composer and performer since ~ Halligan was born in 1943
January 18, 2021 ~ Violinist, composer Daniel Kobialka passed away ~ Best known as second violinist with the San Francisco Symphony from 1975 through 2008. As a composer known for Concerto For The Zeta-Polyphonic Violin, which premiered in 2021. Had Ben Weber's Violin Concerto No.1 dedicated to him. Guest violinist on rock band Ambrosia's 1975 eponymous Ambrosia album, noted for his violin solo on the track Holdin' On To Yesterday ~ Kobialka was born in 1943
January 18, 2021 ~ Singer, actor Jimmie Rodgers, full name James Frederick Rodgers, passed away in Palm Desert, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1957 Honeycomb hit single, penned by Bob Merrill and previously recorded by Georgie Shaw. Would go on to have a successful run throughout the 1960s with country-pop and crossover songs including Kisses Sweeter Than Wine, Oh-oh I'm Falling In Love Again, Secretly and Are You Really Mine ~ Rodgers was born in 1933
January 18, 2021 ~ Songwriter, arranger, producer Perry Botkin Jr passed away ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Nadia's Theme (The Young And Restless), originally titled Cotton's Dreams, with Barry Devorzon, who performed the song. Nadia's Theme (The Young And Restless) was originally used for the soundtrack of the 1971 Bless The Beasts And The Children film but would become best known as the theme to the soap opera The Young & The Restless since its premiere in 1973. The song would be informally retitled to Nadia's Theme after it became associated with gymnast Nadia Comaneci during and after the 1976 Summer Olympics. Botkin is also closely associated with the Incredible Bongo Band, and has served as arranger for Bobby Darin, Harry Nilsson, Gary Crosby, the Lettermen, Ed Ames, and Harper's Bizarre. Botkin Jr was the son of jazz guitarist, banjoist and composer Perry Botkin ~ Botkin was born in 1933
January 18, 2020 ~ Composer John Burke, full name John Joseph Burke, passed away in Marmora, Canada ~ Mainly composed for chamber enembles. Best known for works such as Six Regions For Piano, Spectre For Tenor Instruments and perhaps his best known Firewind published in 1980. The latter would notably be recorded by Bruce Mather and Pierrete LePage ~ Burke was born in 1951
January 18, 2019 ~ Singer Ariana Grande releases 7 Rings, lifted off her Thank U (Next) album ~ The song was inspired by a shopping spree when six of Ariana Grande's friends, including the song's co-writers Victoria Monét and Tayla Parx, took Grande to Tiffany's for some retail therapy after her split from boyfriend Pete Davidson. Grande bought herself and her girlfriends matching rings, and subsequently penned 7 Rings. Grande actually bought ten rings that day, but her mother, grandmother and friend Hannah Lux Davis received theirs after the song was finished. 7 Rings would reach No.1 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and America. When the single hit No.1 Billboard Hot 100, Grande became the first artist since the Beatles back in 1964 to occupy the top three as Break Up With Your Girlfriend (I'm Bored) and Thank U (Next), both lifted off the same album, sat at respectively No.2 and No.3
January 18, 2018 ~ Drummer Steve Nisbett, also known as Steve Grizzly Nisbett, passed away in Birmingham, UK ~ Longtime drummer for UK reggae outfit Steel Pulse, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums including the Grammy Award-winner Babylon The Bandit released in 1986. Nisbett remained with the band from its inception in 1977 until retiring from music altogether in 2001 for health reasons. Prior to his tenure with Steel Pulse, Nisbett has worked with soul outfits such as Penny Black, Rebel, and Roy Gee & the Stax Explosion ~ Nisbett was born in 1948
January 18, 2017 ~ Drummer Mike Kellie, full name Michael Alexander Kellie, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of VIP's, Spooky Tooth, and the Only Ones, including on the latter's Another Girl Another Planet which though not a hit was once described by AllMusic as “arguably, the greatest rock single ever recorded”. An in-demand drummer throughout his career, Kellie has appeared on albums by Traffic (The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys) Joe Cocker, Andy Leigh, Andy Roberts, Luther Grosvenor, Steve Gibbons, Three Man Army, Peter Frampton (Wind Of Change), Jerry Lee Lewis, Splinter, the Who (Tommy), and Paul Kossoff. Kellie released his sole solo album, Music From The Hidden, in 2014 ~ Kellie was born in 1947
January 18, 2016 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist Glenn Frey, full name Glenn Lewis Frey, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the duo Longbranch Pennywhistle with JD Souther, known for their sole eponymous 1969 Longbranch Pennywhistle album. Frey would rise to fame as co-lead singer of the Eagles alongside Don Henley. Frey co-wrote a vast amount of the band's best known, at times with old pal Souther, and sang lead on songs such as Take It Easy, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Tequila Sunrise, Already Gone, Lyin' Eyes, New Kid In Town, and Heartache Tonight. After the band disbanded in 1980, Frey ventured out on his own, starting with his No Fun Aloud solo debut album in 1982. As a solo artist, Frey is known for hits such as The One You Love, The Heat Is On, and You Belong To The City, the latter two both peaking at No.2 Billboard Hot 100. Frey has also occasionally acted in films and TV series ~ Frey was born in 1948
January 18, 2015 ~ Drummer Dallas Taylor, full name Dallas Woodrow Taylor Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of late-1960s psychedelic rock band Clear Light. Best known for appearing on Crosby Stills & Nash's 1969 eponymous Crosby Stills & Nash debut album and its follow-up acclaimed 1970 landmark Déjà Vu album. Has also worked with Stephen Stills, including in Manassas, guested on the Byrds' 1973 The Byrds reunion album, played with Van Morrison at the 1974 Montreux Festival, and toured with Paul Butterfield ~ Taylor was born in 1948
January 18, 2014 ~ Rock, pop rock, progressive rock singer, songwriter Dennis Frederiksen, full name Dennis Hardy Frederiksen, passed away in Mound, Minnesota, USA ~ Briefly lead singer for Toto, appearing on the 1984 Isolation album which spawned the hit Stranger In Town. For the album Frederiksen co-wrote Angel Don't Cry, Isolation, Mr Friendly and Change Of Heart. Has also sung lead for Trillion, Angel, and Leroux. Sang backup on Survivor's Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Eye Of The Tiger and the top 20 follow-up American Heartbeat ~ Frederiksen was born in 1951
January 18, 2012 ~ Tabla player Keshav Sathe passed away ~ Pivotal to Indo-jazz fusion. Collaborated with the Asian Music Circle, Joe Harriott, John Mayer, Irène Schweizer, Barney Wilen, Manfred Schoof, John Renbourn, Danny Thompson, Julie Felix, Bhaskar Chandavarkar, Larry Adler, Tony Roberts, Alisha Sufit, Suns Of Arqa, and others ~ Sathe was born in 1928
January 18, 2011 ~ Highlife singer, guitarist Alex Konadu passed away in Kumasi, Ghana ~ Dubbed “One Man Thousand” for his ability to draw crowds wherever he appeared. Best known for his Asaase Asa hit of the 1976 album of the same name ~ Konadu was born ca.1948
January 18, 2010 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Kate McGarrigle passed away in Montreal, Canada ~ Best known for performing with her sister Anna McGarrigle as Kate & Anna McGarrigle, debuting with the critically acclaimed eponymous Kate & Anna McGarrigle album in 1976. The duo has collaborated with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, the Chieftains, and Marianne Faithfull. Mother of singers Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright from her marriage to singer Loudon Wainwright III ~ McGarrigle was born in 1946
January 18, 2007 ~ Punk rock, surf rock bassist, guitarist, singer Brent Liles, full name Brent Harold Liles, passed away in Placentia, California, USA ~ Member of Social Distortion from 1981 through 1984. Member of Agent Orange from 1988 through 1992. Retired from music by the mid-1990s running a nursing home since. Died after a traffic accident, hit by a truck while cycling ~ Liles was born in 1963
January 18, 1999 ~ Singer Virginia Verrill, full name Catherine Virginia Verrill, passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Daughter of vaudeville entertainer Aimee McLean-Verrill, with whom she appeared on-stage at a mere 5 months old. Has also sung with family friend Paul Whiteman when she was 3 years old. Would go on to enjoy popularity as a big band and radio singer, hosting her own Vocals By Verrill radio show by 1937. Has worked with the orchestras of David Brockman, Johnny Green, Orville Knapp. Also ghost-sang in Hollywood films for female stars perhaps most notably for Jean Harlow in the mid-1930s films Reckless and Suzy. Verrill retired from show business in 1942 ~ Verrill was born in 1916
January 18, 1998 ~ R&B singer Antoine TCD Lundy passed away in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Force MD's, scoring a string of 1980s hits including their best known 1985's Tender Love, featured in the film Krush Groove and reaching the Billboard top 10 ~ Lundy was born in 1963
January 18, 1995 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Charles Baskerville passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of Shep & the Limelites, with whom he recorded a string of singles in the first half of the 1960s including Ready For Your Love, Three Steps From The Altar, and What Did Daddy Do. Though most of their singles failed to reach the top half of the Billboard Hot 100, the trio are acknowledged as one of the finest and most consistent doo-wop outfits. Their best known, Daddy's Home, reached the top 10, peaking at No.2 in 1961, and over the years would be covered by dozens of artists, including notably Gene Chandler, Dee Dee Sharp, Chuck Jackson & Maxine Brown, Paul Anka, and Cliff Richard ~ Baskerville was born in 1936
January 18, 1994 ~ Songwriter, violinist Arthur Altman passed away in Lake Worth, Florida, USA ~ Although Altman has co-written over an estimated 400 songs, he is best remembered for co-writing All Or Nothing At All with Jack Lawrence. The song was first recorded in 1939 by Jimmy Dorsey featuring Bob Eberly as the orchestra's lead vocalist, and has gone on to become a standard recorded by hundreds of artists including Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Morgana King, Billie Holiday, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Bobby Darin, Gloria Lynne, Shirley Bassey, and Ella Fitzgerald. Other songs co-written by Altman have been recorded by George Olsen, the Ink Spots (You're Breaking My Heart All Over Again), Jo Stafford, Teresa Brewer (Le Grand Tour De L'Amour), and Eddie Fisher ~ Altman was born in 1910
January 18, 1991 ~ Singer Amy Grant releases Baby Baby, lifted off her Heart In Motion album ~ Other than her duet with former Chicago-singer Peter Cetera, The Next Time I Fall becoming a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit in 1986, Christian singer Amy Grant remained largely unknown to secular audiences. In Christian music circles, however, she enjoyed great popularity with nearly everyone of her albums reaching the top spot on the Christian charts. The pop-oriented Heart In Motion album would also do well with secular audiences, spawning four Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits including Baby Baby, her highest charting solo single, written by Grant and producer Keith Thomas for her then-recently born daughter Millie. Baby Baby topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks, and earned Grant three Grammy Award nominations
January 18, 1988 ~ Singer Billy Ocean releases Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car), lead single off his Tear Down These Walls album ~ Up to this point producer Robert John Mutt Lange had enjoyed considerable success, producing and regularly co-writing international hits for the likes of AC/DC, Foreigner, the Cars, the Boomtown Rats, and Michael Bolton, but had yet to score a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit as a co-writer. Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car), co-written with Ocean, would be his first. Just months after Ocean's charttopper though, he scored another co-write No.1 hit when Def Leppard's Love Bites would top the American charts. For the Trinidadian-born British singer Ocean, Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car) would be his third and final American No.1, preceded by Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) and There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry). Ocean would take some well-deserved time off in the 1990s, but never retired, returning from time to time with a new album. Lange would continue to score hits as a producer with a wide array of artists, perhaps most notably Shania Twain to whom he was married from 1993 through 2010
January 18, 1988 ~ James Christian Charters, commonly known as DJ, rapper Ironik, born in London, UK ~ Drawing from hip hop, grime, R&B and UK garage. Released his No Point In Wasting Tears debut album in 2008, spawning the UK top 10 hits Stay With Me and Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer) featuring Chipmunk and Elton John. Has continued to record but failed to repeat the success of his debut album
January 18, 1986 ~ Actress, singer, dancer Becca Tobin born in Marietta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for starring in the musical comedy-drama series Glee from 2012 through 2015, portraying the role of Kitty Wilde. Has also acted in non-musical roles in TV series and films, as well as stage productions of musicals such as West Side Story, Oklahoma and Rock Of Ages
January 18, 1985 ~ Jazz violinist, conductor, musical director, composer Georgie Stoll, full name George Martin Stoll, passed away ~ Best known for his work during the Golden Age of musicals from the 1940s through the 1960s, joining Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1937. Musical director, conductor for musical films such as Honolulu, Ice Follies Of 1939 and Babes In Arms. Has worked with the likes of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and others. Also involved in some of the later Elvis Presley films, notably Viva Las Vegas and Spinout ~ Stoll was born in 1905
January 18, 1984 ~ Country singer Kristy Lee Cook born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Debuted in 2005 with the album Devoted. First gained serious exposure in 2008 as finalist of the 7th season of American Idol talent show. Her first post- Idol album, 2008's Why Wait, spawned the modest country hit 15 Minutes Of Shame
January 18, 1984 ~ Bouzouki player, songwriter Vassilis Tsitsanis passed away in London, UK ~ One of the leading Greek composers, widely regarded as one of the founders of Rebetiko and Laiko. Recorded prolifically starting in the late-1930s. Had his compositions recorded by Sotiria Bellou, Marika Ninou, Ioanna Georgekopoulou, and Prodromos Tsaousakis ~ Tstitsanis was born in 1915
January 18, 1983 ~ Folk, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Brianna Lea Pruett born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Tom Waits, Roberta Flack, Doc Watson, Emmylou Harris, Carole King, Iron & Wine, Pavement, Woody Guthrie, Charles Mingus. Best known for her 2011 The Stars The Moon The Owl The Cougar And You album ~ Pruett passed away in 2015
January 18, 1983 ~ Dance-punk, dance-pop, new rave, indie pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Katie White, full name Katie Rebecca White, born in Lowton, UK ~ Formed the pop punk trio TKO with Joanne Leeson and Emma Lally while still in her mid-teens, enjoying moderate success opening for Steps and Atomic Kitten. Subsequently formed Dear Eskimo with DJ Simon Templeman. Best known as half of the indie pop duo the Ting Tings, formed in 2007 with Jules De Martino, scoring the UK top 10 hits That's Not My Name and Shut Up And Let Me Go both taken of their We Started Nothing debut album
January 18, 1982 ~ Indie folk, avant-garde, baroque pop singer, harpist, pianist, songwriter Joanna Newsom, full name Joanna Caroline Newsom, born in Grass Valley, California, USA ~ Classically trained harpist. Member of indie band the Pleased. Released her full-length solo debut album, The Milk-eyed Mender, in 2004 to critical acclaim and has recorded to an expanding fanbase since
January 18, 1981 ~ Jazz tubist Martin Taxt born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Revered sideman active since the 2000s, has worked with Lena Nymark, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Nils Ostendorf, Tore Augestad, Tetuzi Akiyama, Microtub, Kurt Liedwart, and others
January 18, 1980 ~ Double bassist Dominic Lash born in Cambridge, UK ~ Worked with the Oxford Improvisers, Angharad Davies, Bruno Guastalla, Alexander Hawkins, Tim Hill, Steve Noble, Samantha Rebello, Pat Thomas, Philipp Wachsmann, Alex Ward, John Butcher, Evan Parker, Tony Conrad, Joe Morris, Tony Buck, Taylor Ho Bynum, the London Improvisers Orchestra, Tony Bevan, and others
January 18, 1980 ~ Estelle Fanta Sway, mononymously known as R&B, pop singer Estelle, born in London, UK ~ Best known for American Boy featuring Kanye West of her 2008 sophomore Shine album. Has also collaborated with John Legend, Robin Thicke, David Guetta (One Love), Rick Ross, Chris Brown, will.i.am, and with De La Soul
January 18, 1980 ~ Indie hip-hop, alternative hip-hop rapper Illogic born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Released his full-length Unforeseen Shadows debut album in 2002. Closely associated with Blueprint, who produced several of his albums. Has also worked with Aesop Rock, Vast Aire, Eyedea, the Slug, Doseone, Blockhead, and others
January 18, 1976 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Damien Leith, full name Damien Leo Leith, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ First gained attention in 2006 winning Network Ten's talent show Australian Idol and has since released a number of albums, seven of which reaching Platinum status. Best known for songs such as Night Of My Life and 22 Steps
January 18, 1975 ~ Country, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Hiland born in Woodland, Maine, USA ~ Session guitarist for artists such as Hank Williams III, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Lynn Anderson, Janie Fricke, Randy Travis, Toby Keith, Ricky Skaggs, and others. Debuted as a solo artist with his eponymous Johnny Hiland album in 2004 and has recorded steadily since
January 18, 1975 ~ Singer Maria Del Mar Rodriguez Carnero, also known as La Mari, born in Malaga, Spain ~ Lead singer of Chambao, formed in 2001 with Eduardo Casañ and Daniel Casañ. Guested on Ricky Martin's Tu Recuerdo of his 2006 MTV Unplugged album. Has also collaborated with Enrique Morente, Macaco, Jarabe De Palo, Cesária Évora, Miguel Rios, Rosario Flores, Lila Downs, Helena Paparizou, and others
January 18, 1974 ~ Pop-rock, house singer, songwriter Christian Burns, full name Christian Anthony Burns, born in Wigan, UK ~ One third of Bbmak, alongside Mark Barry and Stephen McNally, known for a string of hits from the late-1990s through the band's disbandement in 2003. Best known for 1999's Back Here which reached the top 5 on both sides of the Atlantic. Burns has since worked with Tiësto (In The Dark, Power Of You), Benny Benassi (Love And Motion), Jes Brieden (As We Collide), co-wrote and is featured on several of BT's songs of the 2010 album These Hopeful Machines, Richard Durand (Night And Day), and Armin Van Buuren (This Light Between Us). Burns released his debut solo album, Simple Modern Answers, in 2013. Co-founded the Blind Love in 2016 with Radford Mead and Ash Soan. Their song Without You premiered on the TV show The Vampire Diaries the same year
January 18, 1973 ~ Producer Bill Hamel born in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Founding member of trance band Fatum. Best known as a producer who worked with artists such as Brandy and Kanye West (Talk About Our Love), Paul Oakenfold (Hold Your Hand), Justin Timberlake (Cry Me A River), Nelly Furtado (Do It), Mandy Moore (Extraordinary), Rihanna (Unfaithful), Madonna (Hung Up), Fluke (Nobody), Carmen Electra (I Like It Loud), Seal (The Weight Of My Mistakes), Jason Derülo (In My Head, Whatcha Say), Tegan & Sara (Alligator), Michael Bublé (You Got What It Takes), U2 (Magnifique), and Marilyn Manson (Heart Shaped Glasses) ~ Hamel passed away in 2018
January 18, 1973 ~ Crispian John David Boulting, commonly known as indie rock, alternative rock, Britpop singer, guitarist, songwriter Crispian Mills, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Rose to fame as frontman of rock band Kula Shaker. The band is known for 1990s songs such as Tattva, Hey Dude, the Joe South-penned Hush previously a hit for Billy Joe Royal and notably Deep Purple, and The Sound Of Drums, all of which reached the UK top 10. The band initially folded in 1999, having released only the albums K and Peasants Pigs & Astronauts, but has reconvened in later years
January 18, 1973 ~ Guitarist Luther Dickinson, full name Luther Andrews Dickenson, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of producer Jim Dickinson. Lead guitarist, singer of southern rock, blues-rock outfit the North Mississippi Allstars, which he co-founded with his brother drummer, keyboardist, singer Cody Dickenson. Luther also guested on recordings by Calvin Russell, Jimbo Mathus, Jon Spencer (Acme), Othar Turner, John Hermann, Lucero, Bob Frank, Jim Lauderdale, the Replacements (Pleased To Meet You), Shawn Lane, Willy DeVille, John Eddie, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Patty Griffin (American Kid), Seasick Steve, Samantha Fish, and Southern Avenue
January 18, 1971 ~ Experimental singer, pianist, bassist Azita Youssefi born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Formed the Scissor Girls in 1991 with guitarist Sue Anne Zollinger and drummer Heather Melowic. Played keyboards for Miss High Heels. Member of Bride Of No No. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Music For Scattered Brains released in 1995
January 18, 1971 ~ Singer, multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Davis born in Bakersfield, California, USA ~ Lead singer, frontman of nu metal band Korn. Son of Ricky Duane Davis, keyboardist for Buck Owens and Frank Zappa. Released two solo live albums under the moniker Jonathan Davis & the SFA. Also DJ's and records under the EDM alter ego Jdevil
January 18, 1970 ~ David Marvin Blake, commonly known as MC, DJ, rapper, producer DJ Quik, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Best known for recordings such as Tonite, Born And Raised In Compton and Jus Lyke Compton. Worked with the Penthouse Players Clique, Suge Knight, MC Eiht, Tupac Shakur, Tony Toni Toné, Shaquille O'Neal, Suga Free, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, AMG, Luniz, Deborah Cox, Jermaine Dupri, Whitney Houston, Erick Sermon, Xzibit, Kurupt, Big Syke, Janet Jackson, Talib Kweli, Will Smith, Shade Sheist, the Fixxers, Teddy Riley, Ice Cube, Bun B, Bizzy Bone, Dwele, and others
January 18, 1969 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Jim O'Rourke born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Formed Brise-Glace with Darin Gray and Dylan Posa, known for their solo album When In Vanitas released in 1994. Member of Safety, Gastr del Sol and perhaps most notably Sonic Youth from 1999 through 2005. Has recorded as a solo artist and served as producer for the likes of Stereolab, Superchunk, Wilco (A Ghost Is Born), John Fahey, the Red Krayola, Beth Orton, Joanna Newsom, and others
January 18, 1969 ~ Gospel singer, pianist, songwriter Roberta Martin, full name Roberta Evelyn Martin, passed away ~ Co-founded the Martin Frye Quartet with the help of Reverend Thomas A Dorsey. The group would be renamed to the Roberta Martin Singers by the mid-1930s and set the standard for future gospel choirs and become known for hits such as Only A Look, Try Jesus He Satisfies and Grace. Martin would be influential on artists such as Albertina Walker, James Cleveland and Alex Bradford, the latter two starting their careers in Martin's group ~ Martin was born in 1907
January 18, 1968 ~ Bruce Alexander Michael Brewster, commonly known as reggae, dancehall singer, songwriter Rayvon, born in Barbados ~ Known best for a number of collaborations with Shaggy starting in the early-1990s, notably the singles Big Up, In The Summertime and Angel, the latter a 2001 No.1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Released his Hear My Cry solo debut album in 1997
January 18, 1966 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Fred Wise passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-writing a number of songs for Elvis Presley, usually in partnership with Ben Weisman. Well known songs include Crawfish, Pocketful Of Rainbows, Summer Kisses Winter Tears, Follow That Dream, and Kissin' Cousins. Others who recorded his songs include Frankie Carle, Nat King Cole, Patti Page, and Sarah Vaughan ~ Wise was born in 1915
January 18, 1965 ~ Blues guitarist Johnny DeFrancesco born ~ Son of John DeFrancesco and brother of Joey DeFrancesco, both noted organists with whom he has also worked. Has also collaborated with Duke Jethro, John Lee Hooker, Luther Tucker, Johnny Heartsman, and others
January 18, 1964 ~ Bo Stagman, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer Zinny J Zan, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Influenced by Aerosmith, Kiss, the Sex Pistols, and Thin Lizzy. Lead singer for 1980s glam metal outfit Shotgun Messiah, known for their 1989 eponymous Shotgun Messiah. Also worked with the Zan Clan, Easy Action, Kingpin, and Stagman
January 18, 1963 ~ Serge Mayer, commonly known as drummer Jojo Mayer, born in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Bridges jazz, drum and bass, jungle, R&B, and others idions. Founded electronica trio Nerve. Worked with Screaming Headles Torsos, the Intergalactic Maiden Ballet, John Medeski, Harry Sokal, Leo Tardin, Janek Gwizdala, Depart, Rebekka Bakken, and others
January 18, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Phillip Boa born in Dortmund, West Germany ~ Frontman, co-founding member of Voodoocult, with whom he has recorded well over a dozen albums since the mid-1980s. The band has been described as a mix between Captain Beefheart and the B52's and is especially known for their 1989 Hair breakout album which spawned the single Container Love
January 18, 1962 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Darren Brown, full name Darren Mark Brown, born in London, UK ~ Also known as Wiz. Lead singer, guitarist for indie punk outfit the Mega City Four, enjoying popularity during the late-1980s and 1990s due to their extensive touring and critically acclaimed for their 1994 Magic Bullets album. Following the band's disbandement in 1996 Brown has worked with Serpico, which also included old bandmate Gerry Bryant, and subsequently with Ipanema ~ Brown passed away in 2006
January 18, 1961 ~ Jazz guitarist, songwriter Bobby Broom born in New York, New York, USA ~ Recorded with artists including Tom Browne, Kenny Burrell, Dr John, Charles Earland, David Murray, Sonny Rollins, Pharez Whitted, Dave Grusin, Stanley Turrentine, Sadao Watanabe, Ronnie Cuber, and Red Holloway
January 18, 1959 ~ Producer, songwriter Bob Rosenberg born ~ Best known for founding the group Will To Power. The group scored an international hit, including reaching the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, with their 1988 single Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird (Medley) mashing up Peter Frampton's Baby I Love Your Way and Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird. Other well known songs include Say It's Gonna Rain, Fading Away and the 10cc-cover I'm Not In Love
January 18, 1957 ~ Jazz, classical trumpeter, hornist, conductor, arranger, composer Bert Joris born in Belgium ~ Leader and sideman. Classically trained. Influenced by Sergei Prokofiev, Igor Stravinsky, Claude Debussy. Acclaimed for his 1998 Le Bal Masqué album. Has worked with the BRT Jazzorkest, Philip Catherine, Dado Moroni, Dré Pallemaerts, Joe Lovano, and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra
January 18, 1956 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records Now You Has Jazz ~ Written by Cole Porter for the High Society musical. Crosby is backed by an all-star cast which includes Louis Armstrong, Trummy Young, Edmond Hall, Billy Kyle, Arvell Shaw and Barrett Deems
January 18, 1956 ~ Rock guitarist Jack Sherman born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, replacing Hillel Slovak in 1983. Present on the band's eponymous the Red Hot Chili Peppers debut album. Co-wrote several tracks of their debut as well as the band's sophomore Freaky Styley album. Also worked with Bob Dylan, George Clinton, Tonio K, Feargal Sharkey, and others ~ Sherman passed away in 2020
January 18, 1956 ~ Singer, actor, producer, songwriter Mark Collie born in Waynesboro, Tennessee, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Even The Man In The Moon Is Crying and Born To Love You. Has also written songs for Aaron Tippin, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and JT Hodges
January 18, 1956 ~ New wave, pop, synth-pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Tom Bailey, full name Thomas Alexander Bailey, born in Halifax, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead singer for 1980s new wave, pop band Thompson Twins, with whom he recorded eight albums through 1993. The band would reach top 10 in their native UK with the singles Love On Your Side, We Are Detective, Hold Me Now, Doctor Doctor, and You Take Me Up. The band would also include Bailey's girlfriend Alannah Currie, whom he would marry in 1991. Following the band's disbandement the couple would form the electronica-duo Babble, known for the albums The Stone and Ether. Bailey recorded with the dub duo International Observer during the 2000s, and released his sole solo album, Science Fiction, in 2018
January 18, 1955 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter, keyboardist, producer Angela Winbush, full name Angela Lisa Winbush, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Rose to fame as half of the duo René & Angela, the other half being René Moore, known for songs such as Save Your Love For No.1, I'll Be Good and Your Smile. Subsequently scored as a solo artist throughout the mid-1990s with songs such as Angel, Run To Me, It's The Real Thing, Treat U Rite, Floatin' On Your Love, the latter a collaborative effort with the Isley Brothers
January 18, 1955 ~ Danzónzan pianist, bandleader, composer Antonio María Romeu, full name Antonio María Romeu Marrero, passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ Worked with the Orquesta Cervantes, the Orquesta Romeu, Fernando Collazo, and Barbarito Diez ~ Romeu was born in 1876
January 18, 1955 ~ DJ, producer Frankie Knuckles born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Known as “the Godfather of House Music”, pivotal in development of house music in the 1980s. Closely associated with Larry Levan. Reigned as club DJ in Chicago's the Warehouse through late-1982 when Knuckles opened his own club. As a recording artist, producer best known for his collaborations with Jamie Principle, especially Your Love and Baby Wants To Ride. Co-produced the Pet Shop Boys' I Want A Dog from their 1988 Introspective album. Also worked with Chip E, David Morales, Lisa Michaelis, Marshall Jefferson, Loose Ends, Adeva, Nicki Richards, and others ~ Knuckles passed away in 2014
January 18, 1955 ~ Percussionist, pianist, singer, bandleader, composer Marilyn Mazur born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of Future Song, which included her husband Klavs Hovman. Has also worked with Six Winds, Alex Riel, John Tchicai, Pierre Dørge, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Palle Mikkelborg, Arild Andersen, Eberhard Weber, Peter Kowald, Jeanne Lee, Jan Garbarek, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Gil Evans, Dhafer Youssef, Makiko Hirabayashi, and others
January 18, 1953 ~ Composer, conductor Arthur Wood passed away in London, UK ~ Best remembered for composing the orchestral piece My Native Heath which included his best known song Barwick Green. The latter would be used as the signature theme for the BBC radio 4 show Radio. As a conductor associated with the Harrogate Municipal Orchestra, the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra and especially a wide array of London theater orchestras for over three decades. Has composed orchestral works and musicals including Yvonne, Petticoat Fair and Fancy Fair ~ Wood was born in 1875
January 18, 1953 ~ Guitarist, film composer, producer Brian Keane born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Nominated for an Academy Award for the score to the 1980 documentary Against Wind And Tide (A Cuban Odyssey). Would go on to become an in-demand composer for documentaries, some critics hailing Keane as “the John Williams of the documentary.” Also known as a producer of world music in the 1980s and 1990s. Has collaborated with Omar Faruk Tekbliek, Linda Ronstadt, Pete Seeger, Joanie Madden, Taj Mahal, Michael Hedges, Buckwheat Zydeco, Yomo Toro, David Darling, Vieux Diop, Arlo Guthrie, and the Clancy Brothers
January 18, 1952 ~ Robert Steven Moore, commonly known as lo-fi, power pop, post-punk, experimental singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter R Stevie Moore born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of renowned session bassist Bob Moore. Pioneering lo-fi musician often dubbed “the Godfather of Home Recording” having self-released approximately 400 albums with some three dozen albums, mostly compilations, released as “official” albums on a variety of labels
January 18, 1951 ~ Paul James Vigna, commonly known as blues, rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Paul James, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Active since his mid-teens. Member of Lick 'n Stick, first gaining attention in the early-1970s opening for Bo Diddley who would become a close friend and James's mentor. Would go on to front the Paul James Band and work with Willy DeVille, John Hammond Jr, and Bob Dylan
January 18, 1951 ~ Jazz fusion, hard bop saxophonist Steve Grossman born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Don Alias, Gene Perla, Marcio Montarroyos, Jan Hammer, Alessio Urso, Patrice Caratini, Mark Egan, Marcus Miller, Lenny White, Jiuni Boot, Joe Chambers, Hugh Lawson, Cedar Walton, Walter Booker, Masahiro Yoshida, Art Taylor, Tom Harrell, Cecil McBee, Harold Land, Johnny Griffin, Alvin Queen, the Stone Alliance, Elvin Jones, Art Taylor, McCoy Tyner, Willie Pickens, Harold Land, Johnny Griffin, and others ~ Grossman passed away in 2020
January 18, 1950 ~ Engineer, producer Allan Blazek born ~ Mentored by producer Bill Szymczyk. Engineered the Eagles' pivotal Hotel California album. Would go on to produce albums by Glenn Frey, REO Speedwagon, the J Geils Band (Bloodshot), Fandango, Elvin Bishop (Struttin' My Stuff), and the Outlaws ~ Blazek passed away in 2021
January 18, 1948 ~ Jose Luis Quintana, commonly known as percussionist Changuito, born in Casablanca, Cuba ~ Played professionally from an early age, joining Havana Jazz at age 8. Would go on to work with Estrellas De Occidente, Los Harmonicas, Van Van, Patato, Greg Landau, Cal Tjader, Flora Purim, Orestes Vilato, Airto Moreira, and Bebo Valdes
January 18, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter José Luis Perales, full name José Luis Perales Morillas, born in Castelon, Spain ~ Over two dozen albums to his name, starting in the early-1970s. Sold over 50 million copies. Had his songs covered by Vikki Carr, Bertín Osborne, Raphael, Rocío Jurado, Miguel Bosé, Daniela Romo, Isabel Pantoja, Julio Iglesias, Mocedades, La Oreja De Van Gogh, Ricardo Montaner, Marc Anthony, and others
January 18, 1944 ~ Steel guitarist Al Perkins born in De Kalb, Texas, USA ~ Learned to play Hawaiian steel guitar at age 9. Joined Shiloh in 1970, moved on to a new incarnation of the Flying Burrito Brothers (appearing on The Last Of The Red Hot Burritos), then moved with Chris Hillman to join Manassas. Over the years Perkins has collaborated with James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Tori Amos, Garth Brooks, the Rolling Stones (notably on Torn & Frayed), Dwight Yoakam, Dan Fogelberg, Joe Walsh, Mike Love, Solomon Burke, Patty Loveless, Cher, Rita Coolidge, Iris DeMent, Michael Martin Murphey, Buddy Miller, Yo La Tengo, and Jim Lauderdale
January 18, 1943 ~ Drummer Al Foster born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Best known as drummer for Miles Davis in the 1970s, as well as on Davis's 1981 comeback album The Man With The Horn. Foster has also played extensively with Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins and with Joe Henderson. Foster first recorded as a leader in the late-1970s and as a sideman has appeared on albums by Kenny Barron, Walter Bishop Jr, Donald Byrd, Tommy Flanagan, Red Garland, Dexter Gordon, Yusef Lateef, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, and Hugh Masekela
January 18, 1943 ~ Rock, progressive rock keyboardist, songwriter Dave Greenslade born in Woking, UK ~ Member of Colosseum including on the acclaimed albums Those Who Are About To Die Salute You and The Valentyne Suite. Also worked with If, Chris Farlowe's the Thunderbirds and with his own band Greenslade
January 18, 1942 ~ Pioneering electronic musician Klaus Wiese born ~ Briefly a member of krautrock outfit Popol Vuh, playing tamboura on the albums Hosianna Mantra and Selingpreisung. Best known as a solo artist, one of the great ambient and space music artists and a master of the Tibetan singing bowl. Has regularly collaborated with artists such as Al Gromer Kahn, Mathias Grassow, Oöphoi, Tau Ceti, Saam Schlamminger, Ted de Jong, and Deuter ~ Wiese passed away in 2009
January 18, 1942 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Martin Fierro born in Mexico ~ Best known for his work with Doug Sahm, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jerry Garcia (Hooteroll), Legion Of Mary, and with Zero. Has also collaborated with Mother Earth, James Cotton, the String Cheese Incident, and the Dark Star Orchestra ~ Fierro passed away in 2008
January 18, 1941 ~ Pop, country-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobby Goldsboro, full name Robert Charles Goldsboro born in Marianna, Florida, USA ~ Best known for the million-seller Honey, a Billboard No.1 hit in 1968. Other well known songs include Autumn Of My Life, The Straight Life, I'm A Drifter, Muddy Mississippi Lines and Watching Scotty Grow. Also backed Roy Orbison on tour and record in the early-1960s as a member of Candymen
January 18, 1941 ~ Davis Eli Ruffin, commonly known as R&B, soul singer David Ruffin, born in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ Brother of singer Jimmy Ruffin. Best known as member of the Temptations from 1964 through 1968, singing lead on songs such as My Girl, Ain't Too Proud To Beg, I Know I'm Losing You and I Wish It Would Rain. Debuted as a solo artist in 1969 with the album My Whole World Ended. Known for songs such as My Whole World Ended The Moment You Left Me, I Lost Everything I've Ever Loved, I'm So Glad I Fell For You, Walk Away From Love, Heavy Love, Everything's Coming Up Love and Sexy Dancer. Also recorded with his brother Jimmy, notably the 1970 I Am My Brother's Keeper album, spawning the modest hits When My Love Hand (Comes Tumbling Down) and Your Love Was Worth Waiting For ~ Ruffin passed away in 1991
January 18, 1940 ~ Double bassist, pianist, vibraphonist Don Thompson, full name Donald Winston Thompson, born in Powell River, Canada ~ Fixture on the Toronto jazz scene. Worled with Paul Desmond, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Dave Robbins, Fraser MacPherson, Lenny Breau, Sonny Greenwich, Jim Hall, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Harry Sweets Edison, Frank Rosolino, Slide Hampton, Lee Konitz, Abbey Lincoln, Sarah Vaughan, Red Rodney, Joe Henderson, Dewey Redman, Red Mitchell, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Wheeler, and others
January 18, 1940 ~ Jazz, rock bassist, double bassist, cellist Lindsay L Cooper born in Glasgow, UK ~ Influenced by Thelonious Monk, King Oliver, Derek Bailey. Regularly worked as a ship's musician before settling in London, finding employ as an in-demand session musician. Present on the 1973 Mike Oldfield album Tubular Bells, Has also worked with Evan Parker, Keith Tippett, Kenny Wheeler, Ken Colyer, Talisker, Amalgam, the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Bobby Bradford, Lol Coxhill, Day & Taxi, and others ~ Cooper passed away in 2001
January 18, 1938 ~ Hargus Melvin Robbins, commonly known as country, rock pianist Hargus Pig Robbins, born in Spring City, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand session musician since the mid-1950s. Appears on classic country tracks such as White Lightning (George Jones), I Fall To Pieces (Patsy Cline), Coal Miner's Daughter (Loretta Lynn), Behind Closed Doors (Charlie Rich), The Gambler (Kenny Rogers). Has also worked with Dolly Parton, Connie Smith, Patti Page, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, JJ Cale, John Hartford, Mark Knopfler, Merle Haggard, Roger Miller, Moe Bandy, and Conway Twitty ~ Robbins passed away in 2022
January 18, 1934 ~ Violist, author David Dalton, full name David Johnson Dalton, born in Springville, Utah, USA ~ Best known for his scholarly accomplishments. As a faculty member of Brigham Young University, Utah, Dalton's main contribution was the establishment of the the Primrose International Viola Archive, one of the largest viola archives in the world. Dalton is also known as president of the American Viola Society and of the International Viola Society ~ Dalton passed away in 2022
January 18, 1931 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by Gus Arnheim and his Orchestra, records I Surrender Dear at Victor Hollywood Recording Studio, Los Angeles, California ~ Written by Harry Barris and lyricist Gordon Clifford. Released the following month, La Rosita on the flip side. Would become a jazz and pop classic, covered by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and Elvis Costello
January 18, 1926 ~ Robert Edward Moncrief, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Bobby Edwards, born in Anniston, Alabama, USA ~ Known for a string of country hits in the late-1950s and early-1960s including Long Gone Daddy, Jealous Heart, You're The Reason and Don't Pretend ~ Moncrief passed away in 2012
January 18, 1916 ~ Jazz, R&B, rock & roll bassist, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Doles Dickens born in North Carolina, USA ~ Active from the 1930 through the 1960s. Worked with Eddie Durham, Buster Smith, Eddie South, the Five Red Caps, Piano Red, Wilbert Harrison, Varetta Dillard, Jimmy Witherspoon, Mahalia Jackson, Bill Haley, and Lavern Baker ~ Dickens passed away in 1972
January 18, 1915 ~ Bouzouki player, violinist, songwriter Vassilis Tsitsanis born in Trikala, Greece ~ One of the leading Greek composers, widely regarded as one of the founders of Rebetiko and Laiko. Recorded prolifically starting in the late-1930s. Had his compositions recorded by Sotiria Bellou, Marika Ninou, Ioanna Georgekopoulou, and Prodromos Tsaousakis ~ Tstitsanis passed away in 1984
January 18, 1911 ~ David Daniel Kaminsky, commonly known as actor, singer, dancer Danny Kaye, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Starred in close to 20 feature films from the late 1930 through the 1960s. Known for his comedy routine, pantomimes and novelty songs. Released a number of albums, starting with 1949's eponymous Danny Kaye album. Has collaborated with the Andrews Sisters (Civilization (Bong Bong Bong)), Gordon Jenkins, Eileen Wilson, and with Louis Armstrong ~ Kaminsky passed away in 1987
January 18, 1841 ~ Romantic composer, pianist Emmanuel Chabrier, full name Alexis-Emmanuel Chabrier, born in Ambert, France ~ Influenced Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Francis Poulenc. Coming from a bourgeois family who did not approve of a musical career Chabrier studied law and worked as a civil servant until age 39 before finally turning to a life of music. Best known for the orchestral works España and Joyeuse Marche, yet also write operas and piano music ~ Chabrier passed away in 1894