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, 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, 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, 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, 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 other 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 ~ 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, the Clancy Brothers, and others
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, 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, Bebo Valdes, and others
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, the Dark Star Orchestra, and others ~ 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, Conway Twitty, and others ~ 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, 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