January 19, 1992 ~ Malcolm James McCormick, commonly known as MC, rapper, songwriter Mac Miller, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Broke through with the mixtapes Kids (2010) and The Best Day Ever (2011). Released his full-length studio debut album, Blue Slide Park, in 2011 and has been recording to critical acclaim and commercial success since until his premature death in 2018 ~ McCormick passed away in 2018
January 19, 1984 ~ Darryl Kevin Richardson, commonly known as rapper, producer Lil' Scrappy, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Discovered by Lil' Jon. Released a full-length debut album, Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live, in 2006. Known for songs such as No Problem and Money In The Bank (Remix) featuring Young Buck. Has collaborated with Trillville, Crime Mob, DMX, Young Jeezy, Youngbloodz, E-40, Ice Cube, and others
January 19, 1983 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Hikaru Utada born in New York, New York, USA ~ Daughter of producer Teruzane Utada and singer Keiko Fuji. Also recorded under the moniker Cubic U. Debuted in 1998 with the album Precious, which flopped. Became an instant star the next year with her sophomore album First Love, spawning R&B, dance-pop hits such as Automatic, Time Will Tell and Movin' On Without You. The album would sell 2 million copies in the first week and top the Japanese Oricon charts. Subsequent hits would include Addicted To You, Can You Keep A Secret, Traveling, Hikari, Sakura Drops, and others
January 19, 1979 ~ Richard Kylea Cowle Jr, commonly known as grime MC, rapper, DJ, producer, songwriter Wiley, born in London, UK ~ Dubbed “the Godfather of Grime” for his seminal role in the creation of grime music. First gained attention in the early 2000s, scoring the UK hit Champagne Dance with UK garage outfit Pay As U Go. Has recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Treddin' On Thin Ice in 2004. Well-known for songs such as Wearing My Rolex, Never Be Your Woman featuring Emeli Sandé, Heatwave featuring Ms D, and Lights On featuring Angel & Tinchy Stryder
January 19, 1977 ~ Makishi Satoko, commonly known as J-pop, pop rock, alternative rock singer, songwriter Cocco, born in Naha, Japan ~ Initially aimed to become a ballerina. About a dozen albums to her name, starting with Bougainvillea released in 1997. Well known for songs such as Kumoji No Hate, Onsoko Punch, Hi No Teri Nagara Ame No Furu, and Cocco San No Saidokoro, all of which reached top 10 in her native Japan
January 19, 1977 ~ Joseph Wayne McVey IV, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter Z-Ro, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Local legend on the Houston rap scene. Member of Screwed Up Click. Has recorded about two dozen albums as a solo artist since the late 1990s. Especially acclaimed for his 2005 Let The Truth Be Told album. Has collaborated with Guerilla Maab, Trae the Truth, and Lil' Flip
January 19, 1975 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, producer Noah Georgeson, full name Noah Andrew Georgeson, born in Nevada City, California, USA ~ First gained attention as member of the Pleased. Debuted as a solo artist in 2006 with the album Find Shelter. Has also worked with Devendra Banhart, the Strokes, Little Joy, Bert Jansch, Mason Jennings, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Adam Green, Os Mutantes, Adán Jodorowsky, Harper Simon, Flo Morrissey, Cate Le Bon, Rodrigo Amarante, Andy Shauf, Natalia Lafourcade, and others
January 19, 1974 ~ Label executive, producer Kareem Burke born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-founding Roc-a-fella Records with Damon Dash and Jay-Z in 1996. The label would initially be founded for the sole purpose of releasing the latter's albums and remain active through the early 2010s
January 19, 1969 ~ Pop, rock, rock & roll, rockabilly, R&B guitarist, singer, songwriter Buzz Campbell born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Dropped out of college in 1991 to pursue a career in music after seeing the Stray Cats perform in San Diego. Influenced by Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Cliff Gallup, Scotty Moore, James Burton, Brian Setzer. Has worked with Sha Na Na, Buzz Campbell, Hot Rod Lincoln, Lee Rocker, and others
January 19, 1968 ~ Jazz pianist, keyboardist Jørn Øien born in Narvik, Norway ~ Worked with Thorgeir Stubø, Kjersti Stubø, Ernst-Wiggo Sandbakk, John Pål Inderberg, Tore Brunborg, Knut Værnes, Kjell Karlsen, Terje Gewelt, Roger Johansen, Paal Nilssen-Love, Per Zanussi, Torstein Lofthus, and others
January 19, 1968 ~ Eric Froberg, commonly known as punk rock, post-punk, indie rock guitarist, singer Rick Froberg, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known as lead singer, guitarist for early 1990s outfit Drive Like Jehu, especially acclaimed for the albums Drive Like Jehu and Yank Crime. Has also worked with Pitchfork, the Hot Snakes, and Obits. As a visual artist and illustrator has created album art and merchandise for all of his bands as well as for Rocket From The Crypt, Beehive & the Barracudas, and Mr Tube & the Flying Objects ~ Froberg passed away in 2023
January 19, 1968 ~ Rock, hard rock, heavy metal singer, songwriter Whitfield Crane, full name William Whitfield Crane IV, born in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for Ugly Kid Joe. The band is best known for their 1991 As Ugly As They Wanna Be debut EP, the first EP to reach Platinum status, and for their full-length America's Least Wanted debut album released the following year. The latter would spawn the Harry Chapin-cover Cats In The Cradle, which would reach top 10 in several countries including on the American Billboard Hot 100. Crane has also toured with Life Of Agony, formed Medication, and guested on recordings by Mark McGrath, Motörhead, and Glenn Tipton
January 19, 1967 ~ Bassist Dennis Crouch born ~ Co-founded western swing outfit the Time Jumpers, remaining with the band from 1996 through 2012. Has also appeared on recordings by Candi Staton, John Mellencamp (Life Death Love & Freedom), John Fogerty, Gregg Allman, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Ashley Monroe, Diana Krall, Ilse de Lange, and Rodney Crowell
January 19, 1965 ~ Post-bop pianist Antonio Farao born in Rome, Italy ~ Best known as a leader. Debuted in the late 1990s. Has worked with sidemen such as Ira Coleman, Jeff Tain-Watts, Daniel Humair, Jack DeJohnette, Drew Gress, Chris Potter, Bob Berg, Martin Gjakonovski, Miroslav Vitous, Joe Lovano, Lenny White, and Marcus Miller. Specifically notably are sidemen from outside jazz, such as blue-eyed soul singer Daryl Hall on Domi, and rappers Snoop Dogg and Krayzie Bone on Ekletik. As a sideman Faraó has graced albums of artists such as Franco Ambrosetti, André Ceccarelli, Nicolas Folmer, Giovanni Tommaso, and Jens Winther
January 19, 1963 ~ Singer Caron Wheeler, full name Caron Melina Wheeler, born in London, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of Soul II Soul from 1988 through 1990, rejoining in later years. Present on the band's best known including Keep On Movin' and the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Back To Life (However Do You Want Me). Has previously worked with Brown Sugar and Afrodiziak. Released her solo debut album UK Blak in 1990 which spawned the hits Livin' In The Light, Don't Quit and the title track UK Blak
January 19, 1960 ~ Jazz trumpeter Joe Magnarelli born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Worked with Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, the New York Hard Bop Quintet, John Swana, Jerry Weldon, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Laverne Butler, Harry Connick Jr, Maria Schneider, Gary Smulyan, Grant Stewart, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, Ben Wolfe, and others
January 19, 1960 ~ Guitarist Nicky Skopelitis born ~ Has recorded a handful of solo albums, starting with Next To Nothing released in 1989. Closely associated with Bill Laswell. Member of the Golden Palominos. Has guested on recordings by Material, Herbie Hancock, Afrika Bambaataa, Manu Dibango, Ginger Baker, Swans, Curlew, Peter Brötzmann, Dub Syndicate, Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Sharrock, James Blood Ulmer, and others
January 19, 1956 ~ Soul singer, keyboardist Booker Newberry III born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Sweet Thunder, known for Baby I Need Your Love Today. Member of Impact. As a solo artist best known for Love Town, which reached the UK top 10 in 1983 ~ Newberry passed away in 2023
January 19, 1956 ~ Carmen Domenic Licciardello, commonly known as Christian singer, rapper, songwriter Carman, born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the all-time most successful Christian performers with about two dozen albums to his name, selling over an estimated 10 million copies, starting in the early 1980s. Became a born-again Christian after seeing Andráe Crouch in concert. Noted for his operatic, story-driven songs. Especially acclaimed for his 1988 live album Live Radically Saved and Addicted To Jesus. Licciardello is also known as a frequent host on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, notably on its flagship program Praise The Lord ~ Licciardello passed away in 2023
January 19, 1956 ~ Richard Willett Miller, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Parthenon Huxley, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his association with the Electric Light Orchestra-offshoot the Orchestra. Also recorded under the moniker Rick Rock, notably the 1983 single Buddha Buddha
January 19, 1955 ~ Conductor Simon Rattle born in Liverpool, UK ~ Rose to prominence as director of the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 1980 through 1998. Principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic from 2002 to 2018. Has also worked with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment, the London Symphony Orchestra (notably during the Opening of the 2012 Olympics in London), the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and others
January 19, 1955 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, singer Tony Mansfield, full name Anthony Charles Mansfield, born in Salford, UK ~ First gained attention as lead singer, primary songwriter of synth-pop band New Musik, best known for their 1980 UK top 20 hit Living By Numbers. Following the band's disbandement after three albums Mansfield would focus on his career as a songwriter and producer, working with acts such as Captain Sensible, Naked Eyes, Aztec Camera, A-ha (Hunting High And Low), the Damned, and Miguel Bosé
January 19, 1954 ~ Catherine Louise Sagal, commonly known as actress, singer Katey Sagal, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Peggy Bundy in the TV sitcom Married With Children. Started her career in show business as a singer, songwriter, active since the early 1970s. Has backed artists such as Bob Dylan, Etta James, Tanya Tucker, Gene Simmons, Molly Hatchet, Olivia Newton-John, and Bette Midler. Has released a handful of solo albums, starting with Well released in 1994
January 19, 1953 ~ Rock, hard rock drummer Clive Edwards born in Hounslow, UK ~ Best known as member of UFO from 1989 through 1993. Also worked with the Velvet Underground, Thin Lizzy, Pat Travers, Lionheart, Wild Horses, Rainbow, the Scorpions, Rococo, and others
January 19, 1953 ~ Singer Desi Arnaz Jr born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. At age 12 formed the trio Dino Desi & Billy with Billy Hinsche and Dean Paul Martin, known for mid-1960s songs such as I'm A Fool and Not The Lovin' Kind. After the band disbanded would venture into acting. Ressurected the band in 1998 as Ricci Desi & Billy featuring Ricci Martin, performing the original band's material as well as new songs through 2010
January 19, 1953 ~ Keyboardist, film composer Michael Boddicker born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA ~ In-demand session keyboardist active since the mid-1970s. Present on albums by Elkie Brooks, Quincy Jones, Eric Carmen, Randy Newman (Little Criminals), Bread, the Manhattan Transfer, Natalie Cole, Bread, the Jacksons, Melissa Manchester, Narada Michael Walden, Michael Jackson (Off The Wall), Rickie Lee Jones, Barbra Streisand, José Feliciano, the Pointer Sisters, Al Jarreau (Breakin' Away), Patti Austin (Every Home Should Have One), Peter Cetera, Olivia Newton-John (Physical), Donna Summer, Lionel Richie (Can't Slow Down), James Ingram, Don Henley (Building The Perfect Beast), and Joe Cocker
January 19, 1952 ~ Lee Martin Bunnell, commonly known as folk-rock singer, guitarist Dewey Bunnell, born in Harrogate, UK ~ Member of 1970s folk-rock outfit America. Wrote some of the band's best-known songs including Ventura Highway, The Tin Man and A Horse With No Name, the latter reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972
January 19, 1949 ~ Pop rock, blue-eyed soul singer Robert Palmer, full name Robert Allen Palmer, born in Batley, UK ~ Enjoyed his biggest successes during the 1980s, both as a solo artist and with Power Station. Well known songs include Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor Doctor), Addicted To Love, and I Didn't Mean To Turn You On. Had previously worked with the Alan Bown Set, Dada, Vinegar Joe, and others ~ Palmer passed away in 2003
January 19, 1948 ~ Funk, soul, pop guitarist Harvey Hinsley born in Northampton, UK ~ Member of Hot Chocolate from 1970 through 1986, rejoining in later years. Present on the band's best-known including I Believe In Love, Emma, You Sexy Thing, So You Win Again, No Doubt About It, Girl Crazy, and It Started With A Kiss, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native England
January 19, 1947 ~ Progressive rock, pop rock, rock bassist, singer John G Perry born in Auburn, New York, USA ~ Member of Gringo which also included future Sailor drummer Henry Marsh, known for their sole eponymous Gringo album released in 1971. Member of Caravan, present on the 1973 For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Sunset Wading released in 1976. Has also worked with Quantam Jump, Gordon Giltrap, Anthony Phillips, Kevin Ayers, Curved Air, Aviator, Sally Oldfield, Adrian Snel, and others
January 19, 1946 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dolly Parton, full name Dolly Rebecca Parton, born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, USA ~ One of the most successful female country artists with a global crossover appeal. Trailblazer for independent women in music. Wrote or co-wrote over 3,000 songs during a career spanning seven decades. Best known for songs such as Dumb Blonde, Jolene, Coat Of Many Colors, Here You Come Again, Heartbreaker, 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You. Has collaborated with Porter Wagoner, Kenny Rogers, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Gail Davies, Julio Iglesias, Hal Ketchum, George Jones, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Solomon Burke, Ronnie Milsap, and others
January 19, 1945 ~ Roderic Evans, commonly known as singer Rod Evans, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Original singer of Deep Purple, present on the band's first three albums namely Shades Of Deep Purple (which included Hush), The Book Of Taliesyn and Deep Purple. Voted out by the other members in 1970 as the band would pursue a tougher sound, less suitable for Evans's pop voice. Evans would subsequently join Captain Beyond, and appear on their first two albums, Captain Beyond and Sufficiently Breathless. Evans disappeared from public life by the early 1980s, fatigued after legal battles with Deep Purple
January 19, 1945 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Trevor Williams, full name Trevor Leslie Williams, born in Hereford, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of art rock band Audience during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band would reunite in 2004. Has also worked with Vince Taylor, Bert Weedon, the Nashville Teens, Jonathan Kelly, and others
January 19, 1944 ~ Michele Ann Marie Fabares, commonly known as singer, actress Shelley Fabares, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably on the TV series The Donna Reed Show in the 1950s and 1960s and Coach in the 1990s. As a singer known for her rendition of Johnny Angel, a Billboard No.1 hit in 1958. Has also released other recordings throughout the 1960s, including dueting with Elvis Presley on a version of Spring Fever, but would be unable to repeat the success of Johnny Angel
January 19, 1943 ~ Singer Janis Joplin, full name Janis Lyn Joplin, born in Port Arthur, Texas, USA ~ One of the most successful rock stars of her day, noted for her powerful bluesy mezzo-soprano vocals. Rose to fame as lead singer of psychedelic blues band Big Brother & the Holding Company, known for songs such as Bye Bye Baby, Down On Me and Piece Of My Heart. As a solo artist known for Kozmic Blues, Me And Bobby McGee, Cry Baby and Mercedes Benz. Passed away aged 27 of a heroin overdose ~ Joplin passed away in 1970
January 19, 1942 ~ Michael Patrick Smith, commonly known as actor, comedian, singer Michael Crawford, born in Sheerness, UK ~ Best known as an actor, portraying the role of Frank Spencer in the Briotish comedy series Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Also worked in musicals, notably a late 1980s production of The Phantom Of The Opera, earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical
January 19, 1942 ~ Bossa nova, pop singer, actress Nara Leão, full name Nara Lofego Leao, born in Vitória, Brazil ~ Known as “the Muse of Bossa Nova”. Befriended artists such as Roberto Menescal, João Gilberto and Vinicius de Moraes by the late 1950s. Toured with Sérgio Mendes by 1963. Debuted as a solo artist in 1964 with the Nara album. Would turn to more politically themed lyrics under the pressure of military dictatorship, eventually leaving Brazil for Paris ~ Leão passed away in 1989
January 19, 1941 ~ Patrick Verne Smith, commonly known as jazz, cool jazz, bebop bassist Putter Smith, born in Bell, California, USA ~ Worked with Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Duke Ellington, Billy Eckstine, Diane Schuur, Lee Konitz, Bruce Forman, Carmen McRae, Gary Foster, Art Farmer, Blue Mitchell, Erroll Garner, Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, Alan Broadbent, Bob Brookmeyer, Diane Schuur, Warne Marsh, Ray Charles, Patrice Rushen, Michael Kanon, Jorge Rossi, Jimmy Wormworth, Mason Williams, Percy Faith, Burt Bacharach, the Manhattan Transfer, Johnny Mathis, Beck, Smokey Hormel, Sonny & Cher, the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers, and others
January 19, 1939 ~ Singer Phil Everly, full name Philip Jason Everly, born ~ Formed the sibling duo the Everly Brothers with his brother Phil Everly. Though following in the tradition of other sibling duos, such as the Delmore Brothers, the Everly's would become one of the best known sibling duos, drawing from rock & roll, country, and pop, and influential on country-rock. They duo scored about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits starting in the late 1950s, including the charttoppers Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have To Do Is Dream, and Cathy's Clown ~ Everly passed away in 2014
January 19, 1937 ~ R&B, soul singer Bobby Star born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Co-founding member of vocal group the Versatiles. At the turn of the 1970s joined Philadelphia group the Intruders, replacing Samuel Brown, known for singles such as When We Get Married, I'm Girl Scouting, and I Bet He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)
January 19, 1937 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Ian Samwell, full name Ian Ralph Samwell, born in Lambeth, UK ~ Penned Cliff Richard's Move It debut single. Co-wrote the Small Faces' 1965 Whatcha Gonna Do About It hit. Also notably remembered for producing America's A Horse With No Name hit single. Has also worked with artists such as Joe Brown, Elkie Brooks, Kenny Lynch, Dusty Springfield, Sounds Incorporated, Georgie Fame, the Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, and others ~ Samwell passed away in 2003
January 19, 1936 ~ Walter Howard O'Brien, commonly known as jazz pianist Hod O'Brien, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Has recorded over a dozen albums as a leader, noted especially for Opalessence released in 1985. Active since the 1950s honing his skills backing the likes of Oscar Pettiford, Elvin Jones, Phil Woods, Freddie Hubbard, Charlie Rouse, and Lee Konitz. In the mid-1970s briefly ran the St James Infirmary jazz club in New York. As a sideman present on albums by Roswell Rudd, Joe Puma (Shining Hour), Stephanie Nakasian, Danny D'Imperio, and Herb Geller. Would marry Nakasian, the couple's daughter, jazz, bebop singer Veronica Swift released her debut album at age 9 ~ O'Brien passed away in 2016
January 19, 1936 ~ Willie Lee Smith, commonly known as blues harpist, drummer, singer Willie Big Eyes Smith, born in Helena, Arkansas, USA ~ Helpful in developing the shuffle rhtyhm. Played the blues harp on Bo Diddley's 1955 Diddy Wah Diddy recording. Best known for his association with Muddy Waters, intermittently backing the singer from the early 1960s onward. Recorded about half a dozen albums with the Legendary Blues Band. Smith is also present on recordings by Otis Spann, Carey Bell, Johnny Winter (Nothin' But The Blues), and Pinetop Perkins. Later in his career, Smith has recorded a number of solo albums, starting with Bag Full Of Blues released in 1995 ~ Smith passed away in 2011
January 19, 1934 ~ Richard Dorian Goodman, commonly known as producer Dickie Goodman, born in Hewlett, New York, USA ~ Half of producer, songwriter duo Buchanan & Goodman with Bill Buchanan. Known for novelty records. One of the first to use the “break-ins” and mash-ups, an early precursor to sampling as evidenced on the 1956 single The Flying Saucer (Back To Earth) ~ Goodman passed away in 1989
January 19, 1933 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer François Rauber born in Neufchateau, France ~ Best known for his association with Jacques Brel, serving as arranger, songwriter, and conductor from the late 1950s until Brel's death in 1978. Songs co-written by Rauber include Litanies Pour Un Retour, Dors Ma Mie, Les Paumés Du Petit Matin, and J'Aimais. Rauber would also serve as musical director for the 1975 musical film Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris ~ Rauber passed away in 2003
January 19, 1931 ~ Hard bop, post-bop pianist, composer Horace Parlan born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ As a baby stricken with polio, resulting in the partial crippling of his right hand. The handicap contributed to the development of his unique left-hand chord voicing style, while comping highly rhythmic phrases with the right. Noted for his work on the seminal Charles Mingus albums Mingus Ah Uhm and Blues & Roots. Well over two dozen to his name as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for his early 1960s albums Up & Down, Back From The Gig and Happy Frame Of Mind. Has also appeared on albums by Booker Ervin, Dave Bailey, Stanley Turrentine, Lou Donaldson, Dave Bailey, Dexter Gordon (Doin' Allright, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Ben Webster, Houston Person (The Truth), Idrees Sulieman (Bird's Grass), Clark Terry, Thad Jones, and Michal Urbaniak ~ Parlan passed away in 2017
January 19, 1929 ~ Shirley Marie O'Garra, commonly known as soul, pop singer Shirley Ellis, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Known for 1960s novelty hits such as The Nitty Gritty, The Name Game and the million-seller The Clapping Song. Her songs were covered by numerous artists including Madeline Bell, Belle Stars, Laura Branigan, Aaron Carter, Gary Glitter, Ricardo Ray, Pia Zadora, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Divine, and others ~ O'Garra passed away in 2005
January 19, 1927 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist JR Monterose born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Played with Henry Busse, Dave Schildkraut, Allen Eager, Philly Joe Jones, Claude Thornhill, Teddy Charles, Charles Mingus, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Burrell, Eddie Bert, Jon Eardley, René Thomas, and with George Wallington ~ Monterose passed away in 1993
January 19, 1926 ~ Ranchera singer, songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez, full name José Alfredo Jiménez Sandoval, born in Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico ~ Laid the foundation for modern Mexican music. Discovered in the late 1940s by singer Miguel Aceves Mejía. Has written over an estimated 1,000 songs, the most famous being Yo, Ella, Paloma Querida, Tu Y La Mentira, Media Vuelta, El Rey, El Jinete, Si Nos Dejan, Tu Recuerdo Y Yo, El Hijo Del Pueblo, Cuando El Destino, and Camino De Guanajuato ~ Jiménez passed away in 1973
January 19, 1925 ~ Blues pianist, singer Henry Gray, born in Kenner, Louisiana, USA ~ Helped create the sound of Chicago blues piano. Backed Howlin' Wolf for about a dozen years, starting in 1956. Also worked with Big Maceo Merriweather, Hudson Showes, Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Billy Boy Arnold, Morris Pejoe, Abb Lock, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Homesick James, Robert Lockwood Junior, Muddy Waters, Johnny Shines, Hubert Sumlin, Lazy Lester, Little Walter, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Little Milton, Jimmy Rogers, Koko Taylor, JD Miller, Elmore James, and others ~ Gray passed away in 2020
January 19, 1919 ~ Florence Karlen, commonly known as songwriter Florence Kaye, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-writing several songs for Elvis Presley, usually with Bernie Baum and Bill Giant. Well known songs include Roustabout, Paradise Hawaiian Style, Edge Of Reality and notably You're The Devil In Disguise. Others who recorded songs co-written by Kaye include the Everly Brothers (That's Old Fashioned (That's The Way Love Should Be)), Gene Chandler, and Cindy Malone ~ Kaye passed away in 2006
January 19, 1919 ~ Jazz double bassist Israel Crosby born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ One of the finest bass players to emerge from the 1930s, remaining relevant until his death at age 43. Credited with performing one of the first bass solos, namely on Gene Krupa's The Blues Of Israel at a mere age 16. Best known for his stint with Ahmad Jamal from the mid-1950s until his death in 1962, appearing on over a dozen of the pianist's albums including on the seminal Chamber Music Of The New Jazz, At The Pershing (But Not For Me) and Listen To The Ahmad Jamal Quintet. Crosby has also recorded with Sidney De Paris, Art Hodes, Fletcher Henderson, Lorez Alexandria, Sam Jones, Herb Ellis, and George Shearing ~ Crosby passed away in 1962
January 19, 1919 ~ Singer Ray Eberle born in Mechanicville, New York, USA ~ Baby brother of singer Bob Eberly. Pitched by Glenn Miller to join his orchestra despite having no formal training. Sang lead on Miller's classics Sometime, Polka Dots And Moonbeams and At Last, the latter a top 10 hit in 1942. Fired on the spot for getting stuck in traffic and showing up late for a rehearsal. Eberly went on to lead his orchestras, the Ray Eberle Orchestra and the Serenade In Blue Orchestra, from 1943 until his death ~ Eberly passed away in 1979
January 19, 1917 ~ Beriford Shepherd, commonly known as jazz drummer, vibraphonist, singer Shep Shepherd, born ~ As a child had an early fascination with marching bands, drumming on tables and chairs until his mother bought him a toy drum to save wear and tear on the furniture. Perhaps best remembered for backing Bill Doggett from 1952 through 1959. Co-wrote Doggett's smash hit and signature instrumental Honky Tonk, later covered by numerous artists including the Ventures, Bill Haley, Joey Dee & the Starliters, King Curtis, and the Beach Boys. Shepherd has also worked with Benny Carter, Artie Shaw, Little Willie John, Dinah Washington, Odetta (Odetta And The Blues), Ruth Brown, Joya Sherrill, Lena Horne, and Big Maybelle ~ Shepherd passed away in 2018
January 19, 1917 ~ John Richard Ewing, commonly known as jazz trombonist Streamline Ewing, born in Topeka, Kansas, USA ~ Active since the mid-1930s. Has worked with Horace Henderson, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Lunceford, Cab Calloway, Jay McShann, Cootie Williams, Louis Jordan, Earl Bostic, T-Bone Walker, Gerald Wilson, Teddy Buckner, Rex Stewart, the Eagle Brass Band, Johnny Otis, and others. To rock audiences best known for guesting on two Willy DeVille albums, namely 1992's Backstreets Of Desire and 1995's Big Easy Fantasy ~ Ewing passed away in 2002
January 19, 1912 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Roberto Murolo born in Naples, Italy ~ Member of the Midas Quartet from 1939 through 1946. As a solo artist known for his focus on Neapolitan songs and acclaimed for his Napoletana Antologia (Cronologica Della Canzone Parenopea) consisting of Neapolitan song dating back to the 12th century ~ Murolo passed away in 2003
January 19, 1903 ~ Pianist, composer Ervin Nyiregyházi born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Enjoyed popularity throughout the 1920s before descending into relative obscurity. Known for his distinctive playing style, reminiscent of the Romantic pianism associated with Franz Liszt, which divided critical opinion ~ Nyiregyhazi passed away in 1987