January 2, 2025 ~ Singer, actor, director, poet, songwriter Ferdi Tayfur, full name Ferdi Tayfur Turanbayburt, passed away in Antalya, Turkey ~ Active since the late-1960s with over 30 albums and over 30 films to his name. Best known for his 1975 Birak Su Gurbeti album which spawned the Cesme hit ~ Turanbayburt was born in 1945
January 2, 2025 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock, power metal singer Russ North passed away ~ Member of Tredegar, present on the band's eponymous Tredegar album. When bassist Andy Wood joined Cloven Hoof in 1986, North soon followed. North recorded two albums with the band, Dominator and A Sultan's Random before the band folded in 1990. North has since worked with Monza, and notably auditioned for the vacant spot of lead singer in Iron Maiden following the departure of Bruce Dickinson in 1993, but lost out to Blaze Bayley ~ North was born in 1965
January 2, 2024 ~ Guitarist, composer Chris Karrer passed away ~ Co-founding member of Amon Düül and its commercially more successful successor Amon Düül II, the latter especially known for a number of soundtracks most notably Niklashauser Fart and San Domingo. Though primarily active as a guitarist, Karrer also plays oud, saxophone, and violin. Karrer has also recorded as a solo artist, and worked with Embryo, Popol Vuh, Uli Trepte, and Guru Guru ~ Karrer was born in 1947
January 2, 2023 ~ Edward William Taylor, commonly known as rock & roll, beat singer, guitarist Kingsize Taylor, passed away ~ Dubbed “Kingsize” for his stature, standing at 6'5". Fronted Kingsize Taylor & the Dominoes, active from the late-1950s through the early-1960s. Regarded as one of the first beat groups, they enjoyed some regional popularity as well as in Germany with covers of American songs such as Money, Whole Lotta Lovin', Hippy Hippy Shake, and Stupidity. The band is also known for ocassionally featuring a then-unknown Cilla Black at gigs. Drummer Ringo Starr had also been offered a slot in the band but opted for the Beatles instead ~ Taylor was born in 1939
January 2, 2022 ~ Christian bassist, singer Jay Weaver passed away ~ Member of Big Daddy Weave, which also included his brother Mike Weaver, known for a number of 2000s, 2010s songs including Fields Of Grace, [title-big-daddy-weave-feat-barlowgirl-youre-worthy-of-my-praise] featuring BarlowGirl, Just The Way I Am, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Every Time I Breathe, Redeemed, Alive, and I Know ~ Weaver was born ca.1979
January 2, 2022 ~ Sultan Banks, commonly known as hip-hop producer, rapper Traxamillion, passed away ~ First gained attention producing Super Hyphy, a moderate 2005 hit on the hyphy circuit for Keak da Sneak. Banks has released about half a dozen mixtapes and albums, notably The Slapp Addict album in 2006, and has produced tracks for Mistah FAB, Brooke Hogan (About Us), MC Lars, Drew Deezy, and Clyde Carson. Banks passed away at age 42 of cancer, while in hospice care at his aunt's home ~ Banks was born in 1979
January 2, 2021 ~ Radio DJ Christopher Moore passed away ~ Co-founder, radio DJ of pirate radio station Radio Caroline established in 1964 and broadcasting from international waters in the North Sea. In 1967, at the peak of its popularity, the radio station would have millions of listeners. The station is credited with revolutionizing radio broadcasting in the UK ~ Moore was born in 1940
January 2, 2021 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly singer Stan Beaver passed away ~ Known for his sole hit, I Got A Rocket In My Pocket, which hit the charts in 1963 and is currently considered a collector's item. Beaver has also worked as a studio and live recording engineer with artists such as Emmylou Harris, the Righteous Brothers, Carl Perkins, Ray Charles, Hoyt Axton, and perhaps most notably Tom T Hall ~ Beaver was born ca.1950
January 2, 2019 ~ Singer, keyboardist Daryl Dragon, full name Daryl Frank Dragon, passed away in Prescott, Arizona, USA ~ Son of conductor, composer Carmen Dragon. Formed Captain & Tennille with his wife Toni Tennille, a duo fondly remembered for some of the most endearing love songs from the 1970s including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Love Will Keep Us Together, Muskrat Love, and Do That To Me One More Time. By 1976 the couple would be so popular that they were invited to play the White House, performing for Queen Elizabeth II and President Gerald Ford during the country's bicentennial celebration, and were given their own TV show, The Captain & Tennille Show aired on ABC. Despite decent ratings the show was cancelled after one season, possibly because the couple tried to get out of their contract to focus on their music. Dragon had previously backed artists such as Charles Wright, the Carpenters, and the Beach Boys. The latter's lead singer, Mike Love, had given Dragon the nickname Captain Keyboard ~ Dragon was born in 1942
January 2, 2015 ~ James Cecil Dickens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jimmy Dickens, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Grand Ole Opry member since 1948. Best known for his humorous novelty songs. Formed the Country Boys in 1950, teaming up with Jabbo Smith, Grady Martin, Bob Moore and Thumbs Carllile. Known for songs such as Country Boy, The Violet And The Rose, May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose, and Take An Old Cold Tater And Wait ~ Dickens was born in 1920
January 2, 2014 ~ Singer Jay Traynor passed away in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Member of the Mystics, singing lead on Somewhere Over The Rainbow and Blue Star. Co-founding member, original lead singer of Jay & the Americans, present on the band's 1962 She Cried debut album. Has subsequently recorded as a solo artist, noted for his Up & Over single ~ Traynor was born in 1943
January 2, 2012 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Ian Bargh, full name Ian Martin Bargh, passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ After relocating to Canada in the late-1950s, became a fixture on the Toronto jazz scene especially noted for playing George's Spaghetti House, Toronto Alive, and the Toronto Jazz Festival. Has backed numerous visiting musicians including Zoot Sims, Lee Konitz, Dizzy Reece, Chick Corea, Count Basie, Plas Johnson, and George Masso. As a leader, Bargh recorded a sole album, Only Trust Your Heart, released in 2000 ~ Bargh was born in 1935
January 2, 2010 ~ Singer Ke$ha hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 with her debut single Tik Tok ~ The singer's debut single, lead single of her Animal debut album, would top the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks, making it the longest-running charttopper of the year. The album would be her most successful album, reaching multiple platinum status, reach top 10 in several countries including the top spot on the Billboard Hot 200, and spawn three more Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles with Blah Blah Blah, Your Love Is My Drug, and Take It Off
January 2, 2004 ~ Jazz pianist Andre Persiany passed away in Paris, France ~ Father of double bassist Stephane Persiany. Worked with the Be-Bop Minstrels, Michel Attenoux, Eddie Benard, Bill Coleman, Buck Clayton, Raymond Fonseque, Lionel Hampton, Guy Lafitte, Mezz Mezzrow, Tony Proteau, Jonah Jones, Cat Anderson, Milt Buckner, Eddie Chamblee, Arnett Cobb, Al Grey, Budd Johnson, and Charlie Shavers ~ Persiany was born in 1927
January 2, 2004 ~ Actress, singer Etta Moten passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for her role as Bess in Porgy & Bess, which George Gershwin had written with Moten in mind. Moten was concerned about trying a role above her natural range of contralto, and Gershwin rewrote her role for the 1942 revival of the opera. Previously, Moten had featured in musical films such as Flying Down To Rio and Gold Diggers Of 1933, notably singing My Forgotten Man with Joan Blondell in the latter. Moten would also perform the song at the White House for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's birthday celebration in 1934. Moten is remembered as an icon for creating new roles for African-American women on stage and screen, and following her retirement from the stage for medical reasons, worked as a civic activist, raising funds for and supporting cultural, social and church institutions ~ Moten was born in 1901
January 2, 2003 ~ Vocal pop singer Ed Farran passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Arbors, which also included his twin brother Fred Farran, known for a number of 1960s recordings including Symphony For Susan, Just Let It Happen, Graduation Day and perhaps their best known The Letter, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit in 1969 and originally a charttopper for the Box Tops three years earlier. The vocal pop quartet is also noted for their follow-up album, Featuring I Can't Quit Her The Letter featuring vocal pop interpretations of songs originally by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Doors, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Simon & Garfunkel ~ Farran was born in 1937
January 2, 2003 ~ Pianist, conductor, arranger, composer Eric Jupp, full name Eric Stanley Jupp, passed away in Launceton, Australia ~ Enjoyed popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in his adopted homeland Australia, best known as cmposer for film and TV and as host of the long-running The Magic Of Music TV show aired by ABC. The show would be syndicated in over two dozen countries and spawn a series of pops albums ~ Jupp was born in 1922
January 2, 2000 ~ Trumpeter Nat Adderley, full name Nathaniel Carlyle Adderley, passed away in Lakeland, Florida, USA ~ Brother of Cannonball Adderley, with whom he also collaborated. Co-wrote Work Song with Oscar Brown Jr, which has since become a jazz standard. Also worked with JJ Johnson, Woody Herman, Kenny Clarke, Wes Montgomery, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, Vincent Herring, Ron Carter, Sonny Fortune, Johnny Griffin, Antonio Hart, Gene Ammons, Kenny Burrell, Charlie Byrd, James Clay, Victor Feldman, Red Garland, Benny Golson, Quincy Jones, Wynton Kelly, Sal Nistico, and King Curtis ~ Adderley was born in 1931
January 2, 1999 ~ Punk rock guitarist Michael Weber, full name Michael Peter Weber, passed away ~ Best known as founding member, lead guitarist of punk rockers the Seminal Rats. Also a member of hard rock outfit Hoss for two years before returning to Rats in 1992 playing with the band until his untimely death due to a heroin overdose in 1999. The band would break up after Weber's deaths ~ Weber was born in 1966
January 2, 1998 ~ Nikolas Kostantinos Venetoulis, commonly known as producer, A&R executive Nick Venet, passed away ~ Perhaps best remembered for signing the Beach Boys to Capitol Records and producing the band's early material such as Surfin' Safari. In one capacity or another has also worked with a wide array of others including Glen Campbell, Jim Croce, Bobby Darin, the Hondells, the Kingston Trio, the Lettermen, Ricky Nelson, Lou Rawls, the Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt, the Walker Brothers, and Timi Yuro ~ Venetoulis was born in 1936
January 2, 1997 ~ Randolph Craig Wolfe, commonly known as guitarist Randy California, passed away in Molokai, Hawaii, USA ~ Considered a guitar prodigy. Briefly played with Jimi Hendrix, who gave Wolfe his nickname “California”, in the mid-1960s outfit Jimmy James & the Blue Flames. Best known as founder and frontman of Spirit, with whom he recorded four albums through the early-1970s merging rock, jazz, and folk. The band is especially acclaimed for their first two albums, the eponymous Spirit and its follow-up The Family That Plays Together, both released in 1968. Allegedly, Led Zeppelin lifted California's guitar riff from Taurus, an instrumental from Spirit's debut album, for their rock classic Stairway To Heaven. The case was litigated exhaustively, but eventually the courts dismissed the claim ~ Wolfe was born in 1951
January 2, 1993 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Bryson Tiller, full name Bryson Djuan Tiller, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Debuted in 2011 with the mixtape Instinct Vol.1. Best known for his 2015 Don't single, which reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100, which led to a record deal and his Trapsoul full-length debut album released later the same year
January 2, 1986 ~ Troy Andrews, commonly known as trombonist, trumpeter, drummer, organist, tubist, producer, actor Trombone Shorty, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter, bandleader James Andrews. Leader and in-demand sideman in rock, pop, jazz, funk, hip-hop. Has worked with Lenny Kravitz, U2, the Rebirth Brass Band, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Jeff Beck, Warren Haynes, Stanton Moore, Kid Rock, Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Madonna, Mark Ronson, Usher, Queen Latifah, Harry Connick Jr, Allen Toussaint, Cee Lo Green, Dierks Bentley, Bettye LaVette, and Nekfeu
January 2, 1985 ~ Jazz saxophonist, songwriter André Roligheten born in Skien, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Andrew d'Angelo, Theo Bleckmann, Django Bates, Paul Lovens, Axel Dörner, Robin Hayward, Raymond Strid, Bugge Wesseltoft, Mathias Eick, Ola Kvernberg, Paal Nilssen-Love, and Per Zanussi
January 2, 1985 ~ Guitarist Ron Wood marries Jo Karslake in Buckinghamshire, UK ~ Wood had been previously married to model Krissy Findlay from 1971 through 1978, before marrying Karslake in 1985. Wood adopted Karslake's son from a previous marriage, and the couple would have two children of their own, daughter Leah and son Tyrone. Guests at the wedding included Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, and all of his bandmates from the Rolling Stones with the exception of Mick Jagger. Wood and Karslake remained married until 2009
January 2, 1981 ~ Moses David Green, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Bud Green, passed away in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ Collaborated with songwriters, composers such as Ray Henderson, Buddy DeSylva, Harry Warren and Slim Gaillard. Co-wrote songs such as Alabamy Bound (Paul Whiteman, Dean Martin, Ray Charles), Ya Gotta Known How To Love (Gene Austin), Sentimental Journey (Les Brown, the Chordettes, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra), and Once In A While (Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Guy Lombardo) ~ Green was born in 1897
January 2, 1981 ~ Singer David Lynch passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Platters, remaining with the band from its inception in 1952 through the early-1970s, making him one of the few constant members in an ever-revolving line-up. The band is considered one of the prime vocal harmony groups, bridging the pre-rock era with early rock and roll and hugely influential on R&B. Lynch is present on most of the band's best known, including Only You (And You Alone), The Great Pretender, (You've Got) The Magic Touch, My Prayer, Twilight Time, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, and Harbor Lights, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Lynch was born in 1929
January 2, 1980 ~ Label executive, producer J Mayo Williams, full name Jay Mayo Williams, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Pioneering blues, gospel, jazz producer. Discovered Ma Rainey and Papa Charlie Jackson. Also worked with Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tampa Red, Reverend Thomas A Dorsey, Ida Cox, Jimmy Blythe, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Freddie Keppard, Tiny Parham, Mahalia Jackson, Alberta Hunter, Blind Boy Fuller, Roosevelt Sykes, Sleepy John Estes, Kokomo Arnold, Peetie Wheatstraw, Bill Gaither, Bumble Bee Slim, Georgia White, Trixie Smith, Monette Moore, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Marie Knight, Tab Smith, and the Harlem Hamfats ~ Willias was born in 1894
January 2, 1978 ~ Post-rock keyboardist, flutist, oboist, banjoist, guitarist, bassist, singer Kjartan Sveinsson born in Iceland ~ Married to violinist Maria Huld Markan Sigfúdóttir since 2001. Best known as member of Sigur Rós from 1998 through 2013. Present on songs such as Glósóli, Gobbledigook and Inni Mér Syngur Vitleysingur, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native Iceland
January 2, 1977 ~ Pianist Erroll Garner, full name Erroll Louis Garner, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Earl Hines, James P Johnson, and Fats Waller. Considered one of the most brilliant jazz pianists, Garner has recorded prolifically since the 1940s, and is particularly acclaimed for a string of 1950s albums, including Mambo Moves Garner, Gone Garner Gonest, and Concert By The Sea. As a composer, Garner is especially known for penning and first recording Misty, which would become a jazz standard covered by hundreds of artists including Toots Thielemans, Count Basie, Henry Mancini, King Curtis, Buddy Rich, Sonny Stitt, and Wynton Kelly ~ Garner was born in 1921
January 2, 1975 ~ Singer, guitarist Chris Cheney, full name Christopher John Cheney, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Lead singer, guitarist of rockabilly outfit the Living End, which he co-founded with Scott Owen. Wrote some of the band's biggest hits including Second Solution, All Torn Down, Pictures In The Mirror, Roll On, One Said To The Other, What's On Your Radio and Wake Up. Has also worked with the Wrights, Sarah McLeod, Dead Men Walking, as well as written songs for artists such as the Black Veil Brides, Reece Mastin and Jimmy Barnes
January 2, 1975 ~ Singer, songwriter Douglas Robb born ~ Lead singer of Hoobastank, which he co-founded with Dan Estrin. The band has recorded about half a dozen albums since its inception in the early-2000s, and is best known for their Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit The Reason, the title track of their 2003 sophomore album of the same name
January 2, 1975 ~ Singer Suzi Quatro lands the cover of Rolling Stone with the headline “Suzi Quatro flexes her leather” ~ With a string of UK hits under her belt, including the No.1 hits Can The Can and Devil Gate Drive, the Michigan-born and raised singer lands the cover of Rolling Stone, despite not having any American hits. Quatro would fail to break through in her native country, but the magazine cover did attract attention of the Happy Days producers, landing her a role on the show as Leather Tuscadero
January 2, 1974 ~ Woodward Maurice Ritter, commonly known as country singer, actor Tex Ritter, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Popular from the 1930s through the 1960s. Early country pioneer. Known for starring numerous westerns on radio, TV, screen such as the 1936 film Song Of The Gringo. First artist to be signed to Capitol Records. Known for songs such as I'm Wastin' My Tears On You, When You Leave Don't Slam The Door, and I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven ~ Ritter was born in 1905
January 2, 1973 ~ Bebop, free jazz saxophonist, composer Joe Harriott, full name Joseph Arhurlin Harriott, passed away ~ Part of a wave of Caribbean jazz musicians relocating to England in the 1950s. Free-form jazz pioneer. Influenced by Charlie Parker. Especially acclaimed for his 1962 Abstract album. Worked with Tony Kinsey, Phil Seamen, Allan Ganley, Lita Roza, George Chisholm, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Michael Garrick, and Amancio d'Silva ~ Harriott was born in 1928
January 2, 1973 ~ Rufus George Perryman, commonly known as blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer Speckled Red, passed away in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Spand, James Hemingway, William Ezell. As a solo artist best known for Wilkins Street Stomp and The Dirty Dozens. Has worked with Robert Nighthawk, Willie Hatcher, the Dixieland Rhythm Kings, and Chris Barber ~ Perryman was born in 1892
January 2, 1970 ~ Dansband singer, bassist, songwriter Casper Janebrink, full name Dennis Casper Janebrink, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Lead singer of Arvingarna, internationally best known for representing Sweden at the 1993 Eurovision Songfestival reaching 7th place with Eloise
January 2, 1970 ~ Death metal singer Frank Mullen, full name Francis Eugene Mullen, born ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, frontman of Suffocation, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed 1995 Pierced From Within album. Mullen is best known for being one of the first to introduce low-pitched growling vocals into the death metal genre. Mullen departed the band in 2018, to be succeeded by Ricky Myers who on occasion had filled in for him
January 2, 1970 ~ Marta Simlat, commonly known as Eurodance singer, model JK, born in Krakow, Poland ~ Best known for a number of early to mid-1990s recordings, often working with Whigfield producers Larry Pignagnoli and Davide Riva, including You Make Me Feel Good, You & I and perhaps her biggest hit My Radio. Later it turned out Simlat actually lip-synced all vocal parts, the actual vocals performed and recorded by Giovanna Bersola, Sandra Chambers and Zeitia Massiah
January 2, 1970 ~ Rapper Raymond Ebanks, full name Raymond Anthony Ebanks, born in London, UK ~ Member of Soup De Loop. Best known as frontman of Finnish hip hop outfit the Bomfunk MC's, noted for the international 2000 hit Freestyler. Following the latter's disbandement Ebanks has largely disappeared from the music industry, though he occasionally guested on a few tracks
January 2, 1965 ~ Drummer Paul Kodish born ~ Member of hip-hop act Whodini. Worked with drum and bass group Bad Company. Member of electronica band Apollo 440 from 1997 through 2005. Member of Pendulum from 2006 through 2009
January 2, 1963 ~ Singer, actor Dick Powell, full name Richard Ewing Powell, passed away in West Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, including singing in some musical comedies. Sang I Only Have Eyes For You in the 1934 film Dames. Ventured into directing by the 1950s, making his debut as a director with Split Second, released in 1953 ~ Powell was born in 1904
January 2, 1955 ~ The funeral of R&B pianist, singer John Marshall Alexander, commonly known as Johnny Ace, was held at Clayborn Temple AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee ~ Ace had died the previous Christmas day of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. Accounts of the incident vary, some saying Ace was playing Russian roulette but most likely he had thought the gun to not be loaded while playing with a .32 caliber while drunk. Ace died age 25, on the verge of breaking through to a mainstream audience. The funeral would be attended by an estimated 5,000 people
January 2, 1954 ~ Funk, R&B singer Dawn Silva born ~ First gained attention in the mid-1970s as backing vocalist with Sly & the Family Stone. Would go on to form the Brides Of Funkenstein, being the only constant member and notably present on the late-1970s albums Funk Or Walk and Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy. Has also worked with Parliament, Funkadelic, Eddie Hazel, Fred Wesley, Bootsy Collins, and the Gap Band
January 2, 1954 ~ Guitarist Glenn Goins, full name Glenn Lamonte Goins, born in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Closely associated with George Clinton as a member of funk outfits Parliament and Funkadelic. Notably present on albums such as Mothership Connection and The Clones Of Dr Funkenstein. Sang lead vocals on Bop Gun (Endangered Species). After leaving Clinton in 1977 formed funk outfit Quazar which also included his brother Kevin Goins and drummer Jerome Brailey ~ Goins passed away in 1978
January 2, 1952 ~ Contemporary folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Christine Lavin born ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the mid-1980s. Founded all-female folk outfit the Four Bitchin' Babes in 1990. Named his favorite artist by world-famous scientist Neil Degrasse Tyson
January 2, 1952 ~ Rock & roll, pop, glam rock singer Graeme Strachan also known as Shirley Graeme, full name Graeme Ronald Strachan, born in Malvern, Australia ~ Briefly a member of Frame in the early 1970s. Strachan would, however, rise to fame as lead singer of Skyhooks from 1974 through 1978, rejoining on occasion in later years. Strachan has recorded a solo artist, noted for the mid-1970s Australian top 20 hits Every Little Bit Hurts and The Tracks Of My Tears originally recorded by respectively Brenda Holloway and the Miracles, as well as with supergroup the Party Boys, and worked as a host for several TV shows. Strachan passed away at age 49 in a self-piloted helicopter crash ~ Strachan passed away in 2001
January 2, 1951 ~ Jazz, pop singer Patti Page records Would I Love You (Love You Love You) ~ Written by Harold Spina and Bob Russell. Would reach No.4 on the Billboard chart. The same year also recorded by Doris Day with Harry James' orchestra, by Tony Martin, and by Helen O'Connell with Dave Cavanaugh's orchestra reaching the top 20, making it her first solo hit
January 2, 1950 ~ Classical clarinetist David Shifrin born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaii Symphony, and the Phoenix Symphony
January 2, 1948 ~ Jazz, pop trumpeter John Madrid born in Monterey Park, California, USA ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Appeared on the Outsiders, Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Time Won't Let Me. Would go on to work with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Si Zentner, Louie Bellson, Butane, Blood Sweat & Tears, Boz Scaggs, and Wayne Newton ~ Madrid passed away in 1990
January 2, 1948 ~ Joseph Marshall, commonly known as jazz drummer Kaiser Marshall, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the premier jazz drummers of the 1920s. Worked with Charlie Dixon, Shrimp Jones, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Art Hodes, Wild Bill Davison, Sidney Bechet, Bunk Johnson, Mezz Mezzrow, Louis Armstrong (notably on the 1929 recording Knockin' A Jug), and was a member of McKinney's Cotton Pickers in the late-1920s which at the time also included Benny Carter, Fats Waller and Coleman Hawkins ~ Marshall was born in 1902
January 2, 1948 ~ Drummer, percussionist, producer Keith Forsey born in London, UK ~ Pioneer of disco, closely associated with Giorgio Moroder. Worked with artists such as Claudja Barry, La Bionda, Boney M, Pete Bellotte, Trax, and notably Donna Summer. Produced Billy Idol's 1982 solo debut Billy Idol album and its 1983 follow-up Rebel Yell. Produced Icehouse's breakthrough Primitive Man album. Co-wrote Irene Cara's smash hit Flashdance (What A Feeling) with Moroder and Cara. Co-wrote the Simple Minds' Don't You (Forget About Me). Before disco has worked with the Psychedelic Furs and drummed in Udo Lindenberg's the Panik Orchester as well as for Amon Düül II
January 2, 1948 ~ Keyboardist Kerry Minnear, full name Kerry Churchill Minnear, born in Shaftesbury, UK ~ Classically trained. Key member and songwriter of progressive rock band Gentle Giant. Best known as a keyboardist, Minnear's primary instrument, but adept on a number of instruments including cello, guitar, bass, vibraphone, theremin, timpani and various percussive instruments
January 2, 1947 ~ Adrian Shaw, commonly known as psychedelic rock, rock bassist Ade Shaw, born in Hampstead, UK ~ Asked to join T.Rex in 1977, yet never played with the band as frontman Marc Bolan died shortly thereafter. Co-founded Magic Muscle. Has worked with Hawkwind, Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, the Deviants, Steve Peregrin Took, Hawklords, and the Bevis Frond
January 2, 1947 ~ Mathematician, musicologist, jazz pianist Guerino Mazzola born in Dubbendorf, Switzerland ~ Well known for his music theory book The Topos Of Music, published in 2002. As a pianist appears on over two dozen albums, working with the likes of Mat Maneri, Heinz Geisser, Sirone, Jeff Kaiser, and Scott Fields
January 2, 1946 ~ Michael George Churchill, commonly known as keyboardist Chick Churchill, born in Flintshire, UK ~ Best known as keyboardist of blues-rock outfit Ten Years After from its inception in 1966 until its disbandement in 1976. Released a solo solo album, You And Me, in 1973 which featured Supertramp's Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson and Jethro Tull's Martin Barre. Has worked as a label executive and manager since 1976
January 2, 1946 ~ Music manager, tour manager Richard Cole born in Kensal Rise, UK ~ Best known as tour manager for Led Zeppelin from 1968 until its dissolution in 1980. Drew ire from the band for several bold statements about their behavior, most infamously in the Stephen Davis-penned Zeppelin-biography Hammer Of The Gods. Has also worked for bands such as Unit 4+2, the Who, the New Vaudeville Band, Vanilla Fudge, the Yardbirds, Eric Clapton, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Uhuru, and Three Dog Night ~ Cole passed away in 2021
January 2, 1939 ~ Composer, pianist Franz Hummel born ~ Virtuoso pianist extensively performing and recording standard reportoire from classical, Romantic and contemporary music through the 1970s before focusing on composition. Wrote operas, symphonies, ballets and chamber music, noted for his 1996 Gesualdo opera ~ Hummel passed away in 2022
January 2, 1939 ~ Albert Abraham Smothers, commonly known as Chicago blues guitarist, singer Little Smokey Smothers born in Tchula, Mississippi, USA ~ Noted for backing Howlin' Wolf on the quintessential 1958 Howlin' Wolf (The Rockin' Chair Album) album, appearing on the tracks I've Been Abused, Howlin' For My Darling, and Mr Airplane. Not to be confused with his brother, guitarist Otis Big Smokey Smothers, who also played with the Wolf. Other notable associations include Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Earl Hooker, Junior Wells, George Mojo Buford, and the Legendary Blues Band ~ Smothers passed away in 2010
January 2, 1936 ~ Bandleader, pianist, songwriter Earl Burtnett passed away in Illinois, USA ~ Popular during the 1920s and 1930s. Worked with Art Hickman including as arranger and writer co-responsible for songs such as Sleep, Leave Me With A Smile and Mandalay. Took over as bandleader when Hickman retired in the late-1920s ~ Burtnett was born in 1896
January 2, 1936 ~ Singer, songwriter Roger Miller, full name Roger Dean Miller, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Known for songs such as When Two Worlds Collide, Dang Me, Chug-a-lug, King Of The Road, Walkin' In The Sunshine and Little Green Apples. As a songwriter had his work recorded by artists such as Jim Reeves (Billy Bayou), Rex Allen, Ray Price (Invitation To The Blues), Ernest Tubb (Half A Mind), Faron Young, Alan Jackson (Tall Tall Trees), Brooks & Dunn, and Dwight Yoakam ~ Miller passed away in 1992
January 2, 1933 ~ Hisoa Oma Suzuki, commonly known as jazz double bassist Isao Suzuki born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Worked with artists including Shotaro Moriyasu, Hidehiko Matsumoto, Sadao Watanabe, Hampton Hawes, Ron Carter, Paul Desmond, Ella Fitzgerald, Jim Hall, Wynton Kelly, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Bobby Timmons, Kenny Burrell, and Mal Waldron ~ Suzuki passed away in 2022
January 2, 1931 ~ Accordionist, pianist, clarinetist Frank Marocco born in Joliet, Illinois, USA ~ Generally regarded as one of the premier accordionists, primarily active in jazz and classical circles. As a solo artist known for his 1960 Like Frank Marocco album. To pop and rock audiences best known for his association with the Beach Boys, appearing on the landmark Pet Sounds album released in 1966. Has also guested on albums by Dan Fogelberg, Danny O'Keefe, Tracy Chapman (Crossroads), Ry Cooder, Phil Collins, and Eric Clapton ~ Marocco passed away in 2012
January 2, 1928 ~ Conductor, teacher, musicologist Alberto Zedda born in Milan, Italy ~ Conductor specialized in 19th-century Italian repertoire, including opera, symphonic and chamber music. Regarded an authority on Gioachino Rossini, and founder and direct of the Accademia Rossiniana, Pesaro, Italy ~ Zedda passed away in 2017
January 2, 1927 ~ Jazz trumpeter John McLevy born in Dundee, UK ~ Best known for his association with Benny Goodman, touring with the clarinetist throughout Europe in the 1970s and appearing on albums such as The King Swings. McLevy has also worked with the likes of Max Bygraves, Jack Emblow, Tommy McQuater, Krysia Kocjan, and Bob Wilber ~ McLevy passed away in 2002
January 2, 1924 ~ Jazz, R&B singer Arthur Prysock born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1940s as lead vocalist with bandleader Buddy Johnson, singing lead on songs such as They All Say I'm The Biggest Fool, Jet My Love, I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone and Because. Ventured out on his own in the early-1950s, over the years earning a reputation as an emotive balladeer recording both originals and covers. Known for R&B hits such as I Didn't Sleep A Wink Last Night, Good Rockin' Tonight, The Very Thought Of You and It's Too Late Baby It's Too Late. Recorded well into the 1980s ~ Prysock passed away in 1997
January 2, 1924 ~ Åse Carola Helmersen, commonly known as pop, schlager singer Åse Wentzel, born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Married to violinist Odd Wentzel-Larsen. Their daughter is singer, guitarist Magni Wentzel. Wentzel enjoyed popularity during the 1950s and 1960s with songs such as Domino, Du Du Du, Vaya Con Dios with Thor Raymond and Midnattstango with Jan Høiland, the latter topping the charts in Norway in 1963 ~ Wentzel passed away in 2009
January 2, 1915 ~ Drummer Nick Fatool born in Milbury, Massachusetts, USA ~ One of the most in-demand drummers of the 1940s. Worked with Joe Haymes, Don Beston, Bobby Hackett, Benny Goodman, the Riverboat Five, Artie Shaw, Alvino Rey, Claude Thornhill, Les Brown, Jan Savitt, Harry James, Erroll Garner, Louis Armstrong, Jess Stacy, Tommy Dorsey, Matty Matlock, John Scott Trotter, Glen Gray, Bob Crosby, Andy Russell, Betty Hutton, Billy May, Dave Barbour, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Freddie Black, Gordon Macrae, Jack Teagarden, Johnny Mercer, Jo Stafford, Margaret Whiting, Tennessee Ernie Ford, the Andrews Sisters, the Pied Pipers, and Wingy Manone ~ Fatool passed away in 2000
January 2, 1910 ~ Jazz trumpeter Henry Goodwin, full name Henry Clay Goodwin, born in Columbia, South Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Claude Hopkins, Cliff Jackson, Elmer Snowden, Lucky Millinder, Willie Bryant, Charlie Johnson, Cab Calloway, Kenny Clarke, Edgar Hayes, Sidney Bechet, Cecil Scott, Art Hodes, Mezz Mezzrow, Bob Wilber, Jimmy Archey, and Earl Hines ~ Goodwin passed away in 1979
January 2, 1905 ~ Composer Michael Tippett, full name Michael Kemp Tippett, born in Eastcote, UK ~ Along with Benjamin Britten ranked as one of the leading British composers of the early 20th century. Known for works such as Child Of Our Time, Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli, and A Midsummer Marriage ~ Tippett passed away in 1998
January 2, 1904 ~ Singer James Melton born in Moultrie, Georgia, USA ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s balladeer, traditional pop singer worked with Roxy's Gang, the Revelers, Jane Froman before moving into opera by the late-1930s performing roles with the Cincinatti Zoo Opera Company, the Philadelphia La Scala Opera Company, and the Chicago Civic Opera ~ Melton passed away in 1961
January 2, 1897 ~ Martha Jane Greene, commonly known as actress, singer Jane Green, born in Kentucky, USA ~ Popular 1920s singer known for her association with Florenz Ziegfeld Jr and appearing in several Broadway productions including 1919's Nine O'Clock Review, 1923's Nitties Of 1923 and 1925's Greenwich Follies Revue. Married to songwriter Jimmy Byler from 1918 until Byler's death in 1924 ~ Greene passed away in 1931
January 2, 1892 ~ Opera, symphonic conductor Artur Rodzinski born in Split, Austria ~ Discovered by Leopold Stokowski who invited him to be his assistant with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Would go on to work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Especially acclaimed for conducting Richard Wagner's Tristan Und Isolde with the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 1958. Exhausted from the performance he checked into the hospital where he would die less than two weeks later ~ Rodzinski passed away in 1958
January 2, 1837 ~ Composer, pianist, conductor Mily Balakirev, full name Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev, born in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia ~ Known best for promoting musical nationalism, extending the fusion of traditional folk and experimental classical music as begun by composer Mikhail Glinka. Perhaps best remembered for his composition Islamey for solo piano and his First Symphony completed in 1897 ~ Balakirev passed away in 1910