January 20, 2023 ~ Classical violinist Michaela Paetsch, full name Michaela Modjeska Paetsch, passed away in Bern, Switzerland ~ Best known for being the first American female to record all 24 Niccolò Paganini Caprices for solo violin. Had her first violin lesson at age 3. Has been performing publicly since her early teens, notably soloing with the Pueblo Symphony and the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra. Paetsch would go on to become an in-demand soloist and recorded prolifically from the late-1980s onward ~ Paetsch was born in 1961
January 20, 2022 ~ Samba singer Elza Soares, full name Elza da Conceicao Soares, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Active since the late-1950s. Rose to fame with her debut single Se Acaso Você Chegasse, merging jazz scat singing with samba. Other well known songs include Boato, Cadeira Vazia, Só Danço Samba, Mulata Assanhada, and Aquarela Brasileira. Deemed dangerous by the Military dictatorship at the time fled to Italy in 1970 after regome agents machine-gunned her house ~ Soares was born in 1930
January 20, 2022 ~ Marvin Lee Aday, commonly known as rock singer Meat Loaf, passed away ~ Praised for his powerful, operatic voice and theatrical stage presence. Best known for his Bat Out Of Hell-trilogy consisting of 1977's Bat Out Of Hell, 1993's Bat Out Of Hell II (Back Into Hell) and 2006's Bat Out Of Hell III (The Monster Is Loose). Compounded the trilogy has sold over an estimated 65 million records ~ Aday was born in 1947
January 20, 2021 ~ Reggae producer Ronnie Nasralla passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Early Jamaican producer, band manager best known for his work with the Blues Busters and Toots & the Maytals. Once rejected Bob Marley's band the Wailers, reportedly because they were “untidy,” for the 1962 Dr No Bond film club scene favoring the Dragonaires ~ Nasralla was born ca.1930
January 20, 2018 ~ Bassist Jim Rodford, full name James Walter Rodford, passed away in St Albans, UK ~ Best known as founding member of Argent, known for songs such as Hold Your Head Up and God Gave Rock & Roll To You. Following the band's disbandement in 1976 would work with the Kinks from 1978 through 1997, and with later-day incarnations of 1960s UK bands such as the Zombies and the Swinging Blue Jeans ~ Rodford was born in 1941
January 20, 2018 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Terry Evans passed away ~ Influenced by Elmore James, Little Walter, Albert King, BB King. Songs Evans wrote were recorded by Pops Staples and by Louis Jordan. Collaborated with artists such as Ry Cooder, Bobby King, John Fogerty, Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, John Lee Hooker, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur and by Hans Theessink ~ Evans was born in 1937
January 20, 2017 ~ Joseph S Ruggiero, commonly known as pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Joey Powers, passed away in Washington, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Released about a dozen singles from the late-1950s through the early-1970s. Best known for his sole hit Midnight Mary, which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 in 1963 ~ Ruggiero was born in 1934
January 20, 2015 ~ Electronic music pioneer Edgar Froese, full name Edgar Willmar Froese passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Founded Tangerine Dream. Had previously founded psychedelic rock outfit the Ones, once invited to play at Salvador Dali's villa. The encounter inspired Froese to seek a more experimental approach in his music ~ Froese was born in 1944
January 20, 2014 ~ Rock drummer Jan Manschot, also known as Brekken Jan Schampschot, passed away in Doetinchem, the Netherlands ~ Co-founded Normaal with Bennie Jolink, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums. The band, a mainstay in Dutch rock and one of the first to consistently gain national attention with songs performed in a regional dialect, is known especially for songs such as Oerend Hard, Net As Gisteren, Mamma Woar Is Mien Pils and Deurdonderen. Manschot has also worked with Boi Foi Toch, Bakkerij Manschot, Old Ni-js, and the Hanska Duo ~ Manschot was born in 1947
January 20, 2012 ~ Jamesetta Hawkins, commonly known as singer Etta James, passed away in Riverside, California, USA ~ Bridged the gap between R&B and rock & roll. Active since the mid-1950s. Known for songs such as All I Could Do Was Cry, The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry), At Last, Trust In Me, Tell Mama, Something's Got A Hold On Me, I'd Rather Go Blind, and I Just Want To Make Love To You. Worked with Johnny Otis, Bobby Murray, Harvey Fuqua, Chuck Berry (sang back-up on Berry's Back In The USA), Gabriel Mekler, Sugar Pie DeSanto, and others ~ Hawkins was born in 1938
January 20, 2012 ~ Jazz double bassist John Levy passed away in Altadena, California, USA ~ Worked with Ben Webster, Erroll Garner, Milt Jackson, Billie Holiday, George Shearing, and others. Ventured into the business end of music, acting as manager for artists such as Shearing, Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, Joe Williams, Shirley Horn, Jimmie Rayne, and Ramsey Lewis ~ Levy was born in 1912
January 20, 2012 ~ Producer, pianist, songwriter Larry Butler passed away in Pensacola, Florida, USA ~ Best known for his association with Kenny Rogers, producing albums such as Kenny Rogers, The Gambler, and Gideon. As a producer or songwriter Butler is also responsible for a wide array of hits including for BJ Thomas (Hey Won't You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song), Jean Shepard (Seven Lonely Days), Charlie Rich (You're Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning), John Denver (Some Days Are Diamonds), Debby Boone { Are You On The Road To Loving Me Again), Billie Jo Spears (Blanket On The Ground), and Don McLean (Crying). Earlier Butler hit the charts as a member of Ronny & the Daytonas (GTO) and the Gentrys (Keep On Dancing, Every Day I Have To Cry Some). Has also worked as a session pianist for artists such as Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty (Hello Darlin'), George Jones, Bobby Goldsboro (Honey), Roger Miller, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Lynn Anderson ~ Butler was born in 1942
January 20, 2010 ~ Nerlynn Taitt, commonly known as guitarist, bassist Lynn Taitt, passed away in Montreal, Canada ~ Rocksteady pioneer. Worked with the Sheiks, the Cavaliers, the Comets, Baba Brooks, the Skatalites, Tommy McCook, Supersonics, the Jets, Hux Brown, Headley Bennett, Hopeton Lewis, Gladstone Anderson, Winston Wright, Bunny Lee, Duke Reid, Joe Gibbs, Coxsone Dodd, Sonia Pottinger, Derrick Morgan, Desmond Dekker, Lee Scratch Perry, Ken Boothe, Bob Marley, Joe Higgs, the Kingpins, and others ~ Taitt was born in 1934
January 20, 2000 ~ Jazz pianist Don Abney, full name John Donald Abney, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Wilbur de Paris, Bill Harris, Kai Winding, Chuck Wayne, Sy Oliver, Louie Bellson, Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Oscar Pettiford, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Eartha Kitt, Pearl Bailey, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Bellson, Benny Carter, Harry Sweets Edison, Oscar Pettiford, Al Sears, Carol Sloane, and others ~ Abney was born in 1923
January 20, 1998 ~ Conductor, songwriter, arranger, actor Alfonso D'Artega passed away ~ Perhaps best known for In The Blue Of Evening, co-written with Tom Adair, a hit for Tommy Dorsey featuring Frank Sinatra in 1943 ~ D'Artega was born in 1907
January 20, 1996 ~ Arley Benton, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Buster Benton, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke and BB King. Member of Willie Dixon's acclaimed blues outfit the Blues All-Stars including on the acclaimed 1973 The All-Star Blues World Of Maestro Willie Dixon And His Chicago Blues Band album. As a solo artist, Benton is best known for the singles Spider In My Stew, written by Dixon, and its follow-up Money Is The Name Of The Game. Benton would subsequently issue his debut album, Spider In My Stew, in 1978. The album has been recognised as one of the prime Chicago blues albums of its day. Benton would record over half a dozen more albums until his death at age 63 ~ Benton was born in 1932
January 20, 1996 ~ Jazz, cool jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, arranger Gerry Mulligan, full name Gerald Joseph Mulligan, passed away in Darien, Connecticut, USA ~ Praised for his fluidity on the baritone sax. Recorded over 50 albums as a leader or co-leader, starting in the early-1950s. Best known for compositions such as Venus De Milo, Jeru, Walkin' Shoes, and Five Brothers. Especially acclaimed for the albums Konitz Meets Mulligan with Lee Konitz, Songbook, and What Is There To Say. Other notable collaborations include Chubby Jackson, George Wallington, Chet Baker, JJ Johnson, Teddy Wilson, Manny Albam, Billy Taylor (My Fair Lady Loves Jazz), Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mandel, Zoot Sims (Choice), Jack Teagarden (100 Years From Today), Dave Brubeck, and T-Bone Walker ~ Mulligan was born in 1927
January 20, 1995 ~ Jo Vaughn Virginie Scott, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter Joey Badass, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Founding member of hip-hop collective Pro-Era. As a solo artist best known for Devastated and Rockabye Baby featuring Schoolboy Q. Has also collaborated with Statik Selektah, Snakehips, Westside Boogie, A$AP Rocky, and others
January 20, 1988 ~ Keytarist, singer Victoria Asher, full name Victoria Jane Asher, born ~ Daughter of Peter Asher of British pop duo Peter & Gordon. Best known as keytarist for Cobra Starship from 2007 through 2015, with whom she scored the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Good Girls Go Bad and You Make Me Feel. Asher has also worked with Optimo and Not In Town, and self-released her solo debut single, Protect This Love, in 2016
January 20, 1987 ~ Multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter Peter Broderick born in Searsmont, Maine, USA ~ Brother of Heather Woods Broderick. Worked with M Ward, Zooey Deschanel, Dolorean, Horse Feathers, Norfolk & Western, Loch Lomond, Laura Gibson, Efterklang, de Machinefabriek, Neon Dance, and others
January 20, 1986 ~ Producer, songwriter Kane Churko, full name Kane Gregory Churko, born in Regina, Canada ~ Best known for his work with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Papa Roach, Modern Science, Five Finger Death Punch, Gemini Syndrome, In This Moment, Hellyeah, Robert John Mutt Lange, Eric Valentine, Bob Dylan, Maroon 5, Smash Mouth, Hinder, the Corrs, the Vamps, Skillet, Jason Hook, and others
January 20, 1986 ~ Psychedelic pop, neo-psychedelia, synth-pop singer, guitarist, drummer, bassist, keyboardist Kevin Parker, full name Kevin Richard Parker, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Frontman of Tame Impala, known for songs such as Patience, Borderline, It Might Be Time, Posthumous Forgiveness, Breathe Deeper, and Is It True. Has also worked with the Dee Dee Dums, Pond, Mink Mussel Creek, Melody's Echo Chamber, Space Lime Peacock, Canyons, Discodeine, Kevin Spacey. Served as producer for artists such as Mark Ronson, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Travis Scott, the Flaming Lips, and others
January 20, 1985 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Brantley Gilbert, full name Brantley Keith Gilbert, born in Jefferson, Georgia, USA ~ Co-wrote Jason Aldean's My Kinda Party and Dirt Road Anthem. Released his debut album, A Modern Day Prodigal Son, in 2009. Known for songs such as Country Must Be Country Wide, You Don't Know Her Like I Do, Bottoms Up, One Hell Of An Amen, The Weekend and What Happens In A Small Town with Lindsay Ell
January 20, 1984 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter, producer Bonnie McKee born in Vacaville, California, USA ~ Debuted as a solo artist with the album Trouble in 2004 after which she was dropped by her label for underperforming. McKee would go on to focus on songwriting, especially in partnership with Katy Perry, scoring numerous hits for Perry (California Gurls, Last Friday Night (TGIF), Roar), Taio Cruz (Dynamite), Cher, Britney Spears (Hold It Against Me), Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert (Chokehold), Carly Rae Jepsen, Rita Ora, Ke$ha (C'mon), Charlie Puth, and Ava Max
January 20, 1981 ~ Metal drummer Martin Marthus Skaroupka born in Brno, Czech Republic ~ Best known as member of Cradle Of Filth, joining in 2006 as replacement for Adrian Erlandsson. Has also worked with Animal Farm, Pink Chubby Guitar, Scharnhorst, Pluggulp, Inner Fear, Happy Death, Entralis, Titanic, and others
January 20, 1981 ~ Guitarist, singer Nathan Connolly born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Best known as lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Snow Patrol, joining the band in 2002 prior to recording their major label debut, 2003's The Final Straw. Present on UK top 10 hits such as Run, You're All I Have, Chasing Cars, Signal Fire and Take Back The City
January 20, 1975 ~ Country singer Barbara Mandrell releases Wonder When My Baby's Coming Home, lifted off her This Time I Almost Made It album ~ Her last single for Columbia Records before her move to ABC/Dot, this Billy Sherrill-produced ditty actually traces back to the jazz era. Written by Kermit Goell and Arthur Kent, the tune was first released by Connee Boswell in 1942 with several notable covers later the same year by the likes of Sammy Kaye, Jimmy Dorsey, and Kate Smith. Prior to Mandrell's countrified rendition the song would also be recorded by blues artists such as Charles Brown and Bull Moose Jackson in the 1950s. Infusing country with a hint of soul and a touch of torch, Mandrell's Wonder When My Baby's Coming Home may be one of her most overlooked mid-1970s recordings, spending just nine weeks on the Billboard Country charts and barely making the top 40 peaking at No.39
January 20, 1974 ~ Charles Everett Paxton, commonly known as saxophonist, songwriter Charles Packy Axton, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of Stax/Volt co-founder Estelle Axton. Active since the late-1950s. Member of the Royal Spades, which also included Steve Cropper and Donald Duck Dunn. The band would eventually rename themselves the Mar-keys, known for the 1961 Last Night Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Member of the Packers, known for the 1965 single Hole In The Wall which reached top 10 Billboard R&B ~ Axton was born in 1941
January 20, 1974 ~ Rock, pop rock singer, guitarist Paskal Jakobsen born in Vlissingen, the Netherlands ~ Co-founded BLØF, known for songs such as Liefs Uit London, Wat Zou Je Doen, Dansen Aan Zee, Alles Is Liefde, Vandaag and Zoutelande. Co-wrote Rob de Nijs' Wat Als Later Nu Is with Danny Vera. Has also collaborated with Fernando Lameirinhas, Cristina Branco, Mark King, Henny Vrienten, Frank Boeijen, and others
January 20, 1973 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer, actor Benjamin Biolay born in Villefanche-sur-Saône, France ~ Brother of singer Coralie Clément, whose albums he produced. Has also written, arranged or produced for artists such as Keren Ann, Henri Salvador, Juliette Gréco, Julien Clerc, Françoise Hardy, Vanessa Paradis. As a singer and solo artist has recorded since the early-2000s, known best for albums such as 2009's La Superbe, 2012's Vengeance and 2020's Grand Prix, all of which reached top 10 of the French album charts
January 20, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter Gary Barlow born in Cheshire, UK ~ Best known as lead singer of boy band Take That. Released his solo debut album, The Open Road, in 1997, which spawned the hit singles Forever Love and Love Won't Wait. Has collaborated with Chris Martin, Ellie Goulding, Midge Ure, Michael Bublé, Agnetha Fältskog, Jörgen Elofsson, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Has produced and/or written for Matt Cardle, Robbie Williams, Westlife, Lily Allen, Elton John, Olly Murs, T-Pain, Will Young, N-Dubz, Lawson, Shirley Bassey, Donny Osmond, Delta Goodrem, and Elaine Page
January 20, 1971 ~ Progressive rock, metal, experimental rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Paul Masvidal, full name Paul Albert Masvidal, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Cites Andrés Segovia, Django Reinhardt, Jimmy Page, Alex Lifeson, Eddie Van Halen, Scott Henderson and Warren Cuccurullo as influences. Founding member of Cynic, remaining with the band for three decades. Has also worked in side projects and as a collaborator with acts including Æon Spoke, Onward With Love, Crypha, Seaweed, Death, Gordian Knot, Persefone, Neil Grant, and others
January 20, 1971 ~ Ahmir Khalib Thompson, commonly known as drummer, DJ, producer, actor Questlove, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founding member, co-frontman of the Roots, known best as the house band for Jimmy Thompson's late night show. The band is critically acclaimed for their jazz-influenced approach to hip-hop and has recorded about a dozen albums since the early-1990s. Notable singles include What They Do featuring Raphael Saadiq and You Got Me featuring Erykah Badu and Eve. Questlove has also served as producer for the likes of Elvis Costello, Common, d'Angelo, Jill Scott, Bilal, Jay-Z, Nikka Costa, Booker T Jones, Al Green, Amy Winehouse, John Legend, and others
January 20, 1971 ~ Jazz composer, pianist Zoe Rahman born in Chichester, UK ~ Leader and sidewoman. Over half a dozen albums since the early-2000s as a solo artist, leader or co-leader. Noted specifically for the 2013 collaborative album Unison with bassist, saxophonist George Mraz. Rahman has also worked with Courtney Pine, Clark Tracey, the Soothsayers, Keziah Jones, David Walcott, Mekaal Hasan, Reem Kelani, Tony Bianco, Natacha Atlas, and Brigitte Escobar
January 20, 1969 ~ Bassist, songwriter Nicky Wire born in Tredegar, UK ~ Member and primary lyricist of alternative rock band the Manic Street Preachers, known for songs such as A Design For Life, If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next, You Stole The Sun From My Heart, The Masses Against The Classes, So Why So Sad, The Love Of Richard Nixon and Your Love Alone Is Not Enough, all of which reached the British top 10. Wire released a solo album, I Killed The Zeitgeist, in 2006
January 20, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist Lewis Taylor, full name Andrew Lewis Taylor, born in London, UK ~ Worked with psychedelic rock band the Edgar Broughton Band. Released two psychedelia albums in the 1980s, Laugh Yourself Awake and What Lovely Melodies, using the moniker Sheriff Jack. Moved into neo-soul in the 1990s issuing several albums under his birth name, starting with the eponymous Lewis Taylor in 1996. Retired from music in the mid-2000s
January 20, 1966 ~ Tracy Richard Irving Ulrich, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal guitarist, singer Tracii Guns, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Guns 'n Roses, shortly after its inception replaced by Slash. Also worked with the LA Guns, Brides Of Destruction, Contraband, the League Of Gentlemen, Gilby Clarke, the Devil City Angels, Poison, Quiet Riot, Hollywood Rose, and others
January 20, 1966 ~ Christian singer, guitarist, songwriter Wes King born in Winder, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 1993 album The Robe and its follow-up Common Creed, the latter spawning the modest hits Life Is Precious, The Love Of Christ, and Common Creed. Has guested on recordings by Phil Keaggy, Kim Hill, Julie Miller, Cindy Morgan, and Carmen Liana
January 20, 1965 ~ DJ Alan Freed, full name Albert James Freed, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Perhaps the first superstar radio DJ, promoting rock & roll, blues, country and R&&B until the payola scandal ended his career in the early 1960s ~ Freed was born in 1921
January 20, 1965 ~ R&B, dance, house, soul singer Heather Small born in UK ~ Lead singer of M-People, known for a string of UK 1990s dance, dance-pop hits including One Night In Heaven, Moving On Up, Don't Look Any Further, Renaissance, Sight For Sore Eyes, Search For The Hero, Just For You and Angel St. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Proud in 2000
January 20, 1965 ~ Singer John Michael Montgomery born in Danville, Kentucky, USA ~ Brother of singer Eddie Montgomery, with whom he also worked. As a solo artist debuted in 1992 with the Life's A Dance album and has since regularly reached the higher echelons of the country charts with singles such as I Love The Way You Love Me, I Swear, Be My Baby Tonight, If You've Got Love, I Can Love You Like That, Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident), Little Girl, and others
January 20, 1960 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Jeff Tain-Watts born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Betty Carter, Michael Brecker, Alice Coltrane, Ravi Coltrane, Troy Roberts, Robin Eubanks, Harry Connick Jr, Kenny Kirkland, Terence Blanchard, Sonny Fortune, Kenny Garrett, Conrad Herwig, McCoy Tyner, John Beasley, and others.
January 20, 1960 ~ Composer, organist Nils-Henrik Asheim born in Oslo, Norway ~ Known for chamber music, orchestral works, musical theater, saced music and electronic music. Frequent collaborator of Anne-Lise Berntsen. In the jazz and electronica idions has worked with Paal Nilssen-Love, Frode Gjerstad, Lasse Marhaug, and is known as founder of the improvisational collective the Stavanger Kitchen Orchestra
January 20, 1960 ~ Bassist Scott Thunes born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ In-demand session bassist worked with Wayne Kramer, Andy Prieboy, Frank Zappa (most of the 1980s including on the albums Them Or Us and The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life), Mike Keneally, Fear, the Waterboys, Big Bang Beat, the Mother Hips, Heavy Bones, and others
January 20, 1958 ~ Dub producer Adrian Sherwood, full name Adrian Maxwell Sherwood, born in London, UK ~ Best known as a dub producer working with artists such as Prince Far I, Little Axe, Mikey Dread, Bim Sherman, Lee Scratch Perry, Style Scott, Suns Of Arqa and others. Thriving force behind Dub Syndicate. Has also worked outside the dub and reggae idiom, especially as a remixer. Member of Tackhead collective. Has worked with Coldcut, Depeche Mode, Primal Scream, Pop Will Eat Itself, Sinéad O'Connor, Skinny Puppy as well as artists such as Ministry, Cabaret Voltaire, KMFDM, and Nine Inch Nails
January 20, 1957 ~ Saxophonist Andy Sheppard born in Warminster, UK ~ Leader and sideman. First gained attention in the late-1970s as a member of Sphere. Released his eponymous Andy Sheppard debut album in 1987, produced by and featuring Steve Swallow. In-demand sideman, worked with Lumière, Urban Sax, Keith Tippett, Naná Vasconcelos, John Parricelli, Carla Bley, Gil Evans, George Russell, Han Bennink, Claude Deppa, Gary Valente, John Martyn, Judie Tzuke, the Blue Aeroplanes, Barbara Dennerlein, Peter Erskine, Tore Johansen, Lee Morgan, Sylvain Sylvain, and Trio Libero
January 20, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer, arranger Steve Rochinski, full name Stephen James Rochinski, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Worked with Tal Farlow, Attila Zoller, Jimmy Raney, Pete Candoli, Conte Candoli, Tim Hagans, Joe Lovano, Greg Hopkins, Gary Foster, Pat Harbison, Jeff Sherman, Hal Melia, Chip Stephens, Hank Marr, Brad Goode, Joe Hunt, Scott Lee, Walt Weiskopf, Wade Beach, Amy Shook, Jeff Antoniuk, Tony Martucco, Chuck Redd, Richard Evans, Bob Freedman, Anthony Tillman, Andrei Ryabov, and others
January 20, 1954 ~ R&B, disco, soul, funk singer, songwriter Stuart Bascombe born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Member of Black Ivory, known for 1970s Billboard R&B hits such as Don't Turn Around, You & I, I'll Find A Way, and Time Is Love. Co-wrote Raekwon's Criminology of the 1995 Only Built 4 Linx album. Co-wrote Q-Tip's Gettin' Up of the 2008 The Renaissance album
January 20, 1953 ~ Jazz, pop, rock singer, bassist, pianist, guitarist Billy Field, full name William Bruce Field, born in Wagga Wagga, Australia ~ Active since the late-1960s. Member of King Fox, known for the 1972 single I Think You're Fine. Released his Bad Habits solo debut album in 1981, which spawned the hit singles Bad Habits and You Weren't In Love With Me both of which reached top 10 in his native Australia. Has recorded to moderate succes since as a solo artist, serves as producer, and runs his own recording studio Paradise Studios
January 20, 1952 ~ Ann Allen, commonly known as cajun, folk singer, guitarist, accordionist, fiddler Ann Savoy, born ~ Married to accordionist Marc Savoy, her bandmate in the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band and the Savoy Family Band. The couple's sons Joel Savoy and Wilson Savoy also play in the latter. Also a member of all-female band the Magnolia Sisters
January 20, 1952 ~ Blues, blues-rock singer, guitarist John Campbell, full name John Allen Campbell, born in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of short-lived power trio Junction alongside Tim Delaney and Jack Haupt. As a solo artist best known for a number of late-1980s, early-1990s hard-edged, raw albums, notably the acclaimed One Believer album released in 1991 ~ Campbell passed away in 1993
January 20, 1952 ~ Stanley Bert Eisen, commonly known as hard rock, rock guitarist, singer Paul Stanley born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founder, guitarist, co-lead singer of Kiss, known for 1970s hits such as Rock & Roll All Nite, Beth, Hard Luck Woman, Calling Dr Love, and perhaps their best known I Was Made For Lovin' You
January 20, 1948 ~ Singer Tony Pantano born in Messina, Italy ~ Active since his mid-teens. Fronted Isy & the Dynamics during the mid-1960s, known for the single One Night. Fronted Sammy &; the Dolphins, with whom he recorded the EP The Dolphins At Sergio's Rendezvous. As a solo artist known for the early-1970s singles Every Time You Touch Me and Tonight, both of which modest hits in his adopted homeland Australia ~ Pantano passed away in 2023
January 20, 1947 ~ Guitarist, composer Chris Karrer born in Kempten, West Germany ~ 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 passed away in 2024
January 20, 1947 ~ Rock, country rock drummer, singer George Grantham born in Cordell, Oklahoma, USA ~ Member of Boenzee Cryque alongside Rusty Young. Best known as co-founding member of Poco, remaining with the band through 1977. Has also worked with the Flying Burrito Brothers, Steve Wariner, Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie McDowell
January 20, 1946 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger John Sheridan born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Got turned on to jazz at age 8, hearing a recording of Benny Goodman's famed 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Best known for his association with Jim Cullum, performing and recording with the cornetist for some two decades starting in the late-1970s. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, noted especially for his 1997 Something Tells Me debut album and the 2004 Thanks A Million collaborative album with trumpeter Bob Barnard. Other notable collaborations include Banu Gibson (Livin' In A Great Big Way), Duke Heitger, Brian Ogilvie, Randy Reinhardts (As Long As I Live), and Ron Hockett ~ Sheridan passed away in 2021
January 20, 1945 ~ Art rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Eric Stewart, full name Eric Michael Stewart, born in Droylsden, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Mindbenders remaining with the band through 1968, known best for The Game Of Love and A Groovy Kind Of Love. Co-founding member of 10cc remaining with the band through 1995, present on the band's best known including Donna, Rubber Bullets, Life Is A Minestrone, I'm Not In Love, The Things We Do For Love, and Dreadlock Holiday. Has also worked with Hotlegs, the Alan Parsons Project, Paul McCartney, and recorded as a solo artist. Served as producer for the likes of Neil Sedaka, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Sad Cafe, and Agnetha Fältskog
January 20, 1944 ~ Charles Louis Domanico, commonly known as jazz, pop bass guitarist, double bassist Chuck Domanico, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Carmen McRae, Joni Mitchell, Taj Mahal, Diane Schuur, Natalie Cole, the Manhattan Transfer, Chet Baker, Henry Mancini, the Hindustani Jazz Sextet, Shelly Manne, Oliver Nelson, John Klemmer, Roger Kellaway, Barney Kessel, Art Pepper, Don Ellis, Bob Thiele, João Donato, Pisano & Ruff, Gerry Mulligan, Phoebe Snow, Rita Coolidge, Bobby Hutcherson, Louie Bellson, Sonny Criss, Shelly Manne, Wade Marcus, JD Souther, the Pointer Sisters, Herb Alpert, Freddie Hubbard, Patti Austin, Lou Rawls, Joe Sample, Bonnie Raitt, Julio Iglesias, Pat Benatar, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Céline Dion, Dwight Yoakam, Lee Ann Womack, and others ~ Domanico passed away in 2002
January 20, 1943 ~ Pianist, singer David Libert born ~ Co-founding member of pop group the Happenings. The band was known for adding their own distinctive style to hits originally recorded by others, and enjoyed popularity especially during the mid-1960s. See You In September, Go Away Little Girl, I Got Rhythm, and My Mammy all reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100. Libert briefly served as manager for Rare Earth, and subsequently as tour manager for Alice Cooper during the first half of the 1970s, a time span generally considered Cooper's key period. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1976, Libert became a representative for artists such as George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Brian Auger, Vanilla Fudge, and Living Colour ~ Libert passed away in 2024
January 20, 1942 ~ R&B singer William Powell born in Canton, Ohio, USA ~ Lead singer for the O'Jays, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is known especially for two 1972 No.1 Billboard R&B hits, Back Stabbers and Love Train, both cherished and remembered as some of the finest of the Philly soul era. Other well known songs include Give The People What They Want, I Love Music (Part I), Livin' For The Weekend, Message In Our Music, and Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet Tender Love). Following Powell's death at age 35 of cancer, the band would attract Sammy Strain as lead singer, formerly of Little Anthony & the Imperials, and continued to record to lesser success ~ Powell passed away in 1977
January 20, 1941 ~ Singer, TV host Pierre Lalonde born in Montreal, Canada ~ Son popular 1940s singer Jean Lalonde. Pierre sings in both English and French starting in the early-1960s, has also recorded under the moniker Peter Martin and is known for a variety of TV shows including Le Jeunesse D'Aujourd'hui, The Peter Martin Show, Music Hop ~ Lalonde passed away in 2016
January 20, 1936 ~ Boogie-woogie, blues, jazz pianist Erwin Helfer born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Closely associated with singer Estelle Yancey. Perhaps best known for his 1976 Heavy Timbre (Chicago Boogie Piano) album, which included contributions from Blind John Davis, Sunnyland Slim, Willie Mabon, and Jimmy Walker
January 20, 1936 ~ Blues guitarist Luther Tucker born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Though he never acieved much fame considered one of the most prominent Chicago blues rhythm guitarists on par with Eddie Taylor, Jody Williams, Freddie Robinson. Has worked with BB King, Mel Brown, Pat Hare, Elmore James, Little Walter, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Elvin Bishop, and others ~ Tucker passed away in 1993
January 20, 1931 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Hachidai Nakamura born in Tsingtao, China ~ Chinese-born Japanese pianist and composer. Member of the Big Four, alongside Hidehiko Matsumoto, George Kawaguchi, and Mitsuru Ono. Has composed for Kyu Sakamoto, Saburo Kitajima, and others. Known in the US mostly for co-penning Sakamoto's Sukiyaki, a 1963 Billboard No.1 hit ~ Nakamura passed away in 1992
January 20, 1929 ~ Jazz, hard bop, post-bop drummer Jimmy Cobb, full name Wilbur James Cobb born in Washington DC, USA ~ Started in the early-1950s touring with Earl Bostic. Closely associated with Miles Davis from the late-1950s through the early-1960s including on seminal albums such as Porgy & Bess, Kind Of Blue and Sketches Of Spain. Has also worked with Dinah Washington (Dinah), Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, Wayne Shorter, Art Pepper, John Coltrane (Giant Steps), Freddie Hubbard (Open Sesame), Howard McGhee, Wynton Kelly (Someday My Prince Will Come), Sonny Red, Wes Montgomery, Shirley Scott, Bunky Green (My Baby), Big Mama Thornton, Sarah Vaughan, Starbuck, and others. Later on in his career would record as a leader including tributes to Davis, Kelly, and Chambers ~ Cobb passed away in 2020
January 20, 1926 ~ Experimental pianist, composer David Tudor, full name David Eugene Tudor, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ One of the leading performers of avant garde piano. Premiered Pierre Boulez's Piano Sonata No.2 in the US. Had Karlheinz Stockhausen dedicate his Klavierstuck VI to him. Closely associated with John Cage, premiering several of Cage's works including Music Of Changes, Concert For Piano And Orchestra, and 4'33. Tudor also gave early performances of works by Morton Feldman, Earle Brown, Christian Wolff, and La Monte Young ~ Tudor passed away in 1996
January 20, 1924 ~ Songwriter Lee Pockriss, full name Lee Julian Pockriss, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ In-demand songwriter of the 1950s and 1960s, with several soundtracks and Broadway shows to his name. Perhaps best known for co-writing Perry Como's Catch A Falling Star, Brian Hyland's Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini, and the Cuff Links' Tracy. Others who have recorded his songs include Jerry Vale, Johnny Mathis, Anita Bryant (My Little Corner Of The World), Dodie Stevens, Shelley Fabares (Johnny Angel), Frankie Laine, the Rooftop Singers, and Clint Holmes (Playground In My Mind) ~ Pockriss passed away in 2011
January 20, 1923 ~ Pop, jazz singer Nora Brockstedt born in Oslo, Norway ~ Internationally best known for representing Norway twice at the Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 4th place in 1960 with Voi Voi and 7th place the following year with Sommer I Palma ~ Brockstedt passed away in 2015
January 20, 1923 ~ Ottis Dewey Whitman Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Slim Whitman, born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning seven decades. Known for his yodeling and his high falsetto. Sold over 70 million records. Best known for songs such as Indian Love Call, Keep It A Secret, My Heart Is Broken In Three, Rose Marie, More Than Yesterday, and Something Beautiful To Remember. Opened for Elvis Presley in the 1950s ~ Whitman passed away in 2013
January 20, 1920 ~ Raymond Antinini, commonly known as bandleader Ray Anthony, born in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Last surviving member of Glenn Miller Orchestra. Known for a number of early-1950s hits recorded with his own band, Bunny Hop, Hokey Pokey, and Theme From Dragnet. Married to singer, actress and model Mamie van Doren from 1955 to 1958
January 20, 1918 ~ Juan Garcia Equivel, commonly known as bandleader, pianist, composer Esquivel, born in Jiutepec, Mexico ~ Known for instrumental songs merging lounge music and jazz with a touch of Latin music. Sometimes referred to as “the King of Space Age Pop”. Best known for his rendition of Mucha Muchacha, later used in numerous movies including The Big Lebowski and Beavis And Butthead Do America ~ Esquivel passed away in 2002
January 20, 1896 ~ Nathan Birnbaum, commonly known as vaudevillian, comedian, singer George Burns born in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the comedy duo Burns & Allen with his wife Gracie Allen, performing from the 1920s through the 1950s on radio, TV and film. Enjoyed a sudden career revival at age 79, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1975 film The Sunshine Boys ~ Burns passed away in 1996
January 20, 1894 ~ Classical composer Walter Piston, full name Walter Hamon Piston Jr, born in Rockland, Maine, USA ~ Got his start in music playing piano and violin in dance bands and orchestras throughout the 1910, notably serving under Georges Longy. Following a stint in the US Army during World War I, studied music at Harvard, graduating summa cum laude and teaching at the same university from 1926 until his retirement in 1960. As a classical composer wrote for ballet, orchestral music, chamber music, choral music, and various instruments. Known for works such as Three Pieces For Flute Clarinet & Bassoon, Symphony No.1 and The Incredible Flutist ~ Piston passed away in 1976
January 20, 1888 ~ Huddie William Ledbetter, commonly known as guitarist, singer Lead Belly, born in Mooringsport, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the most important and influential pre-war blues, folk singers, guitarists known for songs such as Goodnight Irene, The Midnight Special, Cotton Fields and Boll Weevil. Ledbetter's songs have been covered by numerous artists including Moon Mullican, Frank Sinatra, Odetta, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Della Reese, Pete Seeger, the Staple Singers, Nina Simone, the Spencer Davis Group, Ry Cooder, and Taj Mahal. Singer Bob Dylan credits Ledbetter for getting him into folk music ~ Ledbetter passed away in 1949
January 20, 1876 ~ Pianist, composer Josef Hofmann, full name Josef Casimir Hofmann, born in Krakow, Poland ~ Son of pianist, conductor, composer Kazimierz Hofmann and singer Matylda Pindelska. Child prodigy, his series of concerts in his early teens drawing critical comparison to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Felix Mendelssohn. Would go on to compose well over a hundred works, many under the pseudonym Michel Dvorsky ~ Hofmann passed away in 1957
January 20, 1855 ~ Romantic composer Ernest Chausson, full name Amédée-Ernest Chausson, born in Paris, France ~ Died at age 44 in a biking accident, just as his career was about to take off. Influenced by Jules Massenet, with traces of Johannes Brahms. Known for orchestral works such as Viviane, Symphony In B Flat, and Poème for Violin & Orchestra, and his sole opera Le Roi Arthus ~ Chausson passed away in 1899