January 21, 2023 ~ Bernard Greene, commonly known as Eurodance, hip house, techno rapper, singer BG The Prince Of Rap, passed away in Wiesbaden, Germany ~ Enjoyed modest succes in Germany, where he lived after being posted by the US Army. Best known for his 1991 hit This Beat Is Hot. Other well known songs include Take Control Of The Party, The Power Of Rhythm, Can We Get Enough, The Colour Of My Dreams, and Stomp ~ Greene was born in 1965
January 21, 2022 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Emil Mangelsdorff passed away in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany ~ Imprisoned by the Gestapo for playing jazz and eventually forced to enlist in Hitler's army. Brother of trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff. Has worked with Joe Klimm, Jutta Hipp, Atilla Zoller, George Gruntz, and others ~ Mangelsdorff was born in 1925
January 21, 2022 ~ Music journalist, A&R executive Terry Tolkin passed away ~ As a music journalist credited with coining the term “alternative music” while a writer for the trade publication Rockpool. As an executive, A&R executive associated with several labels including Touch & Go Records, Rough Trade Records, his own indie No.6 Records and perhaps most notably Elektra Records, signing acts such as Stereolab, Afghan Whigs and Nada Surf to the latter. Also especially remembered for producing the 1988 Neil Young-tribute album The Bridge (A Tribute To Neil Young) featuring covers performed by then-unknown upcoming bands such as the Pixies, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, the Flaming Lips and Soul Asylum. The album's proceeds would be donated to the Bridge School, a charity for children suffering from Cerebral Palsy run by Young and his wife Pegi Young ~ Tolkin was born in 1959
January 21, 2021 ~ Country singer, songwriter Randy Parton, full name Randel Huston Parton, passed away in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, USA ~ Brother of singers Stella Parton and Dolly Parton, having backed the latter on albums such as New Harvest First Gathering and Rhinestone. As a solo artist best known for being the first to record Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler), a 1984 Billboard Country No.1 hit for Alabama ~ Parton was born in 1953
January 21, 2019 ~ Keyboardist, organist Edwin Birdsong passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Enjoyed little chart success but remembered for a handful of experimental funk, disco recordings including Cola Bottle Baby and Rapper Dapper Snapper, sampled by respectively Daft Punk in Harder Better Faster Stronger and Gang Starr in Skills. Birdsong also produced three Roy Ayers albums ~ Birdsong was born in 1941
January 21, 2019 ~ Country singer Maxine Brown, full name Ella Maxine Brown, passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ One third of 1950s country outfit the Browns, alongside siblings Jim Ed Brown and Bonnie Brown, known for songs such as I Take The Chance, I Heard The Bluebirds Sing and perhaps their biggest hit The Three Bells. The trio disbanded in 1967 after which Maxine recorded a sole solo album Sugar Cane County ~ Brown was born in 1931
January 21, 2017 ~ Adèle Maria Hameetman, commonly known as actress, comedienne, singer Adèle Bloemendaal, passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actress for stage and TV. As a singer has worked with Piet Römer and Leen Jongewaard, noted for songs such as We Benne Op De Wereld Om Mekaar Te Helpen and Het Zal Je Kind Maar Wezen. As a solo singer best known for the single Als Je Maar Gezond Bent and Hallelujha Kameraden ~ Hameetman was born in 1933
January 21, 2017 ~ Walter Morrison, commonly known as R&B, funk keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, trumpeter, percussionist, singer, songwriter Walter Junie Morrison, passed away in London, UK ~ Keyboardist of the Ohio Players from 1970 through 1974, present on the 1972 Pleasure album which spawned the hit single Funky Worm. Closely associated with George Clinton as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic, including on the quintessential 1978 One Nation Under A Groove album ~ Morrison was born in 1954
January 21, 2010 ~ Robert Lester, commonly known as singer Robert Squirrel Lester, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Longtime member of the Chi-lites, best known for their 1972 Oh Girl Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit single. Other well known songs include (For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People, Have You Seen Her, Stoned Out Of My Mind, and Homely Girl ~ Lester was born in 1942
January 21, 2009 ~ Michael Richard Gee, commonly known as rock & roll guitarist Mickey Gee, passed away in Cardiff, UK ~ Influenced by Chet Atkins and Elvis Presley-guitarist Scotty Moore. Served as musical director for the Senators, the backing unit for Tom Jones. Would go on to work with Joe Cocker, Dave Edmunds (I Hear You Knocking), Shakin' Stevens, Andy Fairweather Low, Willie & the Poor Boys, Nick Lowe, and others ~ Gee was born in 1944
January 21, 2008 ~ Jazz, blues drummer Francis Clay passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Influential on British Invasion musicians such as Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood. Best known for his associations with Muddy Waters and James Cotton. Also worked with Gypsy Rose Lee, Jay McShann, Charlie Parker, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Otis Spann, and others ~ Clay wsa born in 1923
January 21, 2007 ~ Joseph P Lippman, commonly known as pop, jazz pianist, conduictor, arranger, composer Joe Lipman, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Composed and arranged for Bunny Berigan, Jimmy Dorsey, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Glenn Miller (Blue Evening), Perry Como, and others. Has also worked with Benny Goodman, Vincent Lopez, Irving Aaronson, Artie Shaw, Nathaniel Shilkret, Nat King Cole, Mel Tormé, Eileen Barton, Kay Thompson, Vic Damone, Betty Madigan, Kay Armen, Bill Tabbert, Jan August, Ginny Gibson, Ella Mae Morse, Fran Warren, Bob Crosby, and others ~ Lippman was born in 1915
January 21, 2005 ~ Singer Steve Susskind passed away ~ Formed the Roommates with Bob Minsky, then both aged 15. The duo would become a quartet with the addition of Jack Carlson and Felix Alvarez. The band would record a number of unnoticed singles, until teaming up with singer Cathy Jean for Please Love Me Forever. Billed as Cathy Jean & the Roommates the single would reach top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 ~ Susskind was born in 1942
January 21, 2002 ~ Norma Deloris Egstrom, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Peggy Lee, passed away in Bel Air, California, USA ~ Pop, jazz, standards singer. Among one of the few who at the time welcomed and embraced the music of a younger generation. Also a popular actress and respected songwriter and lyricist ~ Egstrom was born in 1920
January 21, 2001 ~ Sanford Irving Beresofsky, commonly known as actor, singer, songwriter Sandy Baron, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor for stage, making his Broadway debut in the 1962 romantic comedy Tchin-Tchin, TV and film. Has occasionally written music including co-writing Adam Wade's 1962 The Writing On The Wall Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit and Lou Rawls' 1971 top 20 hit A Natural Man ~ Beresofsky was born in 1936
January 21, 1999 ~ Singer, pianist Charles Brown passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Influential on artists such as Floyd Dixon, Cecil Gant, Ivory Joe Hunter, Percy Mayfield, Johnny Ace, and Ray Charles. Known for a string of late-1940s, early-1950s top 10 hits including Drifting Blues, Hard Times, and Merry Christmas Baby. Member of Johnny Moore's the Three Blazers. Married to singer Mabel Scott from 1949 through 1951, with whom he also worked including on the 1948 Elevator Boogie hit ~ Brown was born in 1922
January 21, 1994 ~ Omar David Hernandez Colon, commonly known as reggaeton, urban pop singer, actor Darkiel, born in Lares, Puerto Rico ~ Influenced by Daddy Yankee and Don Omar. Best known for his role in the biographical Nicky Jam El Ganador series aired on Netflix of Nicky Jam, portraying the younger version of the latter. As a singer best known for songs such as Ella Me Oculta, Aqui Estas Tu, Si Me Apagan El Sol and Montate Y Zumba
January 21, 1992 ~ William Thomas Dupree, commonly known as blues, boogie-woogie pianist Champion Jack Dupree, passed away in Hanover, Germany ~ Best known for songs such as Walkin' The Blues, Junker's Blues, Angola Blues and Shake Baby Shake ~ Dupree was born ca.1910
January 21, 1984 ~ Singer Jackie Wilson, full name Jack Leroy Wilson Jr, passed away in Mount Holly, New Jersey, USA ~ Key figure in transition from R&B to soul. Dubbed “Mr Excitement” for his high-energy stage antics. Rose to fame as member of Billy Ward & the Dominoes. Active as a solo artist since 1957. Known for songs such as Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want To Meet), Lonely Teardrops, You Were Made For My Love, Alone At Last, My Empty Arms, Baby Workout and (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher ~ Wilson was born in 1934
January 21, 1983 ~ Pop, synth-pop, new wave duo Eurythmics release their Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) single ~ Their previous album, the 1981 In The Garden barely made an impression, as did the first singles of their sophomore Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This). It was, however, the title track that gained them attention and started a streak of hits, with half a dozen consecutive singles reaching top 10 in their native UK. Besides success at home and across continental Europe, the title track Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) was also their first American top 10 hit, and their sole Billboard Hot 100 No.1. The song would remain one of the duo's most favorite songs, a staple of the era
January 21, 1983 ~ Marianne Evans, commonly known as rapper Rapsody, born in Snow Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Influenced by Jay-Z, Mos Def, Lauryn Hill, and MC Lyte. Worked with H20, 9th Wonder, DJ Premier, Mac Miller, Big Daddy Kane, Marsha Ambrosius, Estelle, Raekwon, Jean Grae, Murs, Big KRIT, Kendrick Lamar, Freeway, Kooley High, Skyzoo, Sean Boog, Mez, Actual Proof, Statik Selektah, Buckshot, Dilated Peoples, Musiq Soulchild, Evidence, TI, Elle Varner, and others
January 21, 1981 ~ Singer, songwriter Michel Teló born in Medianeira Parana, Brazil ~ Best known for Ai Se Eu Te Pego, an international hit in 2001 reaching top 10 across Europe and Latin America including No.1 positions in France, Germany, Spain and the singer's native Brazil. Previously lead singer of Grupo Tradição from 1997 through 2008
January 21, 1981 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Russell Procope passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Duke Ellington, remaining with the Duke Ellington Orchestra from 1946 through to Ellington's death in 1974. Has also worked with Billy Freeman, Jelly Roll Morton, Benny Carter, Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson, Tiny Bradshaw, Teddy Hill, King Oliver, Willie Bryant, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn, and others ~ Procope was born in 1908
January 21, 1978 ~ Tamir Ruffin, commonly known as singer Nokio the N-tity, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Member of Dru Hill. The R&B outfit is known for a string of late-1990s hits including In My Bed, Never Make A Promise and How Deep Is Your Love featuring Redman, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100
January 21, 1978 ~ Singer Phil Stacey, full name Joel Philip Stacey, born in Richmond, Kentucky, USA ~ First gained attention as contestant on the sixth season of talent show American Idol in 2007. Released his eponymous Phil Stacey debut album in 2008, which included his debut single If You Didn't Love Me. Subsequent recordings, notably 2009's You're Not Shaken and 2015's Reach Beyond would reach top 30 in the Christian singles chart
January 21, 1976 ~ Singer Emma Bunton, full name Emma Lee Bunton, born in Finchley, UK ~ Nicknamed Baby Spice. Member of girl group the Spice Girls, known for hits such as Wannabe, 2 Become 1, Spice Up Your Life and Viva Forever. Bunton released her solo album, A Girl Like Me, in 2001 and has recorded as a solo artist since. Known for songs such as What Took You So Long, Free Me and Downtown. Has collaborated with Ronan Keating, Damage, Brian Wilson, Chicken Shed, and others
January 21, 1975 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Jason Moran born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Thelonious Monk, Formed and fronted the trio Bandwagon, the other two being Tarus Mateen and Nasheet Waits. Mixes post-bop, avant-garde jazz, blues, classical, stride piano and hip-hop. Has also recorded with Greg Osby, Eric Harland, Stefon Harris, Lonnie Plaxico, Marvin Sewell, Ralph Alessi, Steve Coleman, Charles Lloyd, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Lovano, Christian McBride, Von Freeman, Francisco Mela, Don Byron, Marian McPartland, Lee Konitz, Wayne Shorter, Rober Glasper, Jenny Scheinman, Bad Plus, Mary Halvorson, Ron Miles, Herlin Riley, Dave Holland, Bill Frisell, and others
January 21, 1972 ~ Charlyn Marie Marshall, commonly known as Indie rock, folk rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Cat Power born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted in 1995 with the album Dear Sir and has recorded steadily since. Best known for her 2018 single Woman featuring Lana Del Rey. Artists who guested on her albums include Steve Shelley, Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder, Mabon Teenie Hodges, Judah Bauer, and others
January 21, 1972 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Jesse van Ruller born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with David Hazeltine, Nat Reeves, Joe Farnsworth, Willie Jones III, Seamus Blake, Sam Yahel, Bill Stewart, Benjamin Herman, Clarence Penn, John Swana, Fleurine, Dave Liebman, Florian Ross, Jasper Blom, and others
January 21, 1972 ~ Charlene Keys, commonly known as R&B, neo soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Tweet, born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Member of Sugah, which at one time also included a then-unknown Missy Elliott. Sang backing vocals on Elliott's Miss E (So Addictive) and subsequently had Elliott guest on her 2002 solo debut album Southern Hummingbird, which was received to warm reviews and spawned the hit single Oops (Oh My). Tweet has recorded since, both as a solo artist and backing musician. Has collaborated with artists such as Timbaland, Ja Rule, Bubba Sparxxx, Petey Pablo, Magoo, Trina, Madonna, Cee Lo Green, and others
January 21, 1968 ~ Alexander Barr, commonly known as harcore punk, oi punk, punk rock singer Al Barr, born in Hanover, New Hampshire, USA ~ Lead singer of the Dropkick Murphys joining the band in 1998 as replacement for original lead singer Mick McColgan. The band is best known for their 2012 single The Season's Upon Us. Two earlier singles, Walk Away and Fields Of Athenry both taken of their 2003 album Blackout would be minor hits in the UK. Has previously fronted 5 Balls Of Power and co-founded the Bruisers
January 21, 1968 ~ Progressive metal, neoclassical metal, hard rock, glam metal drummer John Macaluso born in Commack, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Ark, TNT, Yngwie Malmsteen. In-demand session and touring drummer. Released his solo debut album, John Macaluso & Union Radio, in 2007. Has worked with James Labrie, Symphony X, Nicko McBrain, Pete Steele, Starbreaker, Dino Jelusick, Dee Snider, Spread Eagle, Lynch Mob, Labyrinth, Powermad, Riot, and others
January 21, 1967 ~ Hard rock, progressive rock keyboardist, songwriter Darrel Treece-Birch born in Fleetwood, UK ~ Influenced by Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis. Best known for his work with melodic hard rock outfit TEN, joining the band in 2011 and first appearing on the Heresy And Creed album. Also worked with Purple On The Storm, Nth Ascension, and others
January 21, 1966 ~ Pop punk, alternative rock singer, songwriter Wendy James born in London, UK ~ Lead singer of Transvision Vamp, known for late 1980s hits such as I Want Your Love and Baby I Don't Care, both of which reached the UK top 5. Has released a number of solo recordings after the band disbanded, starting with the 1993's Now AIn't The Time For Your Tears album
January 21, 1965 ~ Bassist Cordell Crockett, full name Cordell Miller Crockett, born in Alameda County, California, USA ~ Best known as bassist for Ugly Kid Joe from 1991 until the band's initial disbandement in 1997, rejoining in 2010. The band is best known for Everything About You and Cats In The Cradle, both reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 respectively in 1991 and 1993. Noted for his bass technique, frequently using a bass guitar wah-wah pedal, especially evidenced on songs such as Same Side, Sandwich and Funky Fresh Country Club. Has also worked with Atomship, Abercrombie and with Love/Hate
January 21, 1965 ~ Jason William Mizell, commonly known as DJ, keyboardist, bassist, percussionist, rapper Jam Master Jay, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of Run-DMC, credited with bringing hip-hop into the mainstream, known for songs such as It's Like That, King Of Rock, My Adidas, Walk This Way, You Be Illin', Down With The King featuring Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and others ~ Mizell passed away in 2002
January 21, 1964 ~ Heavy metal, industrial metal singer, bassist, guitarist Tony Dolan born in Newcastle-upon-Thyne, UK ~ Member of Venom from 1989 through 1992, present on the albums Prime Evil, Temples Of Ice, and The Waste Lands. Co-founding member of Atomkraft since the late 1970s, perhaps best known for their 1987 Conductors Of Noize album. Has also worked with Dogmatix, Mantas, Mpire Of Evil, and Joe Matera, and ventured into acting with roles in the films Master And Commander and Dirty War
January 21, 1963 ~ Bassist Kenneth Kinsey born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Member of Big Daddy Kinsey & the Kinsey Report, which also included his brothers Donald Kinsey and Ralph Kinsey, led by father Big Daddy Kinsey and aided by family friend Lester Davenport. The group recorded for about a decade starting with their Edge Of The City album released in 1988
January 21, 1959 ~ Avant-garde rock guitarist Duane Denison born ~ Classically trained. Best known as co-founding member of leading noise rock outfit the Jesus Lizard. Co-founding member of supergroup Tomahawk. Has also worked with Jim Kimball, Cargo Cult, Firewater, USSA, the Legendary Shack Shakers, Pigface, Hank Williams III, and others
January 21, 1959 ~ Rock singer, bassist, guitarist, saxophonist, keyboardist Paulo Miklos, full name Paulo Roberto de Souza Miklos, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Best known as co-founding member of Titas, one of the most successful rock acts in Brazil. Miklos departed the band in 2016 to focus on his solo career. Has also guested on recordings by Raimundos, Tulio Dek, Nando Reis, and others
January 21, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist Chuck Berry records School Days at Universal Recording Studio, Chicago, Illinois ~ Also known as School Day (Ring Ring Goes The Bell). Penned by Chuck Berry. Produced by Leonard Chess and Phil Chess. Contains the lyric “Hail Hail Rock & Roll” later referenced in several songs and used as the title of the 1987 Berry concert documentary. Would become one of Berry's best known and generally regarded as one of the all-time greatest rock & roll anthems. Released as a single the following March, paired with Deep Feeling on the flip side, and included on the album After School Session. Aside from his then-usual backing crew of Johnnie Johnson, Willie Dixon and Fred Below also features guitarist Hubert Sumlin on guitar. Reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100, topped the Billboard R&B charts and would become Berry's first to reach the UK charts, reaching top 30
January 21, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Julie Christensen born in Iowa City, Iowa, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Divine Horsemen, which also included then-husband Chris Desjardins. Following her departure from the band has sung backup for Leonard Cohen, including on tours, recorded as a solo artist and formed Stone Cupid
January 21, 1956 ~ Percussionist, composer Kevin Norton born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Fronted Bauhaus Quartet. Worked with Anthony Braxton, Paul Dunmall, Milt Hinton, Fred Frith, David Krakauer, Joëlle Léandre, Frode Gjerstad, Wilber Morris, James Emery, John Lindberg's Tripolar, Phillip Johnston's Big Trouble, Joel Forrester, Tony Malaby, Dave Ballou, Scott Robinson, Connie Crothers, JD Parran, Anthony Coleman, Steve Swell, John Zorn, and others
January 21, 1953 ~ Christian blues singer, guitarist Glenn Kaiser born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best known for fronting the Resurrection Band, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting with Awaiting Your Reply released in 1978. Following the band's disbandement in 2000 has fronted the Glenn Kaiser Band
January 21, 1950 ~ Leslie Sebastian Charles, commonly known as singer, songwriter Billy Ocean born in Fyzabad, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Best known for a string of 1980s hits including Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run), Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car), There'll Be Sad Songs To Make You Cry and his best-known When The Going Gets Tough (The Tough Get Going)
January 21, 1949 ~ Percussionist, singer David Moss born in New York, New York, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting in the late 1970s, noted for his innovative style and improvisation. Especially acclaimed for his 1993 Texture Time album. Has also notably collaborated with Direct Sound, Uri Caine, Smak, and with the Golden Palominos, appearing on the latter's eponymous The Golden Palominos debut album released in 1983
January 21, 1949 ~ Jazz trombonist Shigeharu Mukai born in Nagoye, Japan ~ Worked with Yoshio Otomo, Ryo Kawasaki, Hiroshi Fukumura, Terumasa Hino, Akira Sakata, Kazumi Watanabe, Yosuke Yamashita, Spik & Span, João Bosco, Billy Hart, Elvin Jones, and others
January 21, 1948 ~ Blues singer Zora Young born in West Point, Mississippi, USA ~ Rooted in gospel music. Has collaborated with the likes of Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim, Mississippi Heat, Paul DeLay, Maurice John Vaughn, and others. Toured Europe in the early 1980s with Bonnie Lee and Big Time Sarah, billed as Blues With The Girls. As a solo artist best known for her Travelin' Light album released in 1991
January 21, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Eric Kaz born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ As a performer worked with American Flyer, the Blues Magoos, Fuller & Kaz, and with the Woodstock Mountain Revue. Most successful as a pop, R&B, country songwriter. Wrote or co-wrote songs for artists such as George Strait, Michael Bolton (That's What Love Is All About), Linda Ronstadt (Love Has No Pride), Bonnie Raitt, Randy Meisner, Kim Carnes (Still Hold On), Tanya Tucker, Suzy Bogguss, Kiki Dee, Kenny Rogers, Alison Krauss, Clay Walker (Hypnotize The Moon), Beth Nielsen Chapman, Don Johnson (Heartbeat), and numerous others
January 21, 1945 ~ Guitarist Chris Britton born in Watford, UK ~ Founding and longtime member, lead guitarist of the Troggs remaining with the band through 1972. Rejoined in 1979. Present on the band's best-known hits including Wild Thing, With A Girl Like You, I Can't Control Myself and Any Way That You Want Me, all of which reached the UK top 10
January 21, 1945 ~ Keyboardist, producer Kristian Schultze born ~ Son of composer Norbert Schultze and singer Iwa Wanja. Best known for forming the new-age band Cusco with Michael Holm, recording over 20 albums. Previously, Schultze was a member of Passport alongside Klaus Doldinger, appearing on the albums Looking Thru, Cross Collateral, Infinity Machine, and Iguacu ~ Schultze passed away in 2011
January 21, 1943 ~ Texas blues, jazz guitarist, singer, songwriter Bnois King born in Delhi, Louisiana, USA ~ Self-taught guitarist since picking up an unused guitar from his grandmother's closet at age eight. Worked with James Moody while still in high school. Played in local jazz bands in the late 1970s including with Big Joe Williams. Longtime associate of Smokin' Joe Kubek since the late 1980s up to Kubek's death in 2015
January 21, 1943 ~ Jazz double bassist Steve Gilmore born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Played with Ira Sullivan, the Baker's Dozen Big Band, Flip Phillips, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Mose Allison, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Phil Woods, Richie Cole, the National Jazz Ensemble, John Coates Jr, Meredith D'Ambrosio, Dave Frishberg, Hal Galper, Tom Harrell, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Dave Liebman, Carol Sloane, Susannah McCorkle, Bill Charlap, Jim Hall, and others
January 21, 1943 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Steve Potts born in Columbus, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Steve Lacy. Has worked with Eric Dolphy, Roy Ayers, Joe Henderson, Reggie Workman, Chico Hamilton, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Slide Hampton, Mal Waldron, Ben Webster, Hal Cornbread Singer, Christian Escoudé, Boulou Ferre, Oliver Johnson, Richard Davis, and others
January 21, 1942 ~ Charles Hatcher, commonly known as R&B singer Edwin Starr, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Active since the mid-1960s, scoring hits with Agent Double-O-Soul, I'll Love You Forever, 25 Miles and his best-known, the 1970 Vietnam-war protest song War reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Would continue to record to moderate success throughout the funk and disco era, enjoying popularity in the UK throughout the end of the 1970s, notable singles being Eye To Eye Contact and HAPPY Radio ~ Hatcher passed away in 2003
January 21, 1942 ~ Morris Mac Davis, singer, guitarist, songwriter, commonly known as Mac Davis, born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ As a songwriter best known for a number of songs most notably recorded by Elvis Presley, including In The Ghetto, Don't Cry Daddy, and Memories and A Little Less Conversation, the last two co-written with Billy Strange. Other artists who recorded his songs include Bobby Goldsboro (Watching Scotty Grow), Vikki Carr, Nancy Sinatra (God Knows I Love You), OC Smith, Jerry Wallace (The Closest I Ever Came), Kenny Rogers, BJ Thomas (I Believe In Music), the Tams, Roy Drusky (Play Me A Little Traveling Music), Helen Reddy, and others. As a recording artist Davis himself would regularly reach the charts, mostly in the 1970s, with songs such Stop And Smell The Roses, One Hell Of A Woman, Rock 'n Roll (I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life), Burnin' Thing, It's Hard To Be Humble and perhaps his best known Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me ~ Davis passed away in 2020
January 21, 1941 ~ Opera singer, conductor Plácido Domingo, full name José Placido Domingo Embil, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Recorded over a 100 complete operas, performing and recording with the most prestigious opera houses. The most acclaimed Otello of his generation. Member of the Three Tenors with José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most popular crossover classical groups, especially during the 1990s, recording opera, show tunes, Neapolitan songs and pop hits. Also ventured into Latin and pop music as a solo artist, starting with 1981's Perhaps Love, a duet with country and folk singer John Denver which sold four million copies
January 21, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist Richie Havens, full name Richard Pierce Havens, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Havens enjoyed a solid, devoted cult following. Best known for his performance at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969, a major turning point in his career. To mainstream audiences, he is known for his 1971 rendition of Here Comes The Sun, a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit ~ Havens passed away in 2013
January 21, 1934 ~ Pop, jazz singer Eva Olmerová born in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Widely regarded as one of the premier Czech singer, despite her career hindered by the authorities. Critically compared to Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Janis Joplin. Known for her associations with the Semafor Theatre, Karel Mares, and Emil Viklický ~ Olmerová passed away in 1993
January 21, 1933 ~ Jazz singers Billy Hughes and Lee Wiley record You're An Old Smoothie ~ Hughes and Wiley, backed by Victor Young & his Serenaders, record You're An Old Smoothie. Written by Nacio Herb Brown, BG DeSylva, Richard Whiting. Originally performed by Ethel Merman & Jack Haley, later also recorded by Paul Whiteman, Diahann Carroll, Ella Fitzgerald, and others
January 21, 1927 ~ Tabla, sitar player Harihar Rao born in Mangalore, India ~ Close friend and protegé of Ravi Shankar. Fused Indian and Western music. Best known for leading the Hindustani Jazz Sextet, which also included trumpeter Don Ellis. Also noted for the 1966 album Raga Rock, recorded under the moniker the Folkswingers featuring Harihar Rao, containing instrumental renditions of popular rock songs of the day including Norwegian Wood, Eight Miles High and Paint It Black, originally recorded by respectively the Beatles, the Byrds and the Rolling Stones ~ Rao passed away in 2013
January 21, 1926 ~ Composer Franco Evangelisti born in Rome, Italy ~ Abandoned his engineering studies to pursue a career in music. Revered for his work in electronic music. Co-founding member of the Gruppo Di Improvvisazione Di Nuova Consonanza, which also included Francisco Pennisi and Aldo Clementi ~ Evangelisti passed away in 1980
January 21, 1923 ~ Maria Dolores Flores Ruiz, commonly known as copla, flamenco, pasodoble singer, actress Lola Flores, born in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain ~ Married to flameco guitarist El Pescaílla. The couple's children Lolita Flores, Rosario Flores and Antonio Flores have all achieved fame as singers. Over two dozen albums to her name as a singer, including a number with her husband. Appeared in some three dozen films as an actress ~ Flores passed away in 1995
January 21, 1918 ~ Enrique Diaz, commonly known as tango double bassist Kicho Diaz, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Worked with Jose Pascual, Anselmo Aieta, Anibal Troilo, Orlando Goni, Roberto Gianitellu, Juan Miguel Toto Rodriguez, Francisco Florentino, Astor Piazzolla, Horacio Salgán, Ubaldo de Lio, Enrique Mario Francini, Pedro Laurenz, Mariano Mores, Sexteto Mayor, and others ~ Díaz passed away in 1992
January 21, 1916 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer James W Alexander, full name James Woodie Alexander II, born in Hamilton, Mississippi, USA ~ Key figure in development of gospel and soul. Member of the Pilgrim Travelers. A&R executive who signed and guided the Soul Stirrers, furthering Sam Cooke's career. Has also recorded and produced artists such as Johnnie Taylor, Billy Preston, the Valentinos, Bobby Blue Bland, Little Junior Parker, Bobby Womack, Solomon Burke, Little Richard, and others ~ Alexander passed away in 1996
January 21, 1906 ~ Swing double bassist Hank Wayland, full name Hank Frederic Gregson Wayland, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, USA ~ Fixture of the 1930s New York swing scene, playing in ensembles led by Benny Goodman, Red Norvo, Artie Shaw, Bunny Berigan, and Larry Clinton. After relocating to California by the mid-1940s, Wayland became a session musician for the likes of Eddie Miller and Wingy Manone active through the 1950s ~ Wayland passed away in 1983
January 21, 1902 ~ Singer, actor, orchestra leader Smith Ballew born in Palestine, Texas, USA ~ One of the most recognizable voices on hundreds of dance bands and jazz records starting in the late 1920. Became one of the earliest singing cowboys though a series of musical Westerns for Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox, continuing in supporting roles until the 1950s ~ Ballew passed away in 1984
January 21, 1895 ~ Mary Pollock, commonly known as pianist, organist, songwriter Muriel Pollock, born in Kingsbridge, New York, USA ~ Married to pianist, singer, songwriter Will Donaldson from 1933 until his death in 1954. Pollock composed and performed for Broadway shows, radio programs and children's plays. Well known credits include 1920s stage productions such as Ups-A-Daisy in which she duetted on piano with Constance Mering, Pleasure Bound, and Shoot The Works. As a recording artist mostly active from the late 1920s through the mid-1930 ~ Pollock passed away in 1971