January 22, 2024 ~ Betty Lou Miller, commonly known as Christian, country singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Margo Smith, passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for her yodeling, her 1970s country remakes of the pop songs Don't Break The Heart That Loves You and It Only Hurts For A Little While both of which topped the Billboard Country charts, and for a number of 1980s hits after turning to a more risque image with songs such as Still A Woman, The Shuffle Song and Cup Of Tea, the latter a duet with Rex Allen Jr ~ Smith was born in 1939
January 22, 2024 ~ Music journalist Neil Kulkarni passed away ~ Following his tenure as a staff writer for Melody Maker from 1993 through 2000, Kulkarni freelanced for publications such as Uncut, Vox, Spin, The Guardian, The Quietus, and DJ Magazine. Kulkarni has also authored several books, starting with Hip Hop Bring The Noise (The Stories Behind The Biggest Songs) published in 2004. Kulkarni focused primarily on hip hop and metal. Upon hearing of his death at age 51, Clash Magazine called him “one of the sharpest pens of his generation” ~ Kulkarni was born in 1972
January 22, 2023 ~ Actor, singer Nikos Xanthopoulos passed away in Aigaleo, Greece ~ Best known as an actor, dubbed “the child of folk” for mainly depicting men from the lower working classes. Roles portraying him as a singer and bouzouki player forced him to learn how to sing, eventually singing over 300 songs in 30 movies. As a singer Xanthopoulos has released nine albums and over 50 singles ~ Xanthopoulos was born in 1934
January 22, 2021 ~ R&B, soul singer James Purify, full name James Lee Purify, passed away in Pensacola, Florida, USA ~ Half of James & Bobby Purify, the other half being Robert Lee Dickey, known for the 1966 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit I'm Your Puppet and 1967's Let Love Come Between Us ~ Purify was born in 1944
January 22, 2021 ~ Janet Ann Polun, commonly known as jazz singer, educator Janet Lawson, passed away in New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and Sonny Rollins, critically compared to Sarah Vaughan. Seriously underrated post-bop singer, known for her expressive scat singing. Acclaimed for her early-1980s albums The Janet Lawson Quintet and Dreams Can Be. Her father's long-term illness resulted in her leaving the music industry for much of the second half of the 1980s, but has worked as a jazz educator and performed occasionally since ~ Polun was born in 1940
January 22, 2018 ~ William C Hancock Jr, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist Billy Hancock, passed away in La Plata, Maryland, USA ~ Collaborated with Danny Gatton and Dave Elliott in Danny & the Fat Boys. Member of art rock group Fallen Angels. Backed musicians such as Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Roy Buchanan, Charlie Feathers, the Clovers, Amos Milburn, Dottie West, and Jean Shepard ~ Hancock was born in 1946
January 22, 2018 ~ Trumpeter, composer, arranger Johnny Cowell passed away ~ Played with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1952 to 1991. As a solo artist released ten albums. Wrote or co-wrote over 200 songs. Wrote Walk Hand In Hand recorded by Tony Martin, Andy Williams, Ronnie Carroll, Gerry & the Pacemakers, and by Engelbert Humperdinck. Wrote His Girl recorded by the Guess Who. Co-wrote These Are The Young Years recorded by Floyd Cramer ~ Cowell was born in 1926
January 22, 2017 ~ Hans Liebezeit, commonly known as krautrock flutist, percussionist Jaki Liebezeit, passed away in Cologne, Germany ~ Co-founding member of experimental rock outfit Can, notably present on songs such as Halleluhwah. Member of Phantom Band. Has also worked with Jah Wobble, Philip Jeck, Depeche Mode, Brian Eno, Burnt Friedman, Robert Coyne, and others ~ Liebezeit was born in 1938
January 22, 2017 ~ Bassist Pete Overend Watts passed away ~ Best known as co-founding member and bassist for early-1970s rock band Mott The Hoople, known for their association with David Bowie and songs such as Rock & Roll Queen, All The Young Dudes, and Roll Away The Stone ~ Watts was born in 1947
January 22, 2010 ~ Actress, singer Jean Simmons, full name Jean Merilyn Simmons, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Rose to fame in Britain after being cast in the 1946 Great Expectations. Would work in Hollywood from the 1950s onwards. Played both dramatic roles and in musical comedies such as a 1955 production of Guys And Dolls. Also a stage actress and singer, notably touring the USA and England with a production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music during the 1970s ~ Simmons was born in 1929
January 22, 2006 ~ Rock, classical keyboardist, songwriter Rick van der Linden passed away in Groningen, the Netherlands ~ Fused rock and classical music. Worked with Ekseption, Trace, Mistral, Session, Brand X, Phil Collins, Deep Purple, Joachim Kühn, Jack Lancaster, Conny Vandenbos, Vangelis, Rein van den Broek, Chris Hinze, Pim Jacobs, Louis van Dijk, Astrid Nijgh, Jan Akkerman, Kaz Lux, and others ~ Van der Linden was born in 1946
January 22, 2006 ~ Jazz drummer Sherman Ferguson, full name Sherman Eugene Ferguson, passed away in La Crescenta, California, USA ~ Influenced by Max Roach and Roy Haynes. First gained attention in the 1960s backing Charles Earland and subsequently Pat Martino, notably present on the albums Desperado and Consciousness. Ferguson would become best known as co-founding member of pioneering fusion group Catalyst. Drawing from both funk and jazz, the group released a handful of albums through the mid-1970s, starting with their eponymous Catalyst debut album, earning them critical acclaim and a cult following. Ferguson would remain active until his death at age 61, appearing on albums by Kenny Burrell, Red Callender (Night Mist Blues), Bobby Bradford, Bud Shank (Serious Swingers), Warne Marsh, Mike Wofford (Funkallero), Holly Hofmann, Lorez Alexandria (I'll Never Stop Loving You), Pharoah Sanders, Joe Wilder (No Greater Love), Karrin Allyson, Benny Carter, Lou Rawls, Sweet Baby J'ai (Evolution), and Larry Coryell ~ Ferguson was born in 1944
January 22, 2005 ~ Pianist, songwriter Consuelo Velázquez, full name Consuelo Velázquez Torres, passed away in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Best known as a songwriter, noted for penning Besame Mucho originally by Emilio Tuero and covered by over 500 artists including Xavier Cugat, Frankie Laine, Trini López, João Gilberto, José Carreras, and others. Other well known songs written by Velázquez include Amar Y Vivir (Fernando Fernández, Antonio Machín, Daniel Santos), Cachito (Gloria Lasso, Nat King Cole), and Que Seas Feliz (Miguel Aceves Mejía, Pedro Infante, Albert Hammond) ~ Velázquez was born in 1916
January 22, 2004 ~ Bandleader, conductor Billy May, full name Edward William May Jr, passed away in San Juan Capistrano, California, USA ~ Arranger for the likes of Frank Sinatra (including on the albums Come Fly With Me and Come Swing With Me), Nat King Cole, Anita O'Day, Peggy Lee, Vic Damone (The Lively One), Bobby Darin, Johnny Mercer, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Nancy Wilson, Rosemary Clooney, the Andrews Sisters, and for Ella Mae Morse, Composed for film and TV including The Green Hornet, Batman and The Naked City. As a composer best known for works such as Glenn Miller's Long Tall Mama, Charlie Barnet's The Wrong Idea and Mel Blanc's chidren's song I Tawt A Taw A Puddy Tat. Notable recordings with his own orchestra include 1952's Charmaine and 1956's Main Title From The Man With The Golden Arm ~ May was born in 1916
January 22, 2004 ~ West Coast jazz trombonist Milt Bernhart passed away in Glendale, California, USA ~ Worked with Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra (including the solo on I've Got You Under My Skin), Benny Goodman, Chet Baker, Elmer Bernstein, Bing Crosby, Buddy Bregman, Sammy Davis Jr, Maynard Ferguson, Junior Mance, Johnny Mandel, Henri René, Pete Rugolo, Lalo Schifrin, the Three Sounds, and others ~ Bernhart was born in 1926
January 22, 2002 ~ Songwriter, arranger, producer, saxophonist Henry Cosby passed away in Royal Oaks, Michigan, USA ~ Key collaborator of Stevie Wonder during the 1960s. Co-wrote, co-produced several hits for Wonder (Fingertips (Pt.2), My Cherie Amour, I Was Made To Love Her), Edwin Starr, the Supremes (Love Child), Brenda Holloway, the Miracles (The Tears Of A Clown), Marvin Gaye, and other Motown artists ~ Cosby was born in 1928
January 22, 1998 ~ Richard Lamar Hawk, commonly known as rapper Silentó, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 2015 debut single Watch Me (Whip Nae Nae). Also collaborated with Sunny, Dawin, Sophia Grace, Sicko Mobb, Samuel, ELS, Marcus & Martinus, the Vamps, and others
January 22, 1997 ~ Singer, songwriter Billy Mackenzie, full name William MacArthur MacKenzie, passed away in Auchterhouse, UK ~ Best known as co-founder, lead singer of new wave outfit the Associates. Also worked with Paul Haig, Yello, the British Electric Foundation, Apollo 440, BEF, Stephen Emmer, Annie Lennox, and Barry Adamson ~ Mackenzie was born in 1957
January 22, 1997 ~ Mariachi, norteño singer Cornelio Reyna, full name Cornelia Reyna Cisneros, passed away in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Formed Los Relámpagos Del Norte with Ramón Ayala, known for songs such as Mil Noches, Tu Traicion, Lagrimas De Mi Bario and their best known Ya No Llores. Active as a solo artist since the early-1970s, appearing in over 30 films and recording some 60 albums. Notable hits include Me Sacaron Del Tenampa, Lagrimas De Mi Barrio and Me Caiste Del Cielo ~ Reyna was born in 1940
January 22, 1994 ~ Country singer Tim McGraw releases Indian Outlaw, lead single off his Not A Moment Too Soon sophomore album ~ McGraw's breakout hit was the first to reach top 10 Billboard Country, peaking at No.8, and the first to chart on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No.15. Written by Tommy Barnes and Jumpin' Gene Simmons, with an excerpt from the John D Loudermilk-penned Indian Reservation, originally a hit for Marvin Rainwater yet best known as recorded by Paul Revere & the Raiders, at the end of the song. Initially Indian Outlaw sparked controversy, its lyrics sparked with Native American cliches from tomtoms to wigwams to peace pipes, with some critics suggesting that if the song would become a hit “it would set relations back 200 years”. Nevertheless, the song was not intended in a derogatory fashion. The tune's success surprised McGraw, who stated it took him a while to get this novelty, weird-sounding song: “I played that song in clubs forever, and it was just so different. I didn't know how people were going to take it. I didn't know it was going to work”
January 22, 1994 ~ Singer, saxophonist Victor Lombardo passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Original member of family outfit the Royal Canadians alongside Carmen Lombardo, Lebert Lombardo, and the most famous brother Guy Lombardo. Although the group was viewed by some in the jazz and big band community as “boring, mainstream pop”, the group would be immensely popular, especially during the 1940s and 1950s. Trumpeter Louis Armstrong has repeatedly named the group as his favorite orchestra. Victor would take over leadership of the group after his brother Guy's death in 1977 ~ Lombardo was born in 1911
January 22, 1987 ~ Art pop, indie folk, indie rock, alternative country singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Angel Olsen born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Released her debut album, Half Way Home, in 2012. Best known for Windows of her sophomore Burn Your Fire For No Witness album, used in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why in 2017. Has collaborated with Bonnie Prince Billy, Tim Kinsella, Leroy Bach, Cass McCombs, Lawrence Rothman, Jeff Ament, Alex Cameron, and Mark Ronson
January 22, 1986 ~ Singer Billy Ocean releases There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry), lifted off his Love Zone album ~ According to Barry Eastmond, who co-wrote the song with Wayne Brathwaite and Ocean, There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) was inspired by an incident involving a previous hit of Ocean's. At a party a friend of Eastmond's wife's was reminded of a previous long-term boyfriend when Suddenly, a Billboard Hot 100 No.4 hit for Ocean in 1985, was played, and she broke down in tears. There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) would reach No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it held for one week
January 22, 1983 ~ Ashley Brooke Beauchamps, commonly known as bassist Ashley Dzerigian, born in La Verne, California, USA ~ Worked with the Great Northern, Adam Lambert, Maximum Hedrum, Cee Lo Green, My Jerusalem, Money Mark, Cher, and Filter
January 22, 1982 ~ Robert Higginbotham, commonly known as R&B singer, pianist Tommy Tucker, passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as author and original recording artist of the 1964 Herb Abramson-produced hit Hi-heel Sneakers, now widely considered a classic. Over the years, the song would be recorded by over 150 artists including Johnny Rivers, Elvis Presley, José Feliciano, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boots Randolph, the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, and notably as an instrumental by Jeff Beck & Jed Leiber for the soundtrack to the 1992 Frankie's House Australian TV mini-series. At the time of its release, Tucker's Hi-heel Sneakers barely missed the American top 10, peaking at No.11 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Tucker continued to record and perform for a few more years, but despite quality material and backing from noted musicians including Louisiana Red, Willie Dixon, and a young Donny Hathaway, he would be unable to repeat the earlier success of Hi-heel Sneakers. Tucker retired from music altogether by the late-1960s, and has since worked as a real estate agent and freelance journalist ~ Higginbotham was born in 1933
January 22, 1981 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal, nu metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Ben Moody born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist of Evanescence, remaining with the band from 1995 through 2003 and present on the band's acclaimed Fallen debut album. Has subsequently recorded as a solo artist, worked with We Are The Fallen and the Halo Method, and ventured into acting. Co-wrote Avril Lavigne's Nobody's Home. Co-wrote several tracks of Kelly Clarkson's sophomore Breakaway album including Because Of You. Other notable collaborations include Anastacia, Hana, Godhead, and Céline Dion
January 22, 1981 ~ Actress, singer Beverley Mitchell born in Arcadia, California, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably protraying the role of Lucy Camden on the TV series 7th Heaven. Released a sole eponymous album, Beverley Mitchell, in 2007 reaching the top 30 of the country charts
January 22, 1980 ~ Jazz string bass player Ed Garland, full name Edward Bertram Garland, passed away in London, UK ~ Started out on drums but best known as a string bassist. Worked with Frankie Duson, the Excelsior Brass Band, Manuel Perez, Lawrence Duhé, King Oliver, Freddie Keppard, the One-Eleven Jazz Band, Mutt Carey, Jimmie Noone, Kid Ory, Bud Scott, Zutty Singleton, Buster Wilson, and others ~ Garland was born in 1895
January 22, 1980 ~ Jazz, gospel singer Lizz Wright, full name Elizabeth LaCharla Wright, born in Hahira, Georgia, USA ~ Member of vocal quartet In The Spirit. Debuted as a solo artist in 2003 with the album Salt and has recorded steadily since. Draws from folk, gospel, jazz, pop, drawing comparisons to Norah Jones. Has guested on recordings by Joe Sample, Danilo Pérez, David Sanborn, Toots Thielemans, Jakob Dylan, Massiomo Biolcato, and Meshell Ndegeocello
January 22, 1979 ~ Samba, MPB, acid jazz singer Luciana Mello, full name Luciana Mello Rodrigues de Oliveira, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Daughter of singer Jair Rodrigues, sister of singer, producer Jair Oliveira. Over half a dozen to her name, starting with the eponymous Luciana Mello released in 1995. Best known for the album Na Luz Do Samba released in 2017
January 22, 1977 ~ Mario Alberta Dominguez Zarzar, commonly known as Latin pop, soul singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, songwriter Mario Domm, born in Torreón, Mexico ~ Founding member of Camila. Also an accomplished solo artist and has collaborated with Alejandro Sanz, Wisin, Kenny G, Julio Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Fito Paez, Colbie Caillat, Pepe Aguilar, Thalia, and Carlos Rivera
January 22, 1977 ~ In its eighth week on the charts, I Wish by Stevie Wonder hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Issued as the lead single off of Songs In The Key Of Life, widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, I Wish reminisces of Wonder's childhood and how he wished he could go back and relive it. The singer would later recollect how the music came to him: “The day I wrote it was a Saturday, the day of a Motown picnic in the summer of '76. God, I remember that because I was having this really bad toothache. It was ridiculous. I had such a good time at the picnic that I went to (the studio) right afterward and the vibe came right to my mind.” I Wish would be Wonder's fifth Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, and won the singer a Grammy Award
January 22, 1976 ~ Indie rock, emo, sadcore singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter David Bazan born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Thriving force behind Pedro the Lion. Also fronted the Headphones. As a solo artist released his Fewer Moving Parts debut EP in 2006. Has also worked with Seldom, Starflyer '59, the Undertow Orchestra, and Overseas
January 22, 1976 ~ Lyricist Edgar Leslie passed away ~ Founding member of ASCAP. Has co-written songs such as Among My Souvenirs (the Kit-Cat Band, Jack Hylton, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong), Getting Some Fun Out Of Life (Billie Holiday, Maxine Sullivan), For Me & My Gal (MJ O'Connell, Abe Lyman, Vera Lynn), By The River St Marie (Guy Lombardo, Jimmie Lunceford, the Platters), Moon Over Miami (Roy Smeck, Eddy Duchin, Connee Boswell), and A Little Bit Independent (Jimmy Carr, Fats Waller, Nat King Cole) ~ Leslie was born in 1885
January 22, 1965 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Forget Domani ~ Written by Riz Ortolani and Norman Newell for the musical The Yellow Rolls Royce, in which it was introduced by Katyna Ranieri. Francis' version would be released the following May, b/w No One Ever Sends Me Roses. Crooner Frank Sinatra also recorded a version around the same time, both renditions peaking in the low 70s on the Billboard Hot 100
January 22, 1965 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their 1965 Far East Tour at the Manufacturer's Auditorium, Sydney, Australia ~ The band visits Australia and New Zealand for the first time, playing about 3 dozen shows through mid-February. Included on the set list are songs such as Not Fade Away, Under The Boardwalk, Time Is On My Side, and It's All Over Now
January 22, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter Andrew Cash born in Toronto, Canada ~ Founded punk band L'Étranger with Charlie Angus, best known for their anti-apartheid song One People. After the band disbanded in 1986 Cash released a number of successful solo recording, notably Time And Place, Boomtown and Smile Me Down, has worked with the shortlived band Ursula, with his brother Peter Cash recording under the moniker the Cash Brothers, and has composed soundtracks for several Canadian TV shows. Cash also served as Member of Parliament for the NDP party from 2011 to 2015 but lost a bid for reelection
January 22, 1961 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Daniel Johnston, full name Daniel Dale Johnston, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Lo-fi, outsider, avant-pop singer, songwriter propelled to cult status when Nirvana's Kurt Cobain was seen wearing a T-shirt featuring artwork from Johnston's 1983 Hi How Are You album. Has recorded extensively since the early-1980s, mostly self-released on cassettes ~ Johnston passed away in 2019
January 22, 1960 ~ Rock singer, actor Michael Hutchence, full name Michael Keiland John Hutchence, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Made his singing debut at age eight, singing in a toy commercial. Best known for fronting INXS. The band first gained attention with their third album, Shabooh Shoobah released in 1983, and shot to international fame a few years later with the 1987 Kick album. The latter spawned four American hits, the album's lead single Need You Tonight topping the Billboard Hot 100, while follow-up singles Devil Inside, New Sensation, and Tear Us Apart all reached top 10. Hutchence has been dubbed “the wild man of rock” for his public brawls, onetime open drug use, and several highly publicized romantic involvements including with singers Kylie Minogue and Belinda Carlisle ~ Hutchence passed away in 1997
January 22, 1957 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe. Produced by Walter Scharf. Recorded for Presley's second motion picture, Loving You. Personnel included Scotty Moore, Bill Black, DJ Fontana and backing choir the Jordanaires. Released the next June, featuring Loving You on the B-side, the single would reach No.1 on the R&B, country, and pop charts, holding the top position on the latter for seven weeks
January 22, 1953 ~ Classical violinist, concertmaster, conductor Jan Stanienda born ~ Joined the Polish Chamber Orchestra in 1975, becoming its concertmaster and soloist two years later. Would go on to work with numerous renowned conductors, soloists and orchestras including Yehudi Menuhin, Maurice André, Guy Touvron, Grzegorz Nowak, and others. Concertmaster of the Sinfonia Varsovia in the mid to late-1980s. Artistic director of the Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra in the early-1990s. Artist director of the Wratislavia Chamber Orchestra since 1996 ~ Stanienda passed away in 2021
January 22, 1953 ~ Pianist, conductor Myung-whun Chung born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Brother of violinist Kyung-wha Chung and cellist Myung-wha Chung with whom he also performed as the Chung Trio. As a conductor associated with the Inbal Orchestra, the Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken, the Teatro Comunale Florence, the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, the Opera Bastille, the Staatskapelle Dresden, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and others
January 22, 1952 ~ Drummer, singer Carel Copier born in Mill, the Netherlands ~ Co-founding member of Doe Maar, appearing on the band's eponymous Doe Maar debut album and its follow-up Skunk. Copier sang lead on Verdomme Ik Doe Het Wel Alleen, Nix Voor Jou, and Te Laat, the latter two of which Copier co-wrote. In 1981, shortly before their rise to fame, Copier departed the band, to be succeeded by René van Collem. The band would go on to become one of the most successful in Dutch pop history. Following his departure from the band, Copier would focus on his career as a painter ~ Copier passed away in 2024
January 22, 1950 ~ Pub rock guitarist Graeme Douglas, full name Graeme John Douglas, born in Rochford, UK ~ Original lead guitarist for pub rock outfit the Kursaal Flyers, best known for Little Does She Know which reached top 20 in the band's native UK in 1977. Following the hit success Douglas would be concerned about the over-commercialisation of their music and leave the band to join Eddie & the Hot Rods. He was replaced by Barry Martin
January 22, 1949 ~ Roots reggae singer, songwriter Joseph Hill born in St Catherine, Jamaica ~ As a solo artist known for Behold The Land and Take Me Girl. Founded and fronted Culture, known for songs such as Two Sevens Clash, Stop Fussing And Fighting and International Herb. Also worked with the Soul Defenders, Glen Washington, C35, the Stepping Stone, and others ~ Hill passed away in 2006
January 22, 1949 ~ Jazz fusion, progressive rock guitarist Phil Miller, full name Philip Paul Miller, born in Barnet, UK ~ Central figure in the Canterbury scene. Member of Delivery. Co-founding member of Matching Mole, Hatfield & the North, National Health. Has also worked with Caravan, Short Wave, In Cahoots, Robert Wyatt, and others ~ Miller passed away in 2017
January 22, 1949 ~ Singer Steve Perry, full name Stephen Ray Perry born in Hanford, California, USA ~ Lead singer of Journey from 1977 through 1987, and again from 1995 through 1998. Sang lead on some of the band's biggest albums including 1981's Escape, which would top the album charts and spawn the band's highest charting single Open Arms which peaked at No.2 Billboard Hot 100. Perry also guested on songs by Sammy Hagar, The Iceman and Run For Your Life), duetted with Kenny Loggins on Don't Fight It, and released solo material starting with 1984's Street Talk album
January 22, 1949 ~ Vincent Lopez, commonly known as rock drummer, percussionist, pianist, trumpeter, cornetist Vini Lopez, born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for his association with Bruce Springsteen as a member of Steel Mill and of the E Street Band, present on Springsteen's first two albums Greetings From Asbury Park NJ and The Wild The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle
January 22, 1943 ~ Bassist, composer Maarten Altena, full name Maarten van Regteren Altena, born ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the late-1980s. Has worked with Willem Breuker, Theo Loevendie, het Nederlands Ballet Orkest, Orkest de Volharding, Derek Bailey, Burton Greene, Michel Waisvisz, and others
January 22, 1943 ~ Violinist, saxophonist Michal Urbaniak born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Leader and sideman. Draws from folk, R&B, hip-hop, symphonic music, jazz, pop, and other idioms. Has worked with Zbigniew Namyslowski, Andrzej Trzaskowksi, Krzysztof Komeda, Adam Makowicz, Urbanator, Billy Cobham, Buster Williams, Chick Corea, Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Joe Zawinul, Kenny Barron, Larry Coryell, Lenny White, Marcus Miller, Quincy Jones, Ron Carter, Roy Haynes, Vladyslav Sendecki, Wayne Shorter, the Weather Report, and others
January 22, 1942 ~ Wayne Kent, commonly known as songwriter, producer, singer Artie Wayne, born in New York, New York, USA ~ As a songwriter saw his songs recorded by artists including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Pat Boone, Joe Dassin, the Temptations, Cher, and the 5th Dimension ~ Kent passed away in 2019
January 22, 1940 ~ R&B singer Addie Harris born in High Point, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of 1960s girl-group the Shirelles, known for songs such as Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Dedicated To The One I Love, Mama Said, Baby It's You, Soldier Boy and Foolish Little Girl ~ Harris passed away in 1982
January 22, 1940 ~ Jazz bassist, upright bassist, double bassist, cellist Eberhard Weber born in Stuttgart, Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Draws from chamber jazz, classical, minimalism and ambient music. Closely associated with Wolfgang Dauner. Founded Colours, which also included saxophonist Charlie Mariano, pianist Rainer Bruninghaus and drummer Jon Christensen. To pop audiences perhaps best known for backing Kate Bush on the albums The Dreaming, Hounds Of Love, The Sensual World and Aerial. Has also worked with Gary Burton, Mal Waldron, Ralph Towner, Pat Metheny, Jan Garbarek, the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, Paraphernalia, and others
January 22, 1939 ~ Alan Lee da Silva, commonly known as jazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz double bassist, keyboardist Alan Silva, born in Bermuda ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Cecil Taylor, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler, Sunny Murray, Archie Shepp, Anthony Braxton, Dave Burrell, Leroy Jenkins, Malachi Favors, Roscoe Mitchell, Famoudou Don Moye, Alan Shorter, Albert Ayler, Jimmy Lyons, Bobby Few, and Andrew Hill
January 22, 1938 ~ Road manager, author Joe Esposito, full name Joseph Carmine Esposito, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Road manager for Elvis Presley and consultant for several of Presley's movies, having met the singer while serving in the military with him stationed in Friedberg, West Germany. Esposito would become a lifelong friend, serve as best man at Presley's wedding, and is considered one of the premier sources on Presley. After the singer's death in 1977, Esposito has authored several books on his time with Presley, notably Good Rockin' Tonight (20 Years On The Road With Elvis) published in 1994 ~ Esposito passed away in 2016
January 22, 1937 ~ Songwriter Al Kasha, full name Alfred Kasha, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with songwriting partner Joel Hirschhorn, with whom he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song twice, namely with The Morning After from The Poseidon Adventure in 1972 and We May Never Love Like This Again from The Towering Inferno in 1975. Has also written for musicals, TV, and pop, rock, R&B artists including Aretha Franklin (Operation Heartbreak), Neil Diamond, Donna Summer, Charles Aznavour (Dance In The Old-fashioned Way), Bobby Darin, Jackie Wilson (My Empty Arms), and Peppermint Rainbow ~ Kasha passed away in 2020
January 22, 1937 ~ Pop, schlager singer Arie Ribbens born in Eindhoven, the Netherlands ~ Active since the late-1950s, peaking commercially in the 1980s. Known for songs such as Dat Zien We Morgen Wel Weer, Polonaise Hollandaise, Akketdoe, and probably his best known Brabantse Nachten Zijn Lang. Retired from performing in 2015 for health reasons ~ Ribbens passed away in 2021
January 22, 1933 ~ Jazz drummer Jean Louis Viale born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Worked with Sacha Distel, René Urtreger, Jimmy Gourley, Bobby Jaspar, Henri Renaud, Clifford Brown, Frank Foster, Stan Getz, Stéphane Grappelli, Gigi Gryce, Thelonious Monk, Jimmy Raney, Django Reinhardt, Zoot Sims, Martial Solal, René Thomas, George Wallington, Barney Wilen, Lester Young, Raymond Fol, Johnny Griffin, Roger Guerin, Ivan Jullien, Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, Benny Bailey, Jack Diéval, Slide Hampton, and others ~ Viale passed away in 1984
January 22, 1931 ~ Samuel Cook, commonly known as R&B, gospel, soul singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Sam Cooke born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA ~ One of the all-time most important, influential, admired R&B, soul singers, credited by some critics as the “inventor” of soul music. Paved the way for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding. Member of the Soul Stirrers. As a solo artist known for songs such as You Send Me, Cupid, Another Saturday Night, A Change Is Gonna Come, Wonderful World, Chain Gang, Twistin' The Night Away and Bring It On Home To Me ~ Cook passed away in 1964
January 22, 1929 ~ Ronald Richard Pratley, commonly known as producer, manager, promoter Ron Richards, born in London, UK ~ Best known for discovering British pop, baroque pop group the Hollies, signing them to Parlophone in 1963. Pratley would produce most of the band's output from the early-1960s through the late-1970s, including their 1969 cross-Atlantlic top 10 hit He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother ~ Pratley passed away in 2009
January 22, 1924 ~ James Louis Johnson, commonly known as trombonist JJ Johnson born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. One of the earliest bebop trombonists. As a composer known for standards such as Wee Dot, Lament and Enigma. Worked with Kai Winding, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Clifford Brown, Bennie Green, André Previn, Milt Jackson, Joe Pass, Al Grey, Cannonball Adderley, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Elvin Jones, Howard McGhee, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, Stanley Turrentine, and others ~ Johnson passed away in 2001
January 22, 1921 ~ Violinist, composer, arranger André Hodeir born in Paris, France ~ Classically trained violinist. Formed the Jazz Groupe de Paris which also included Bobby Jaspar, Pierre Michelot and Nat Peck. Also worked with Donald Byrd, Idrees Sulieman, Frank Rehak, Hal McKusick, Eddie Costa, George Duvivier, and Annie Ross ~ Hodeir passed away in 2011
January 22, 1921 ~ Pianist, composer Arno Babajanian born in Yerevan, Armenia ~ Child prodigy. Rooted in Armenian folk music. Influenced by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Sergei Prokofiev and Béla Bartók. Admired by peers such as Dmitri Shostakovich. Composed for piano, orchestral music, ballet, chamber music, orchestral works and for film. In addition to numerous awards had a minor planet, 9017 Babadzhanyan, named after him ~ Babajanian passed away in 1983
January 22, 1908 ~ Hamie Nickerson, commonly known as country blues, blues harpist, guitarist Hammie Nixon, born in Brownsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for his association with Sleepy John Estes. Pioneered the use of the mouth harmonica as a rhythm instrument rather than as a novelty. Has worked with Little Buddy Doyle, Charlie Pickett, Son Bonds, and others ~ Nickerson passed away in 1984
January 22, 1895 ~ Irene Joy Gibbons, commonly known as blues singer, stage actress Eva Taylor, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Dubbed “the Dixie Nightingale”. Child performer active since age three. Married to pianist, Okeh-producer Clarence Williams. Worked with Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, Sippie Wallace, Bessie Smith, the Charleston Chasers, Paul Whiteman, and others ~ Gibbons passed away in 1977