January 23, 2024 ~ Franz Reuther, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Frank Farian, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Prior to his career in music, Farian trained as a cook. Performed and recorded as a singer from the late-1960s through the mid-1970s, before becoming one of the most prolific and successful producers to come out of Germany. Acts founded, managed, produced by Farian have sold over 850 million records and earned some 800 gold and platinum certifications. Best known for founding 1970s disco group Boney M, with whom he enjoyed popularity especially in Europe with disco hits such as Daddy Cool, Ma Baker, Rivers Of Babylon, and Rasputin, and for founding Milli Vanilli, known for the late-1980s Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Baby Don't Forget My Number, Blame It On The Rain, and Girl I'm Gonna Miss You. Other notable acts he was involved with include Le Click, La Bouche, No Mercy, Eruption, and the Far Corporation ~ Reuther was born in 1941
January 23, 2024 ~ Melanie Anne Safka, mononymously known as folk, pop singer, guitarist Melanie, passed away ~ Over two dozen albums to her name, enjoying popularity especially during the late-1960s and early-1970s emerging from New York's Greenwich Village folk scene. Best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) and Brand New Key, the latter a No.1 hit in 1971, and the Rolling Stones-cover Ruby Tuesday which reached top 10 in the UK. Along with Janis Joplin and Joan Baez, Safka was one of only three solo women to perform at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969, of which she later said: “An unbelievably frightening day. I never even felt like I was a hippy, I didn't like the term. If anything, I was the beat generation, people in the Village expressing themselves in so many ways, not being pigeonholed.” ~ Safka was born in 1947
January 23, 2023 ~ Anthony Topham, commonly known as blues, blues-rock guitarist Top Topham, passed away ~ Original lead guitarist of the Yardbirds, replaced by Eric Clapton in 1963. Following his departure from the band Topham returned to art school, and has since worked mostly as interior designer and painter. Occasionally Topham has worked in the music industry, including with the likes of John Mayall, Peter Green, and Bill Morrissey ~ Topham was born in 1947
January 23, 2022 ~ Bobbe Gorin Long, commonly known as jazz pianist Beegie Adair, passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ Session musician at WSM-TV station, including on the Johnny Cash Show from 1969 through 1971 accompanying artists such as Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Dinah Shore and Peggy Lee. Formed the Beegie Adair Trio with bassist Roger Spencer and percussionist Chris Brown recording jazz standards from Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin. Cites George Shearing, Oscar Peterson and Chet Baker-pianist Russ Freeman as influences ~ Long was born in 1937
January 23, 2021 ~ Jazz trombonist, songwriter Jonas Gwangwa, full name Jonas Mosa Gwangwa, passed away ~ First gained attention as member of the Jazz Epistles. Would go on to become one of the main figures in South-African jazz. Exiled by the Apartheids regime throughout the 1970s. Also known for leading Amandia in the 1980s, the cultural ensemble of the ANC. Wrote the soundtrack of the 1987 Cry Freedom film ~ Gwangwa was born in 1937
January 23, 2021 ~ Roots rock, alternative country singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Tom Stevens, full name Thomas Howard Stevens, passed away ~ Member of the Long Ryders, joining the band shortly after the release of their 10-5-60 debut EP replacing original member Des Brewer. Though the band never became a household name they would prove to be influential on later cowpunk, blending a punk attitude with late-1960s country rock. Stevens would also work with Danny & Dusty, the Byrds-singer Gene Clark, Junk Yard Love, and record about half a dozen solo albums and EPs ~ Stevens was born in 1956
January 23, 2021 ~ Patricia Ann Ruth Noble, commonly known as singer, actress Trisha Noble, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity in her native Australia as a teenage pop singer under the moniker Patsy Ann Noble in the early-1960s, scoring several modest hits including Good Looking Boy. Would relocate to UK and later USA, focusing on her work as an actress with guest roles in TV shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Columbo, The Rockford Files. Following her father's illness Noble returned to Australia in the 1980s, reestablishing herself as a theatrical actress ~ Noble was born in 1944
January 23, 2018 ~ Trumpeter, singer Hugh Masekela passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Best known for Up Up & Away, the 1968 US No.1 Grazing In The Grass and for anti-apartheid songs such as Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back Home. Member of the Jazz Epistles, alongside Dollar Brand, Kippie Moeketski, Makaya Ntshoko, and Johnny Gertze. Also worked with Trevor Huddleston, Alfred Herbert, Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Miriam Makeba, Ray Phiri, and Kalahari ~ Masekela was born in 1939
January 23, 2018 ~ Singer Lari White passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Country singer known for songs such as That's My Baby, That's How You Know When You're In Love, and Now I Know. Had her debut album produced by Rodney Crowell. Duetted with Travis Tritt on Helping Me Get Over You. Produced or co-produced artists such as Billy Dean and Toby Keith. Co-wrote Sarah Buxton's Space ~ White was born in 1965
January 23, 2017 ~ R&B singer, songwriter, producer Bobby Freeman, full name Robert Thomas Freeman, passed away in Daly City, California, USA ~ Member of doo-wop outfit the Romancers. As a solo singer best known for two top 10 hits, 1958's Do You Want To Dance and 1964's Come On And Swim. Both songs would reach No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The former, Dance, would later be covered by a wide array of artists including Del Shannon, the Beach Boys, Johnny Rivers, Bette Midler, John Lennon, Cliff Richard, T.Rex, the Mamas & the Papas, Bobby Vee, and the Ramones ~ Freeman was born in 1940
January 23, 2017 ~ Keyboardist, producer, arranger Marvell Thomas, full name Ronald Marvell Thomas, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of singer Rufus Thomas. Brother of singers Carla Thomas and Vaneese Thomas. Reportedly the first pianist hired by Stax/Volt. Worked with the Triumphs, William Bell, Booker T Jones, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Eddie Hinton, Denise Lasalle, Johnnie Taylor, the Staple Singers, Little Milton, the Emotions, Albert King, Mavis Staples, Yvonne Elliman, Etta James, the Temptations, and Peabo Bryson. Co-produced and played on Isaac Hayes critically acclaimed Hot Buttered Soul album ~ Thomas was born in 1941
January 23, 2016 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Jimmy Bain, full name James Stewart Bain, passed away ~ Best known as member of Rainbow, present on the 1976 Rising album, and of Dio since 1982, first appearing on the 1983 Holy Diver album. Has also worked with Mike Montgomery, David Kubinec, Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott, Kate Bush, Wild Horses, Gary Moore, Greedy Bastards, 3 Legged Dogg, Last In Line, and others ~ Bain was born in 1947
January 23, 2014 ~ Conductor, orchestrator, film composer Riz Ortolani, full name Riziero Ortolani, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ With a career spanning five decades starting in the mid-1950s has scored over 200 films and TV shows. Best known for co-writing Ti Guardero Nel Cuore for the 1962 documentary film Mondo Cane. It would win the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Theme. It has become a pop standard recorded either as an instrumental theme or with Italian or English lyrics, retitled More, by well over 300 artists including Kai Winding, Byron Lee, the Ventures, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Ricky Nelson, the Supremes, Roy Orbison, Booker T & the MG's, Tom Jones, and Judy Garland ~ Ortolani was born in 1926
January 23, 2007 ~ Pop singer Céline Dion records Et S'Il N'En Restait Qu'une (Je Serais Celle-là at Studio Piccolo, Montreal, Canada ~ Written by Françoise Dorin and David Gategno, the latter also serving as the track's producer. Recorded for the 2007 D'Elles. The title of the song is taken from Victor Hugo's Ultima Verba. Released as a single in Francophone countries on Valentine's Day 2007, the single would reach top 30 in Dion's native Canada and top the SNEP charts in France
January 23, 2001 ~ Eugene McDuff, commonly known as keyboardist, organist, bassist Jack McDuff, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Acclaimed for early-1960s albums such as Brother Jack, The Honeydripper and Brother Jack Meets The Boss. Employed a young George Benson early on in the latter's career. Also worked with Joe Farrell, Willis Jackson, Red Holloway, Joe Dukes, Jimmy Witherspoon, Leo Wright, Kenny Burrell, Pat Martino, David Fathead Newman, Cecil Bridgewater, Houston Person, and others ~ McDuff was born in 1926
January 23, 2001 ~ Jazz pianist Lou Levy, full name Louis A Levy, passed away in Dana Point, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Georgie Auld, Sarah Vaughan, Chubby Jackson, Boyd Raeburn, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Flip Phillips, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, June Christy, Anita O'Day, Pinky Winters, Dizzy Gillespie, Shorty Rogers, Stan Getz, Terry Gibbs, Benny Goodman, Supersax, Manny Albam, Tony Bennett, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Pete Christlieb, Bob Cooper, Coleman Hawkins, Quincy Jones, Charles McPherson, Lennie Niehaus, Sonny Stitt, Supersax, Bennie Wallace, and others ~ Levy was born in 1928
January 23, 1998 ~ Jahsen Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, commonly known as rapper XXXTentacion, born in Plantation, Florida, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Falling Down, Look At Me, Changes, Arms Around You, Jovelyn Flores, and Sad. Had his debut album, 2017's 17, enter the Billboard Hot 200 chart at No.2 and his sophomore album, 2018's Question Mark enter at No.1. Collaborated with artists such as Cracka Paul, Kodak Black, Noah Cyrus, Sizzla, Skye Edwards, and others. Shot to death as victim in a robbery at age 20 ~ Onfroy passed away in 2018
January 23, 1997 ~ Avantgarde metal bassist Audie Pitre, full name Audie Thomas Pitre, passed away ~ Co-founded Acid Bath in 1991. The band is known for a bass-heavy sound merging influenes from hardcore punk, death metal, gothic rock and blues. Following Pitre's death at age 26 in a traffic collision, also killing both his parents, the band disbanded in 1997 ~ Pitre was born in 1970
January 23, 1997 ~ Singer, songwriter Richard Berry passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of a number of 1950s doo-wop groups including the Flairs, the Robins, the Penguins, the Cadets, the Chimes, the Crowns, the Five Hunters, the Rams, the Whips, and the Dreamers. Best known as author and original performer of Louie Louie, made famous by Kingsmen and covered by a host of artists including Paul Revere & the Raiders, Frank Zappa, the Beach Boys, the Kinks, the Sonics, Motörhead, Toots & the Maytals, Blondie, Nick Cave, Lou Reed, and others. Also wrote the often covered Have Love Will Travel ~ Berry was born in 1935
January 23, 1995 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Bill Horton born ~ Lead singer for doo-wop outfit the Silhouettes, known best for their 1957 hit Get A Job. Originally issued as the B-side to I Am Lonely, the A-side re-release would go on to sell a million copies and be the group's only hit ~ Horton was born in 1929
January 23, 1994 ~ Classical pianist Adolph Baller passed away in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Closely associated with violinist Yehudi Menuhin, including as a member of the Alma Trio with whom he toured internationally from the early-1940s through the 1980s. Baller had debuted as a soloist at age 13 with the Vienna Philharmonic, to become a renowned pianist, well versed in the classical and romantic repertoire. Of Jewish descent, Baller had been arrested and molested by the Nazis in 1938 before fleeing to Budapest and eventually relocating to America later the same year. Baller is also known as a longtime faculty member at the Stanford University, Stanford, California, notable pianists such as Jerome Rose, William Corbett-Jones, Xenia Boodberg-Lee, and Nohema Fernández among his students ~ Baller was born in 1909
January 23, 1993 ~ Jazz trombonist, songwriter Charles Greenlee passed away ~ Best known as sideman. Recorded one album, 1977's I Know About The Life, as a leader. Wrote Miss Toni, recorded by Eric Dolphy. Worked with Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Tommy Flanagan, Gene Ammons, Yusef Lateef, Maynard Ferguson, Alden Griggs, Charles Sullivan, Suliman Hakim, Archie Shepp, James Ware, Buster Williams, Charlie Persip, Neil Clarke, Jean Carn, and Joe Lee Wilson ~ Greenlee was born ca.1927
January 23, 1993 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Reverend Thomas A Dorsey passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Dubbed “the Father of Gospel” for his influence on the genre and for penning numerous classics including Take My Hand Precious Lord and Peace In The Valley. Dorsey's songs have been recorded by Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, BB King, Clara Ward, Dorothy Norwood, Jim Reeves, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and others ~ Dorsey was born in 1899
January 23, 1993 ~ Country singer, harmonica player Wayne Raney passed away in Arkansas, USA ~ Worked with the Delmore Brothers. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Lost John Boogie, The Jack & Jill Boogie, the 1949 hit Why Don't You Haul Off And Love Me, and for the 1959 Christian revival song We Need A Whole Lot More Jesus And A Lot Less Rock & Roll ~ Raney was born in 1921
January 23, 1992 ~ Conductor, cornetist, composer Harry Mortimer passed away ~ Son of conductor Fred Mortimer. Considered one of the premier cornetists of his day. Has worked with the Luton Brass Band, the Morris Concert Band. the Hallé Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Northern Orchestra, the Coventry Band, the Men O'Brass, and others ~ Mortimer was born in 1902
January 23, 1991 ~ Mackenzie Scott, commonly known as indie rock, folk, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Torres, born in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Critically described as heiress to PJ Harvey and Cat Power. Cites Broadway theatre, Brandi Carlile, and Fleetwood Mac as influences. Praised for the maturity of her songwriting. Has recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with the independently released eponymous Torres in 2013
January 23, 1990 ~ Guitarist Allen Collins, full name Larkin Allen Collins Jr, passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding member, guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Collins co-wrote many of the band's best known songs including Free Bird, That Smell and Give Me Three Steps. In 1977, Collins survived the plane crash that killed three of his bandmated and eventually recovered. Collins was also a member of the Rossington-Collins Band ~ Collins was born in 1952
January 23, 1989 ~ All-female pop rock, power pop, paisley underground group the Bangles release Eternal Flame, the single would become the band's second and final Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit ~ Released as the second single off their Everything, it would become the band's second and final Billboard Hot 100 charttopper, the previous being Walk Like An Egyptian. Written by Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg, and Susanna Hoffs. The inspiration for the song came from two eternal flames. Steinberg would later explain: “Susanna was talking about the Bangles having visited Graceland, and she said there was some type of shrine to Elvis Presley that included some kind of eternal flame. As soon as those words were mentioned, I immediately thought of the synagogue in the town of Palm Springs, California where I grew up. I remember during our Sunday school class they would walk us through the sanctuary. There was one little red light and they told us it was called the eternal flame”
January 23, 1985 ~ Singer, model, songwriter Donnie Klang, full name Donald Joseph Klang, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known as contestant on reality show, talent show Making The Band 4. Released his debut album, Just A Rolling Stone, in 2008. His sole single, Take You There, stalled at No.10 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Billboard Hot 100 chart
January 23, 1982 ~ Stanley Petey Cox, commonly known as rappper, songwriter Mistah FAB, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Leading figure of the hyphy scene. Over a dozen albums to his name starting with Nig-Latin released in 2002. Has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, E-40, BoB, Eric Bellinger, DJ Fresh, G-Stack, Turf Talk, and others
January 23, 1982 ~ Patrick Baril, commonly known as producer, DJ Statik Selektah, born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA ~ Formed hip-hop group 1982 with rapper Termanology. Founder of Showoff Records. Has been recording as a solo artist since 2007, starting with the album Spell My Name Right (The Album). Has also collaborated with Saigon, Freeway, Freddie Foxxx, Freddie Gibbs, Slaine, Action Bronson, Jared Evan, Bun B, Curren$y, Paul Wall, CJ Fly, and others
January 23, 1981 ~ Robert J Sherwood Jr, commonly known as guitarist, trumpeter, bandleader, radio host Bobby Sherwood, passed way in Auburn, Massachusetts, USA ~ Replaced Eddie Lang as the guitarist for Bing Crosby in 1933 and remained with Crosby till the early-1940s. Worked as a bandleader for Judy Garland at Decca Records. Had his own big band that included Dave Pell and Kitty Kallen at Capitol Records ~ Sherwood was born in 1914
January 23, 1981 ~ Singer Carl Feaster passed away ~ Member of the Chords, best known for their 1954 doo-wop classic Sh-boom, co-written by Feaster. Canadian vocal quartet the Crew Cuts would successfuly cover the song the same year ~ Feaster was born in 1930
January 23, 1981 ~ Composer Samuel Barber, full name Samuel Osmond Barber II, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ One of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, known for orchestral, operatic, choral works. Best known for his 1936 Adagio For Strings, which remains a favorite with orchestras to this day. Also known for the 1957 opera Vanessa and for his 1962 Concerto For Piano And Orchestra, both of which would earn him a Pullitzer Prize ~ Barber was born in 1910
January 23, 1980 ~ Lee Brown, commonly known as jazz singer, songwriter Babs Gonzales, passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Noted for penning Pop Pop-a-da. Worked with Charlie Barnet and with Lionel Hampton before forming his first own ensemble in 1946. His sidemen over the years would include Tadd Dameron, Tony Scott, Roy Haynes, James Moody, JJ Johnson, Julius Watkins, Sonny Rollins, Art Pepper, Wynton Kelly, and Don Redman. Later in his career he would collaborate with artists such as Jimmy Smith, Bennie Green, Lenny Hambro, and Johnny Griffin ~ Brown was born in 1919
January 23, 1978 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Josh Thompson born in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, USA ~ Released his debut album, Way Out There, in 2010. Also known as a songwriter, wrote or co-wrote songs for Jason Aldean (Any Ol' Barstool), Blake Shelton, Justin Moore, Brad Paisley (A Man Don't Have To Die), Darius Rucker, and others
January 23, 1978 ~ Guitarist, singer Terry Kath, full name Terry Alan Kath, passed away in Woodland Hills, California, USA ~ Influenced by the Ventures, Dick Dale, Howard Roberts, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Mike Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix. Founding member of Chicago, considered integral to the band's early sound. Wrote songs such as Introduction, Free Form Guitar, Beginnings, Once Or Twice and Mississippi Delta Blues. Sang lead on I'm A Man, Make Me Smile, Free, Wishing You Were Here and Brand New Love Affair ~ Kath was born in 1946
January 23, 1978 ~ Vic Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer Vic Ames, passed away ~ Member of the Ames Brothers, consisting of four Urick brothers, their actual family name, raised on classical and operatic music. The sibling act would first perform as the Amory Brothers, and later shorten the name to the Ames Brothers. Active since the mid-1940s, the vocal group shot to national fame in 1949 following a performance on the musical radio quiz Sing It Again aired on CBS Radio, quickly becoming an in-demand nightclub act. The singles Rag Mop, Sentimental Me, and You You You all reached the top of the charts. They recorded well over a dozen albums through the early-1960s, at times backed by the orchestras of Hugo Winterhalter, Joe Reisman, Sid Ramin, before disbanding ~ Urick was born in 1925
January 23, 1976 ~ Jazz pianist Harmen Fraanje born in Roosendaal, the Netherlands ~ Leader and sideman. Debuted in 2004 with the album Sonatala, featuring guitarist Nelson Veras, drummer Matthieu Chazarenc and bassist Hein van de Geyn. Has also worked with Ernst Reijseger, Mola Sylla, Toma Gouband, Brice Soniano, Guilhem Verger, Malik Mezzadri, Fredrik Ljungkvist, Clemens van der Feen, Flin van Hemmen, Michael Moore, Mats Eilertsen, and others
January 23, 1976 ~ Singer, actor, activist Paul Robeson, full name Paul Leroy Robeson, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Recorded more than 250 songs over a three decade career starting in the mid-1920s. Known for a number of film performances, notably 1925's Show Boat with his rendition of Ol' Man River becoming the benchmark for all future performers of the song. Robeson is also known as an athlete, law scholar, and social activist ~ Robeson was born in 1898
January 23, 1975 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock basisst, keyboardist, guitarist, singer Nick Harmer, full name Nicholas Scott Harmer, born in Landstuhl, West Germany ~ Bassist for Death Cab For Cutie, known for songs such as Soul Meets Body, I Will Follow You In The Dark, I Will Possess Your Heart, and You Are A Tourist
January 23, 1974 ~ Electronic, trip-hop, alternative rock singer, guitarist, mandolinist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Chris Corner, full name Christopher Anthony Corner, born in Middlesbrough, UK ~ Founding member of Sneaker Pimps, known for UK top 30 hits such as 6 Underground, Spin Spin Sugar, and Post-Modern Sleaze. Active as a solo artist since 2004 under the moniker IAMX
January 23, 1974 ~ Trumpeter Don Fagerquist passed away in Canoga Park, California, USA ~ In-demand soloist worked with Mal Hallett, Gene Krupa, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Dave Pell, and Ella Fitzgerald in the 1940s and 1950s. Only recorded sparsely as a leader. Signed on as staff musician for Paramount Films in 1956, still recording with the likes of Shelly Manne, Mel Tormé, Art Pepper, Pete Rugolo, Frank Comstock, Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Paul Weston, Si Zentner, and Dean Martin. By 1966 Fagerquist quit studio recording altogether due to health issues ~ Fagerquist was born in 1927
January 23, 1974 ~ Luis Raul Marrero, commonly known as Christian hip-hop, reggaeton rapper, producer, songwriter Funky, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Funkytown released in 2002. In-demand collaborator and producer, has worked with the likes of 116 Clique, Marcos Wit, Jesús Adrián Romero, Manny Montes, Julissa, Musiko, Alex Zurdo, and others
January 23, 1972 ~ Mabel Louise Smith, commonly known as singer Big Maybelle, passed away in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Revered singer known best for her 1956 hit Candy. Also known for recording Whoe Lotta Shakin' Goin' On in 1955, produced by a then-unknown Quincy Jones, two years before Jerry Lee Lewis's pivotal rock & roll version. Active since the mid-1930s working with the all-female the International Sweethearts Of Rhythm, Christine Chatham, Tiny Bradshaw, and Hot Lips Page. Other well known early R&B recordings include Gabbin' Blues, My Country Man, and Way Back Home ~ Smith was born in 1924
January 23, 1970 ~ DJ, producer Alex Gaudino, full name Alessandro Alfonso Fortunato Gaudino, born in Salerno, Italy ~ Known for dance hits such as Destination Unknown featuring Crystal Waters, Watch Out featuring Shena, I'm In Love (I Wanna Do It) featuring Maxine Ashley and What A Feeling featuring Kelly Rowland
January 23, 1968 ~ Punk rock, hardcore punk, skate punk singer Jason Sears, full name Jason Kemper Sears, born ~ Best known as co-founding member of Rich Kids On LSD, a band initially associated with the nardcore scene yet over time expanding to West Coast hardcore drawing from rock and heavy metal. The band is well known for their 1987 Rock 'n Roll Nightmare album ~ Sears passed away in 2006
January 23, 1967 ~ Rodney Dion Baker, commonly known as blues, soul blues, electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Ronnie Baker Brooks, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of Chicago blues icon Lonnie Brooks. Brother of blues guitarist Wayne Baker Brooks. Debuted in 1998 with the album Golddigger, produced by Janet Jackson. Best known for his third album, 2006's The Torch, produced by Jellybean Johnson and with contributions from his father, Eddy Clearwater, Jimmy Johnson, Willie Kent and Al Kapone
January 23, 1965 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, Downtown by Petula Clark hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Tony Hatch, Downtown tells of the desire to spend time in an urban downtown as a means of escape from everyday life. At the time Petula Clark, already a well-established singer in her native UK, was focused primarily on her career in French, Italian, and German-speaking territories, yet if Hatch would supply her with the right song, she would consider an English-language song. Downtown became a hit in America, making her the first English female singer of the rock era to reach No.1 on the American pop charts, and only the second overall after Vera Lynn with Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart. The feat was remarkable, as she did not even promote the song in the USA. Clark would later recall: “The Ed Sullivan Show had been calling every day while I was on tour in Canada, saying ‘You've got to get here.’ I couldn't get there. Eventually I got there, and the record was No.1”
January 23, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jonatha Brooke born in Illinois, USA ~ Draws from rock, folk, pop. Known for witty wordplay and complex harmonies. Formed the folk-rock duo the Story with Jennifer Kimball releasing two albums, namely 1991's Grace In Gravity and 1994's The Angel In The House. Debuted as a solo artist with her Plumb album in 1995 and has recorded steadily since. Has also guested on albums by Lisa Loeb, Chris Botti, and Patty Larkin
January 23, 1962 ~ Singer Tony Bennett records I Left My Heart In San Francisco at CBS 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Originally written for Claramae Turner, who regularly performed the song but never got around to recording it. Offered to Tennessee Ernie Ford, who declined. Bennett actually first sang the song in San Francisco during a performance in December 1961 at The Fairmont Hotel. Recorded the next month, the song would be issued as the B-side of Once Upon A Time released in February 1962. Radio DJ's would pass on the A-side but the B-side was regularly played and the single would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100, achieve gold status and receive a Grammy Award. It would become one of his best known songs. Bennett would perform the song throughout his career, and always include it in the set during his performances at the Fairmont. Decades later a statue of Bennett would be erected outside the hotel and the block would be renamed Tony Bennett Way in 2016, in honor of the singer
January 23, 1956 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, experimental rock singer, saxophonist, clarinetist Ralph Carney born in Akorn, Ohio, USA ~ Plays a multitude of instruments, including the obscure and unusual. Perhaps best known as Tom Waits's hornist, present on albums such as Rain Dogs, Bone Machine, and Mule Variations. Founding member of experimental rock outfit Tin Huey, best known for their 1979 Contents Dislodged During Shipment album. Recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Happiness Finally Came To Them released in 1987. In-demand sideman, present on recordings by Randy Vanwarmer, the B52's, Elvis Costello (King Of America), Galaxie 500, Marc Ribot, Oranj Symphonette, and Grant Lee Buffalo ~ Carney passed away in 2017
January 23, 1955 ~ Bassist Earl Falconer, full name Earl Acton Falconer, born in Meriden, UK ~ Best known as longtime member of UB40, present on all the band's best known including King, Red Red Wine, I Got You Babe featuring Chrissie Hynde, Don't Break My Heart, Sing Our Own Song, Kingston Town, and I Can't Help Falling In Love
January 23, 1954 ~ Singer, songwriter Franco de Vita born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Debuted in 1984 with the eponymous Franco de Vita album, spawning the hits Somos Tres, No Hay Cielo and Un Buen Perdedor. First gained international attention in 1990 with No Basta of his Extranjero and has since regularly reached the higher echelons of the Billboard Latin singles charts. Has collaborated with Alejandro Fernández, Diego el Cigala, Wisin & Yandel, Tony Bennett, and others
January 23, 1954 ~ Singer, songwriter Greg Guidry, full name Gregory Mark Guidry, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Staff songwriter at CBS Records. Artists who have recorded his songs include the Climax Blues Band, Robbie Dupree, Exile, Johnnie Taylor, Sawyer Brown, Reba McEntire, and others. As a recording artist known for the hit singles Goin' Down and Into My Love, the latter a duet with his sister Sandy Guidry ~ Guidry passed away in 2003
January 23, 1954 ~ Bassist, songwriter, engineer Richard Finch, full name Richard Raymond Finch, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Best known as bassist, co-founding member of KC & the Sunshine Band. Co-wrote some of the band's biggest hits with Harry Wayne Casey including Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty), Get Down Tonight, Please Don't Go, Boogie Shoes and I'm Your Boogie Man. The duo had also written hits for Betty Wright (Where is The Love) and George McCrae (Rock Your Baby)
January 23, 1953 ~ Singer Robin Zander, full name Robin Wayne Zander, born in Rockford, Illinois, USA ~ Lead singer, rhythm guitarist of arena rock outfit Cheap Trick, known for songs such as I Want You To Want Me (Live), The Flame, Don't Be Cruel, and Can't Stop Fallin' Into Love
January 23, 1952 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Charley Booker records No Ridin' Blues ~ Backed by Houston Boines on harmonica, Ike Turner piano, and Jesse Cleanhead Love on drums, Booker records No Ridin' Blues and Rabbit Blues for Modern Records. Eventhough the single sold well locally Booker would retire from music the next year
January 23, 1951 ~ Singer Angela Carrasco, full name Angela Altagracia Carrasco, born in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic ~ First gained attention in the 1970s playing Maria Magdalena alongside Camilo Sesto in the first Spanish version of Jesus Christ Superstar. Would go on to score hits in Europe, Latin America and the USA with songs such as Carino Mio, Quererte A Ti and perhaps her best known Boca Rosa
January 23, 1950 ~ Bassist Bill Cunningham born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Founding member of the Box Tops through 1969, leaving the band to return to school to get a music degree. Would go on to work in classical music, notably the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, while sessioning for artists such as Eddy Arnold, Van Cliburn, Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick and others throughout his college days
January 23, 1950 ~ Rock, pop rock keyboardist, organist, accordionist Danny Federici, full name Daniel Paul Federici, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Founding member of Bruce Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band. Also worked with Steel Mill, Joan Armatrading, Graham Parker, Gary US Bonds, Garland Jeffreys, and others ~ Federici passed away in 2008
January 23, 1949 ~ Big band, jazz trumpeter Dave Stahl born in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. To pop rock audiences perhaps best known for his association with Blood Sweat & Tears from 1995 through the turn of the milennium. Has worked with Woody Herman, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Chaka Khan, and others
January 23, 1949 ~ Twin brothers Noel Duggan and Pádraig Duggan born in Gweedore, Ireland ~ Both singers and guitarists, Pádraig also played mandolin. Rose to fame as members of Clannad, known best for Theme From Harry's Game which reached top 10 in both the UK and the band's native Ireland. The brothers took a hiatus after the band's acclaimed 1998 Landmarks album, releasing their own Rubicon album in 2005 to critical acclaim featuring guests such as Moya Brennan, Finbar Furrey and Orla Fallon ~ Pádraig passed away in 2016, Noel passed away in 2022
January 23, 1948 ~ Singer Anita Pointer, full name Anita Marie Pointer, born in East Oakland, California, USA ~ Founding member of sibling outfit the Pointer Sisters, known for songs such as Yes We Can Can, Fairytale, Fire, He's So Shy, Slow Hand and I'm So Excited. Pointer also duetted with Earl Thomas Conley on Too Many Times, a Billboard Country top 10 hit in 1986. Released a solo album, Love For What It Is, the following year which included the Philip Bailey-duet The Pledge and the moderately successful singles Overnight Success and More Than A Memory ~ Pointer passed away in 2022
January 23, 1948 ~ Rock bassist, talent manager Glenn Wheatley, full name Glenn Dawson Wheatley, born in Brisbane, Australia ~ First gained attention as member of pop-rock band Masters Apprentices from 1968 through 1972, present on some of the band's best known songs including Turn Up Your Radio and Because I Love You. As a talent manager best known for managing John Farnham. Wheatley mortgaged his own house to finance Farnham's 1986 comeback album Whispering Jack, the album would spend nearly half a year on the number one spot on the Australian album charts and spawn the international hit single You're The Voice ~ Wheatley passed away in 2022
January 23, 1941 ~ Perry Carlton Buie, commonly known as songwriter, music promotor, manager Buddy Buie, born in Marianna, Florida, USA ~ Closely associated with Roy Orbison, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and perhaps most notably with Classics IV for which he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Spooky, Stormy and Traces. Other artists who recorded his songs include Tommy Roe (Party Girl), Gloria Estefan, Wynonna Judd, Garth Brooks (Mr Midnight), Travis Tritt, David Sanborn, Santana, and John Legend ~ Buie passed away in 2015
January 23, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Areski Belkacem, monomonously known as Areski, born in Versailles, France ~ Best known for his association with Jacques Higelin and Brigitte Fontaine. Dubbed “the Prince consort of French chanson”. Has recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with and written for artists such as Barbara, Georges Moustaki, Sapho, Jean-Claud Vannier, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Antoine Duhamel, Sonic Youth, Richard Galliano, Christophe, and Grace Jones
January 23, 1940 ~ Funk, R&B, soul singer Jimmy Castor, full name James Walter Castor, born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Hey Leroy Your Mama's Calling You, It's Just Begun, The Bertha Butt Boogie and his biggest hit Troglodyte Cave Man. Also worked with the Teenagers, Jimmy & the Juniors, the Fatback Band, and with Joyce Sims ~ Castor passed away in 2012
January 23, 1940 ~ Songwriter, singer Joe Dowell born in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Best known for his 1961 rendition of Wooden Heart, the first US No.1 single for Smash Records. Followed up with the lesser hits The Bridge Of Love and Little Red Rented Rowboat. Dowell wanted to be a songwriter in his own right but was contractually required to sing music owned by his label's parent company Mercury Records. Dowell was eventually dropped by the label and has recorded sporadically since including folk and gospel ~ Dowell passed away in 2016
January 23, 1940 ~ John Bright Russell, commonly known as singer, songwriter, comedian Johnny Russell, born in Moorhead, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Act Naturally, made famous by Buck Owens, later one of the few covers ever done by the Beatles. Other artists who have recorded Russell's songs include Burl Ives, Jim Reeves, Jerry Garcia, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, George Strait, and others. As a singer Russell is mostly known for songs such as Rednecks White Socks & Blue Ribbon, The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor, Catfish John, and Hello I Love You ~ Russell passed away in 2001
January 23, 1934 ~ Jazz trombonist, bandleader, arranger Raymond Droz born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland ~ Worked with Claude Albert, Charly Antolini, Jean-Pierre Bionda, Raymond Court, Pierre Favre, Kurt Edelhagen, Ted Haenzi, Clark Terry, Heinz Kretschmar, Bill Ramsey, Buck Clayton, Rex Stewart, Othella Dallas, Gabriela Schaaf, the New Zurich Jazztet, and others ~ Droz passed away in 2000
January 23, 1933 ~ Dolores Conchita Figueros Del Rivero, commonly known as actress, dancer, singer Chita Rivera born in Washington DC, USA ~ Known for roles in Broadway musicals such as West Side Story, Chicago and Kiss Of The Spider Woman. Three-time Tony Award-recipient, including one for Lifetime Achievement.. First Latino-American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor
January 23, 1932 ~ Conductor, arranger, composer George Tipton, full name George Aliceson Tipton, born ~ Best known for his work with Harry Nilsson, working as an arranger and conductor on Nilsson's albums from 1967 through 1971 including on the hit Everybody's Talking. Tipton is also known for his work for film and TV including for the series Soap and Empty Nest, and has arranged and conducted for pop artists such as Jan & Dean, José Feliciano (Light My Fire), and the Sunshine Company ~ Tipton passed away in 2016
January 23, 1930 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Erich Kleinschuster born in Graz, Austria ~ Worked with Fridl Althaler, the International Youth Band, Johannes Fehring, Friedrich Gulda, Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto, George Gruntz, Peter Herbolzheimer, Gerry Mulligan, Toots Thielemans, and others. Conducted the 1972 and 1976 editions of Eurovision Songfestival ~ Kleinschuster passed away in 2018
January 23, 1930 ~ Operatic soprano Teresa Zylis-Gara born in Landwarow, Poland ~ Enjoyed a major international career spanning four decades debuting in 1956 at the Opera Krakowski. Acclaimed for her 1965 performance at the Glyndebourne Festival in Der Rosenkavalier opposite Montserrat Caballé. Has worked with the Oper Dortmund, the Deutsche Oper Am Rhein, and perhaps most notably with the Metropolitan Opera from 1970 through 1984 ~ Zylis-Gara passed away in 2021
January 23, 1929 ~ Cassietta Baker, commonly known as gospel singer, songwriter Cassietta George, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by Clara Ward. Best known as a member of Albertina Walker's backing unit the Caravans. Wrote songs such as To Whom Shal I Turn, and I Believe In Thee ~ Baker passed away in 1995
January 23, 1928 ~ Actress, novelist, playwright, songwriter Françoise Dorin, full name Françoise Andrée Renée Dorin, born in Paris, France ~ Enjoyed her peak popularity in the 1970s. Authored some 30 plays and over two dozen books. To music audiences best known for co-writing Que C'Est Trist Venise with Charles Aznavour, first recorded by Aznavour in 1964 and covered by Simone, Gigliola Cinquetti, Mario Pelchat, and Julien Clerc. Dorin also co-wrote N'Avoue Jamais, performed by Guy Mardel at the 1965 Eurovision Songfestival reaching third place ~ Dorin passed away in 2018
January 23, 1927 ~ Gospel singer, choir director, arranger, composer Alex Bradford born in Bessemer, Alabama, USA ~ Influenced artists such as Little Richard, Bob Marley and Ray Charles. Backed Roberta Martin and Mahalia Jackson before venturing out on his own, founding the Bradford Singers and later the Bradford Specials. Best known for his 1954 Too Close To Heaven single, which sold over a million copies and achieved Gold status ~ Bradford passed away in 1978
January 23, 1926 ~ Hard bop, West Coast jazz double bassist Curtis Counce was born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Active since the mid-1940s. Leader and sideman. Worked with Shorty Rogers, Stan Kenton, Shelly Manne, Lyle Murphy, Teddy Charles, Clifford Brown, Harold Land, Jack Sheldon, Carl Perkins, Frank Butler, Elmo Hope, Buddy Collette, Maynard Ferguson, Jimmy Giuffre, Illinois Jacquet, Stan Kenton, Johnny Otis, and others ~ Counce passed away in 1963
January 23, 1916 ~ Classical cellist Gabor Rejto born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Studied with Pablo Casals. Best known as co-founding member of the Alma Trio, remaining with the ensemble from 1942 until its disbandement in 1976. Has also worked with Yaltah Menuhin, the Paganini Quartet, the Hungarian Quartet, and others ~ Rejto passed away in 1987
January 23, 1915 ~ Charles Artice Glenn, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Artie Glenn, born ~ Best remembered for writing Crying In The Chapel. The song would first be a hit as recorded by his son Darrell Glenn in 1953, despite the recording being only intended as a demo version to get it published. It would be covered by a number of artists during the 1950s, notably Ella Fitzgerald, Eddy Arnold, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The song would however become most closely associated with Elvis Presley who recorded three takes in 1960, shelved them for five years as he was unhappy with the takes and had a million-seller with the single in 1965 ~ Glenn passed away in 1994
January 23, 1915 ~ George Dorman Carry, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Scoops Carry, born ~ Brother of guitarist, bandleader Ed Carry. Has worked with Cassino Simpson, the Midnight Revellers, Boyd Atkins, Lucky Millinder, Zutty Singleton, Fletcher Henderson, Roy Eldridge, Art Tatum, Horace Henderson, Darnell Edward, Earl Hines, and others ~ Carry passed away in 1970
January 23, 1910 ~ Jean Reinhardt, commonly known as gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt born in Liberchies, Belgium ~ Icon of Gypsy jazz. Regarded as one of the most important jazz guitarists in history. Founded the Quintette du Hot Club with violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Recorded with Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter. Toured with Duke Ellington. As a composer revered for songs such as Minor Swing, Daphne, Djangology, Swing '42 and Nuages ~ Reinhardt passed away in 1953
January 23, 1908 ~ Jacinto Chabania, commonly known as jazz alto saxophonist Jerry Blake, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Played violin before switching to reeds. Worked with the Sells Fioto Circus Band, Al Wynn, Bobby Lee, Charles Turner, Sam Wooding, Chick Webb, Zack Whyte, Don Redman, Willie Lewis, Claude Hopkins, Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Earl Hines, Lionel Hampton, and others ~ Chabania passed away in 1961
January 23, 1837 ~ Pianist, composer John Field passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ Best known as inventor of the nocturne, a musical composition inspired by, or evocative of, the night. Admired by peers. Influenced many major composers including Frédéric Chopin, Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, and Franz Liszt ~ Field was born in 1782
January 23, 1752 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Muzio Clementi, full name Muzio Filippo Vincenzo Francesco Saverio Clementi, born in Rome, Italy ~ Influenced by Domenico Scarlatti, Joseph Haydn, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ignazio Cirri. Dubbed “the Father of the Piano” best known for his piano sonatas, especially Sonatinis Op.36, which would serve as a model for both contemporary and later composers ~ Clementi passed away in 1832