January 24, 2018 ~ Pianist, composer Renaud Gagneux passed away ~ Acclaimed composer. Studied with Karlheinz Stockhausen, André Jolivet and Olivier Messiaen ~ Gagneux was born in 1947
January 24, 2017 ~ Rock bassist Björn Thelin born ~ Best known for co-founding the Rebels with guitarist Bo Starander. The duo would evolve into the Spotnicks, arguably the first Swedish group to have significant international succes. Well-known songs include Amapola, Drina, Just Listen To My Heart, and Papa Oom Mow Mow ~ Thelin was born in 1942
January 24, 2017 ~ Claude Hudson Trucks, commonly known as drummer Butch Trucks, passed away in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding member of 31st of February which would eventually evolve into the Allman Brothers Band, known for songs such as Ramblin' Man, Jessica, Good Clean Fun, Seven Turns, End Of The Line, and others ~ Trucks was born in 1947
January 24, 2017 ~ Power pop, alternative rock drummer, guitarist, singer Gil Ray, full name George Gilbert Ray, passed away ~ Member of Game Theory from 1985 through 1989. Member of Loud Family. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Happy Eggs, Fade To Black, Shiny Wet Parts, and with the Rain Parade ~ Ray was born in 1956
January 24, 2009 ~ Bassist Leonard Gaskin passed away ~ Early bebop bassist. Leader and sideman. Worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Cootie Williams, Charlie Parker, Don Byas, Eddie South, Charlie Shavers, Erroll Garner, Eddie Condon, Ruby Braff, Bud Freeman, Rex Stewart, Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, JJ Johnson, Miles Davis, Sy Oliver, Panama Francis, the International Art Of Jazz, Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Scott, Big Maybelle, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Sunnyland Slim, Red Holloway, Jimmy Witherspoon, Bob Dylan, Willis Jackson, Lightnin' Hopkins, Curtis Jones, Shakey Jake, Mildred Anderson, and others ~ Gaskin was born in 1920
January 24, 2003 ~ Jazz bass trumpeter Cy Touff, full name Cyril James Touff, passed away in Evanston. Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Woody Herman, Sandy Mosse, Richie Kamuca, Pieces Of Eight, and others ~ Touff was born in 1927
January 24, 1998 ~ Jazz pianist Walter Bishop Jr passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Milt Jackson, Stan Getz, Charlie Parker, Hank Mobley, Jimmy Garrison, GT Hogan, Gene Ammons, Shorty Baker, Doc Cheatham, Art Blakey, Rocky Boyd, Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, Curtis Fuller, John Handy, Bill Hardman, Ken McIntyre, Blue Mitchell, Oscar Pettiford, Dizzy Reece, Archie Shepp, and with Sonny Stitt ~ Bishop was born in 1927
January 24, 1995 ~ Dance, house producer David Cole, full name David Byron Cole, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for forming C+C Music Factory with regular collaborator Robert Clivilles, scoring a string of early 1990s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) , Here We Go (Let's Rock & Roll), and Things That Make You Go Hmmm. The duo also produced hit records for Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Deborah Cooper, and others ~ Cole was born in 1962
January 24, 1992 ~ Conductor, arranger, composer Ken Darby, full name Kenneth Lorin Darby, passed away in Sherman Oaks, California, USA ~ Sang the vocal parts for the Munchkinland mayor in the 1939 Wizard Of Oz. Led the Ken Darby Singers, backng Bing Crosby on the 1942 classic recording of White Christmas. Composer and production supervisor for Walt Disney Studios including for the 1946 animated film Song Of The South. Vocal coach for Marilyn Monroe for the films Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and There's No Business Like Show Business. Wrote the lyrics of Elvis Presley's 1956 hit Love Me Tender. Awarded Academy Awards for his work on the scores of the 1959 film Porgy & Bess and the 1967 film Camelot ~ Darby was born in 1909
January 24, 1991 ~ Harold Bradley Jackson, commonly known as country steel guitarist, dobroist Shot Jackson passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of the Nashville A-Team, the informal name given to a loose collective of first call session musicians. Brother of producer Owen Bradley. Played with Eddy Arnold, Bradley Kincaid, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Slim Whitman, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Byrds, and others ~ Jackson passed away in 1920
January 24, 1989 ~ Jazz guitarist, flutist Les Spann passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Sideman and leader. Started playing professionally in late-1950s assisting Phineas Newborn Jr, Ronnell Bright, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones. As a sideman Spann would appear on records by Nat Adderley, Benny Bailey, Bill Coleman, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Curtis Fuller, Red Garland, Benny Goodman, Sam Jones, Abbey Lincoln, Charles Mingus, Duke Pearson, Jerome Richardson, Charlie Shavers, Sonny Stitt, Billy Taylor, Randy Weston, Ben Webster, Johnny Hodges, Bill Coleman, and Billy Taylor. Spann recorded one album, 1960's Gemini, as a leader ~ Spann was born in 1932
January 24, 1986 ~ Singer, songwriter Cristiano Araujo born in Golas, Brazil ~ Known for songs such as Efeitos (2011), Voce Mudou (2012), Maus Bocadus (2013), Ce Que Sabe and E Com Ela Qua Eu Estou (2014) ~ Araújo passed away in 2015
January 24, 1986 ~ Actor, director, singer Raviv Ullman born in Eilat, Israel ~ Best known as an actor, portraying Phil Diffy in the Disney Channel TV series Phil Of The Future. As a drummer and guitarist known for touring with singer Soko, as a member of Reputante and briefly as a founding member of Lolawolf
January 24, 1985 ~ Pop, teen pop singer, actor Frankie J Galasso born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of boyband Dream Street
January 24, 1984 ~ Singer, actor Gordon Macrae, full name Albert Gordon Macrae passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA ~ Best known for appearing in the film versions of Oklahoma and Carousel, both musicals composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Has also worked with Harry James, Jo Stafford, Archie Bleyer, Doris Day, and others on stage including Broadway and in radio and TV shows ~ MacRae was born in 1921
January 24, 1984 ~ Jazz drummer Jason Nazary born in Aviano, Italy ~ As a leader known for the albums Companion II and Boss A Nova. In-demand sideman and collaborator, has worked with Petr Cancura, Darius Jones, Noah K, Jaimie Branch, the Dim Thickets, Bear In Heaven, and others
January 24, 1983 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Diane Birch born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Debuted in 2009 with the Bible Belt album received to warm reviews. Has opened for Stevie Wonder and Nick Jonas. Collaborated with Devlin, DC Breaks, Alain Clark
January 24, 1980 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Yamandu Costa born in Passo Fundo, Brazil ~ Draws from chorinho, bossa nova, milonga, tanfo, samba, and chamamé. Influenced by Radamés Gnattali. Well over a dozen albums to his name. Especially acclaimed for Vento Sul album released in 2019
January 24, 1979 ~ Glendale Goshia Gordon, commonly known as dancehall, reggae DJ, producer, singer Busy Signal, born in St Ann Parish, Jamaica ~ Known for songs such as Jail, Whine Pon Di Edge, These Are The Days and Come Shock Out. Has collaborated with No Doubt on the album Push And Shove. Appears on Major Lazer's single Watch Out For This (Bumaye)
January 24, 1979 ~ Singer Tatyana Ali born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. Released a sole album, 1998's Kiss The Sky, which produced the hit Daydreamin'. A follow-up single, Boy You Knock Me Out featuring Will Smith would fail to make the Billboard Hot 100
January 24, 1973 ~ Songwriter, lyricist George Graff Jr passed away in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for co-penning When Irish Eyes Are Smiling with Ernest R Ball and Chauncey Olcott for the latter's 1912 musical show Isle O' Dreams. The song would become a standard recorded by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Connie Francis, Hank Locklin, Frank Zappa, and others ~ Graff was born in 1886
January 24, 1973 ~ Piper, flutist Willie Clancy passed away in Galway, Ireland ~ Influenced by Leo Rowsome, Séamus Ennis, John Potts, Andy Conroy. Best known for a number of mid-1950s recordings, perhaps most notably The Old Bush/The Ravelled Hank Of Yarn ~ Clancy was born in 1918
January 24, 1972 ~ Lemeul Eugene Lucas, commonly known as singer, songwriter Gene Austin, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ One of the first crooners. Best known for his 1928 hit My Blue Heaven, which sold 5 million copies making it the all-time best-selling record. Other well known recordings include his 1925 breakthrough hit When My Sugar Walks Down The Street which he recorded with Aileen Stanley and 1927's The Lonesome Road, both co-written by Austin and becoming jazz and pop standards recorded by numerous artists ~ Lucas was born in 1900
January 24, 1971 ~ Rock, pop guitarist Dennis van Leeuwen born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known as co-founder of Kane. After the band's disbandement in 2014 turned to music management and producing, working wih acts such as Go Back To The Zoo and Di-rect
January 24, 1970 ~ Patrick Brown Sleepy, commonly known as producer, songwriter Sleepy Brown born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Son of saxophonist, singer Jimmy Brown. Recording artist, producer, songwriter. Worked with the Society Of Soul, Beyoncé, Big Boi, Ludacris, Bubba Sparxxx, and Dungeon Family. One third of production team Organized Noize, the force behind hits for artists such as OutKast, Goodie Mob, TLC (Waterfalls), and others
January 24, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alfie Agnew, full name Alfonso F Agnew, born in Fullerton, California, USA ~ Brother of Frank Agnew and Rikk Agnew. Best known as member of punk outfits the Adolescents and DI. Also worked with Professor & the Madman
January 24, 1969 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Duane Eubanks born ~ Baby brother of guitarist Kevin Eubanks and trombonist Robin Eubanks. Has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Billy Taylor, Johnny Coles, Defunkt, Rhonda Ross, Oliver Lake, Mulgrew Miller, the Wu-Tang Clan, and others
January 24, 1967 ~ R&B singer Aretha Franklin records I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You ~ Written by Ronnie Shannon. Produced by Jerry Wexler. Released as a single, paired with Do Right Woman Do Right Man on the flipside, it would become Aretha's first major pop hit, topping the Billboard R&B and reaching top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Previously only two of Franklin's singles had reached top 40 on the pop charts. Backing musicians: trumpeter Ken Laxton, tenor saxes King Curtis and Charles Chalmers, baritone sax Willie Bridges, electric piano Spooner Oldham, guitars Chips Moman and Jimmy Johnson, bass Tommy Cogbill, drums Roger Hawkins
January 24, 1967 ~ Jazz trumpeter Marcus Printup born in Conyers, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the mid-1990s. Worked with Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Tim Hagans, Ryan Kisor, Joe Magnarelli, and others
January 24, 1967 ~ Singer, songwriter Mark Kozelek, full name Mark Edward Kozelek, born in Massillon, Ohio, USA ~ Co-founding member, leaad singer of indie rock band the Red House Painters, one of the most prominent acts in the slowcore subgenre. Lead singer of spin-off indie folk group Sun Kil Moon
January 24, 1965 ~ Benton E Peyton, commonly known as jazz drummer Benny Peyton, passed away ~ Worked with Will Marion Cook's the Southern Syncopated Orchestra, the Jazz Kings, June Cole, Big Boy Goudie, Tommy Ladnier, Sidney Bechet, Frank Withers, Joe Turner, Adelaide Hall, and others ~ Peyton was born ca.1890
January 24, 1965 ~ Rock, pop singer Margaret Urlich, full name Margaret Mary Urlich, born in Auckland, Australia ~ Ranks as one of New Zealand's most popular artists. Lead singer of new wave outfit Peking Man, known for songs such as Good Luck To You, Lift Your Head Up High and perhaps their best-known Room That Echoes. Member of all-girl group When The Cat's Away. Debuted as a solo artist in 1989 with the Robyn Smith-produced Safety In Numbers album, which spawned the New Zealand No.1 hit Escaping ~ Urlich passed away in 2022
January 24, 1965 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, composer Warren Byrd born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Leads the Byrdspeak Ensemble. Has also worked with David Chevan, the Afro-Semitic Experience, Saskia Laroo, the Orchestra Espada, the Explorers Quintet, Eddie Henderson, Archie Shepp, Javon Jackson, JD Parran, Houston Person, Roseanna Vitro, and others
January 24, 1964 ~ Drummer, producer, songwriter Aaron Brooks, full name Aaron Anthony Jean Vladimir Brooks, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Co-founded Little Death, teaming up with Moby, Laura Dawn and Daron Murphy. Co-founded alternative rock band Mars Bonfire. Also worked with the Bootheels, the Leisure Cruise, Mark Hudson, Jackie Cruz, Duff McKagan, Circle Of Soul, Erin Evermore, AJ Croce, Lana Del Rey, Jamie Kilstein, Agenda, and others
January 24, 1964 ~ Guitarist, trumpeter Ed Crawford born in Steubenville, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as lead singer and guitarist of Firehose with former the Minutemen members bassist Mike Watt and drummer George Hurley. The band broke up in 1994 after releasing five albums. Crawford has since played solo as well as stints with the Grand National, Whiskeytown, Southern Culture On The SKids and Mule
January 24, 1963 ~ Randy Rainwater, commonly known as country drummer Keech Rainwater, born ~ Member of Canyon alongside Michael Britt. The group recorded two albums and is best known for their 1989 single Hot Nights. Britt and Rainwater would go on to join Lonestar in the early 1990s, which scored well over a dozen Billboard Country top 10 hits throughout the late 2000s including No News, Come Cryin' To Me, Amazed, Smile, What About Now, Tell Her, I'm Already There, My Front Porch Looking In, and Mr Mom
January 24, 1960 ~ Guitarist, singer Angus Clark born in New York, New York, USA ~ Released his Grace Period solo debut album in 2004. Has worked with Kitaro, the Drill, Naked Sun, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Daredevil Squadron, Trouble Club, and others
January 24, 1960 ~ Heavy metal drummer Barry Stern born ~ Drummer, singer with Zoetrope frim 1976 through 1988, present on the albums Amnesty and A Life Of Crime. Member of Trouble from 1989 through 1993, appearing on the albums Trouble and Frustration. Has also worked with D-Connect, Cathedral, Septic Tank, and Debris Inc ~ Stern passed away in 2005
January 24, 1960 ~ Classical pianist, conductor Edwin Fischer passed away ~ Regarded as one of the great interpreters of Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart of the 20th century ~ Fischer was born in 1886
January 24, 1959 ~ Jazz keyboardist, violinist, guitarist, bassist, composer Nils Mathisen born in Sandefjord, Norway ~ Known for his contributions to cabaret and musicals. Stems from a musical family with three siblings also being professional musicians, namely bassist Per Mathisen, saxophonist and clarinetist Ole Mathisen and guitarist Hans Mathisen. The latter guested on Mathisen's 2007 Pop Coast album
January 24, 1958 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Jennifer Maidman born in Upminster, UK ~ Member of the Penguin Café Orchestra from 1984 through 2007. Released her Dreamland solo debut album in 2017. In-demand session musician, collaborator. Has worked with the likes of Joan Armatrading, David Sylvian, Ian Dury, Shakespears Sister, the Proclaimers, Gerry Rafferty, Annie Whitehead, Boy George, Robert Wyatt, Sniff 'n The Tears, Murray Head, and others
January 24, 1958 ~ Julian Miles Hollans, commonly known as keyboardist Jools Holland, born in London, UK ~ Original member of Squeeze remaining with the band through 1980 and present on some of their best-known including Cool For Cats and Up The Junction. Has also worked with Jayne County, Sting, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Magazine, The The, Bono, Ruby Turner, José Feliciano, and others. Also known as the host of Later With Jools Holland, a music show aired on BBC since 1992
January 24, 1957 ~ Vladimir Stefanovski, commonly known as jazz fusion guitar virtuoso Vlatko Stefanovski, born in Prilep, Yugoslavia ~ Credited with inventing “ethno-rock”, fusing rock & roll with traditional folk. Rose to fame as member of rock band Leb & Sol, acclaimed for his guitar work as notably evidenced on the single Devetka/Nie Cervoricata. Also a revered solo artist, film composer, as well as an in-demand collaborator, working with artists such as Miroslav Tadic, Jan Akkerman and Bodan Arsovski
January 24, 1956 ~ Pop, schlager singer Hanne Krogh born in Oslo, Norway ~ Best known as member of the Bobbysocks, alongside Elisabeth Andreassen, winner of 1985 Eurovision Songfestival with La Det Swinge representing Norway. Also recorded as a solo artist and as a member of Just 4 Fun
January 24, 1956 ~ Jazz singer, keyboardist Mitchel Forman born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea. Has worked with Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Phil Woods, Carla Bley, Mel Tormé, Astrud Gilberto, John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, John Scofield, Janis Siegel, Diane Schuur, Pat Metheny, Freddie Hubbard, Rickie Lee Jones, Metro, Wishful Thinking, and others
January 24, 1954 ~ Producer, songwriter Edward D Irons Jr, full name Edward Darryl Irons Jr, born ~ First gained attention as co-founding member of jazz-funk outfit Brick, for whom he co-wrote Dazz which reached top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Would go on to work with the SOS Band, Prince, Morris Day, Snoop Dogg, and others
January 24, 1954 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Miguel Mateos born in Villa Pueyrredon, Argentina ~ Along with Charly García, Soda Stereo, Los Enanitos Verdes, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Rata Blanca one of the most important member of the Argentinian Invasion that swept Latin America in the 1980s
January 24, 1953 ~ Bassist James Hutchinson born in Lynn, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Copperhead, John Cipollina, Mickey Hart, Sid Page, Point, the Neville Brothers, the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bryan Adams, Don Was, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Leavell, Bobby Keys, Kenny Aronoff, BB King, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, Jann Arden, Marc Cohn, Ringo Starr, Eric Burdon, Maria Muldaur, Boz Scaggs, Elton John, and others
January 24, 1953 ~ Matthew Weiner, commonly known as new wave, synthpop singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Matthew Wilder born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for Break My Stride, an international hit in 1984 including top 10 positions in Australia, the UK and America. Wilder would be unable to repeat the single's success but would continue his career as songwriter and producer. Has worked with acts such as No Doubt (Tragic Kingdom), 702, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, and others
January 24, 1950 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader Jesse Miller passed away ~ Worked with Tiny Bradshaw, King Kolax, Milt Larkin, Earl Hines, Billy Eckstine, Truck Parham, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Thomas Crump, Eddie Johnson, Ike Day, Gene Ammons, and others ~ Miller was born in 1921
January 24, 1950 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Johnny Moore, full name Johnny Belle Moore, born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters. Backed Koko Taylor in the mid-1970s. Has also worked extensively with Willie Dixon until Dixon's death in 1992. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Hard Times in 1987
January 24, 1949 ~ Actor, comedian, singer John Belushi, full name John Adams Belushi born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Actor and comedian emerged from the satirical Saturday Night Live TV show. Best known as half of the Blues Brothers, portraying the role of Joliet Jake Blues in the movie Blues Brothers ~ Belushi passed away in 1982
January 24, 1948 ~ Actor, singer, guitarist Michael des Barres, full name Michael Philip des Barres, born in Sussex, UK ~ Founded and fronted Silverhead, Detective and Chequered Past. Replaced Robert Palmer as lead singer in Power Station in 1985. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with I'm Only Human in 1980. Also an in-demand actor, appearing in over 100 different TV shows and almost 30 films
January 24, 1948 ~ Rock drummer Oscar Moro born in Rosario, Argentina ~ Founding member of pioneering Argentine rock band Los Gatos. After the band's split in 1970 would go on to play with Color Humano, La Máquina De Hacer Pájaros, Leon Gieco, Riff, and others ~ Moro passed away in 2006
January 24, 1947 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Øystein Sunde, full name Øystein Olaf Sunde, born in Oslo, Norway ~ Known for his high-speed playing and his satirical lyrics. Has worked with the Hitch Hikers, Hi-Five, Lillebjorn Nilsen, Ole Paus, Finn Kalvik, Hege Tunaal, Gitarkamaratene, Halvdan Sivertsen, Jan Eggum, and others
January 24, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Warren Zevon, full name Warren William Zevon, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Enjoyed a cult following. Best known for his 1978 hit Werewolves Of London. Early on in his career wrote for the Turtles (Like The Seasons, Outside Chance), backed the Everly Brothers, roomed with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Had his 1975 eponymous Warren Zevon major label debut album produced by Jackson Browne. The album featured guests such as Nicks, Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt. The latter would record several of Zevon's songs, including Carmelita, Poor Poor Pitiful Me and Hasten Down The Wind, on her 1976 Hasten Down The Wind album. Zevon would go on to record several critically acclaimed albums, enjoy a steady cult following and become an in-demand collaborator including with artists such as REM's Bill Berry, Peter Buck and Mike Mills in the side project Hindu Love Gods ~ Zevon passed away in 2003
January 24, 1944 ~ Jazz pianist Bob Degen born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Art Kreinberg, Dexter Gordon, Art Farmer, Carmell Jones, Albert Mangelsdorff, Paul Motian, Gary Peacock, Buddy DeFranco, Heinz Sauer, Makhaya Ntshoko, the Frankfurt Jazz Ensemble, Adelhard Roldinger, Joki Freund, Leszek Zadlo, Gunter Lenz, and with Uli Beckerhoff
January 24, 1942 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records Miss You ~ Written by Charles Tobias, Harry Tobias, Henry Tobias. Recorded in 1929 by Rudy Vallee. Revived in 1942 when used in the film Strictly In The Groove where it was sung by the Dinning Sisters. Both Crosby and Dinah Shore would each reach the pop top 10 with their respective covers in 1942. In later years the song would be covered by Bill Haley, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole
January 24, 1941 ~ Singer Aaron Neville born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Father of singer, keyboardist Ivan Neville and singer, rapper Jason Neville. Member of sibling outfit the Neville Brothers alongside Art Neville, Charles Neville and Cyril Neville. Member of Wild Tchoupitoulas. As a solo artist known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Tell It Like It Is and Everybody Plays The Fool. Duetted with Linda Ronstadt on Don't Know Much
January 24, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Chapman born in Leeds, UK ~ Acclaimed singer, virtuoso guitarist rooted in folk drawing from numerous genres including rock, jazz and blues with over 40 albums to his name, starting with the fingerpicking folk classic Rainmaker released in 1969. Cited as a major influence by Thurston Moore, Steve Gunn, Ryley Walker, Meg Baird ~ Chapman passed away in 2021
January 24, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Neil Diamond born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Hugely popular and influential singer, songwriter. Has sold over 100 million records. Known for his flashy on-stage outfits. Has topped the Billboard Hot 100 with songs such as Cracklin' Rosie, Song Sung Blue, Longfellow Serenade, Desirée, You Don't Bring Me Flowers, America, Yesterday's Songs, and others
January 24, 1939 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Dees, full name William Marvin Dees, born in Borger, Texas, USA ~ Closely associated with Roy Orbison, including co-writing songs such as Oh Pretty Woman and It's Over. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Dees include Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Skeeter Davis, Billy Joe Royal, Frank Ifield, Mark Dinning, Gene Pitney, and others ~ Dees passed away in 2012
January 24, 1939 ~ Harold Ray Ragsdale, commonly known as country, pop, gospel, novelty singer, keyboardist, trumpeter, songwriter Ray Stevens born in Clarksdale, Georgia, USA ~ Known for novelty songs such as Gitarzan and The Streak, as well as for the Grammy Award-winning 1970 country-pop hit Everything Is Beautiful, the latter becoming a standard covered by Bing Crosby, Neil Sedaka, Foster & Allen, and others
January 24, 1938 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, free jazz saxophonist Julius Hemphill, full name Julius Arthur Hemphill, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Gerry Mulligan. Founded the World Saxophone Quartet. Also worked with Oliver Lake, Hamiet Bluiett, Baikida Carroll, Floyd LeFlore, Anthony Braxton, Björk, Bill Frisell, Marty Ehrlich, Jean-Paul Bourelly, Lester Bowie, the Human Arts Ensemble, and others ~ Hemphill passed away in 1995
January 24, 1936 ~ Saxophonist Bobby Wellins born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known for collaborating with Stan Tracey on the album Jazz Suite Inspired By Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood (1965). Leader and sideman. Has worked with artists such as Buddy Featherstonhaugh, Kenny Wheeler, Tony Crombie, Lionel Grigson, Jim Richardson, Pete Jacobsen, Adrian Kendon, Ken Baldock, Andy Cleyndert, Spike Wells, Liam Noble, Simon Thorpe, Dave Wickens, Jimmy Knepper, and others ~ Wellins passed away in 2016
January 24, 1936 ~ Cajun, country, folk, bluegrass singer, fiddler, songwriter Doug Kershaw, full name Douglas James Kershaw, born in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, USA ~ Half of Rusty & Doug, the other half being his brother Rusty Kershaw, best known for their recording of Louisiana Man. Recording as a solo artist since the late 1960s. Best known for Diggy Liggy Lo, Hello Woman and for collaborating with Hank Williams Jr on Cajun Baby
January 24, 1936 ~ Giovanni Domenico Scafone Jr, commonly known as rock & roll, rockabilly singer, songwriter Jack Scott, born in Windsor, Canada ~ Hailed as perhaps Canada's greatest rock & roll singer. Known for songs such as Leroy, Goodbye Baby, The Way I Walk, What In The World's Come Over You, Burning Bridges and It Only Happened Yesterday ~ Scafone passed away in 2019
January 24, 1935 ~ Operatic tenor Gaqo Çako born in Korce, Albania ~ Closely associated with the National theater Of Opera And Ballet Of Albania. Considered one of Albania's leading opera singer along with Ramiz Klovaçi and Mentor Xhemali ~ Çako passed away in 2018
January 24, 1934 ~ Operatic soprano Galina Pisarenko, full name Galina Alekseyevna Pisarenko, born in Leningrad, Russia ~ Best known for her association with the Stanislavski And Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, remaining with the ensemble from 1961 through 1990. Also worked regularly with the Komische Oper Berlin during the 1970s, notably performing the title role in Carmen in 1976 ~ Pisarenko passed away in 2022
January 24, 1933 ~ Leonard Louis McBrowne, commonly known as hard bop, soul jazz drummer Lenny McBrowne, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Drew comparisons to Chico Hamilton. Worked with Pete Brown, Randy Weston, Cecil Payne, Tony Scott, Billie Holiday, Sonny Stitt, Harold Land, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Fred Katz, Sonny Rollins, Terry Trotter, Herbie Lewis, Daniel Jackson, Don Sleet, Jimmy Bond, Cannonball Adderley, Sarah Vaughan, Booker Ervin, Ray Bryant, Teddy Wilson, Thelonious Monk, and others
January 24, 1933 ~ Singer Zeke Carey born in Bluefeld, West Virginia, USA ~ Member of doo-wop, R&B outfit the Flamingos, known for songs such as A Kiss From Your Lips, I'll Be Home, and their best known I Only Have Eyes For You. The latter would reach top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and remains a radio staple to this day ~ Carey passed away in 1999
January 24, 1928 ~ Peter Sidney Mulligan, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Mick Mulligan, born in Middlesex, UK ~ Worked with George Melly, Roy Crimmins, Ian Christie, Archie Semple, and others ~ Mulligan passed away in 2006
January 24, 1924 ~ Joseph Albani, commonly known as bebop pianist Joe Albany, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Benny Carter, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Bob Whitlock, Leroy Vinnegar, Hugo Rasmussen, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Joe Venuti, Art Davis, George Duvivier, Charlie Persip, and others ~ Albani passsed away in 1988
January 24, 1920 ~ Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for Hey Missus Jones, Bolo Blues and for his 1952 hit The Night Train. Worked with artists such as Fate Marable, Andy Kirk, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Grey, Cat Anderson, Count Basie, Bennie Green, Grant Green, Jo Jones, Jack McDuff, Blue Mitchell, Oliver Nelson, Waymon Reed, Betty Roché, Joe Williams, and others ~ Forrest passed away in 1980
January 24, 1919 ~ Contemporary classical composer Leon Kirchner born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for his composition String Quartet No.3, winning Kirchner a Pullitzer Prize in 1967 ~ Kirchner passed away in 2009
January 24, 1917 ~ Jazz, blues pianist Avery Parrish, full name James Avery Parrish, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for his association with Erskine Hawkins, Penned the jazz standard After Hours, first recorded with Hawkins and covered by numerous artists including Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Hazel Scott, Phineas Newborn Jr, Hank Crawford, Buck Clayton, Roy Buchanan, Muddy Waters, and others ~ Parrish passed away in 1959
January 24, 1909 ~ Frederick Gittens, commonly known as jazz bassist, singer Tiny Winters, born ~ Best known as renowned sideman serving under direction of bandleaders such as Roy Fox, Bert Ambrose, Lew Stone, Ray Noble, Nat Gonella, George Chisholm, and others ~ Gittens passed away in 1996
January 24, 1907 ~ Pianist Isidore Tuts Washington born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Blended ragtime, jazz, blues, boogie-woogie. Worked with Smiley Lewis, Herman Seals, Tab Smith ~ Washington passed away in 1984
January 24, 1875 ~ Composer, conductor Arthur Wood born in Heckmondwicke, UK ~ Best remembered for composing the orchestral piece My Native Heath which included his best-known song Barwick Green. The latter would be used as the signature theme for the BBC radio 4 show The Archers. As a conductor associated with the Harrogate Municipal Orchestra, the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra and especially a wide array of London theater orchestras for over three decades. Has composed orchestral works and musicals including Yvonne, Petticoat Fair and Fancy Fair ~ Wood passed away in 1953