January 25, 2024 ~ Jazz, improvisation, world music singer Bruno Amstad passed away ~ Sang soul, funk, and rock in the 1980s before switching to jazz and world music, eventually joining Christy Doran's New Bag. Amstad would remain with Doran for over a decade, recording over half a dozen albums. Establishing himself as one of the leading voice in world music to come out of Switzerland, Amstad would collaborate with a host of artists including Asita Hamidi, Sandro Schneebeli, Fredy Studer, Phil Minton, and John Zorn ~ Amstad was born ca.1964
January 25, 2022 ~ Music journalist, label executive Andy Ross, full name Andrew Ian Ross, passed away ~ Journalist for Sounds magazine. Headed Food Records from 1986 onwards. Discovered and signed Blur. Other notable acts Ross has worked with include Idlewild, Jesus Jones, the Supernaturals and Dubstar ~ Ross was born ca.1956
January 25, 2022 ~ Composer Heinz Werner Zimmermann passed away in Oberursel, Germany ~ Focused on composing contemporary sacred music. Director of the Spandauer Kirchemusikschule from 1963 through 1976, subsequently composition teacher at the Frankfurt University Of Music And Performing Arts through 1996. Best known for his Missa Profana, premiered in 1980. Other works include The Bible Of Spirituals, Te Deum, and Symphonia Sacra ~ Zimmermann was born in 1930
January 25, 2018 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer, TV personality, politician Tommy Banks, full name Thomas Benjamin Banks, passed away in Edmonton, Canada ~ TV personality known for a variety of TV shows, perhaps most notably the Tommy Banks Show which aired from 1968 through 1983. Musical director, conductor at several prestigous events including the EXPO '86 and the 1988 Olympic Winter Games held in Calgary. Guest conductor for renowned orchestras including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Served as Senator for the Liberal party for over a decade starting in 2000, representing Alberta ~ Banks was born in 1936
January 25, 2015 ~ Artemios Ventouris-Roussos, commonly known as singer Demis Roussos, passed away in Athens, Greece ~ Known for songs such as Goodbye My Love Goodbye, From Souvenirs To Souvenirs, Forever And Ever, We Shall Dance, Velvet Mornings, Lovely Lady Of Arcadia, and Someday Somewhere. Member of progressive rock group Aphrodite's Child, alongside Vangelis, Lucas Sideras, and Silver Koulouris. ~ Roussos was born in 1946
January 25, 2014 ~ Saxophonist, flutist, singer Arthur Doyle passed away ~ Worked with Gladys Knight, Pharoah Sanders, Sun Ra, Noah Howard, Milford Graves, Alan Silva, the Blue Humans, the Celestial Communication Orchestra, Rudolph Gret, Konx, Sunny Murray, and Hamid Drake ~ Doyle was born in 1944
January 25, 2013 ~ John Wayne Carroll, commonly known as R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter Gregory Carroll, passed away in Creston, North Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Four Buddies, known for the 1951 hit I Will Wait. Member of the Orioles, joining the band in 1953 as replacement for George Nelson and present on their biggest hit Crying In The Chapel. Formed the duo Greg & Peg with singer, guitarist Peggy Jones. Co-wrote Doris Troy's Northern soul classic Just One Look ~ Carroll was born in 1929
January 25, 2013 ~ Jazz pianist Rahn Burton passed away ~ Worked with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, George Adams, Roland Alexander, Bob Cunningham, Ricky Ford, Hannibal Marvin Peterson, Carlos Garnett, Beaver Harris, Jemeel Moondoc, Charlie Rouse, Leon Thomas, Stanley Turrentine, Nicholas Simon, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, Michael Carvin, Ellen Christi, Dick Griffin, and Massimo Urbani ~ Burton was born in 1934
January 25, 2005 ~ Singer Clarence Bassett passed away in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Member of doo-wop outfit Shep & the Limelites, known for their 1961 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Daddy's Home. The songs would become to be seen as one of all-time best doo-wop songs, covered by PJ Proby, Frank Zappa, Jermaine Jackson, Toots & the Maytals, the Carpenters, Junior English, and Cliff Richard. Bassett has also worked with the Five Sharps and the Flamingos ~ Bassett was born in 1936
January 25, 2005 ~ Traditional pop singer Ray Peterson passed away in Smyrna, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for songs such as The Wonder Of You which was later covered by Elvis Presley, the smash hit Tell Laura I Love Her, the Phil Spector produced Corrina Corrina and the Barry Mann & Gerry Goffin-written dramatic ballad I Could've Loved You So Well ~ Peterson was born in 1939
January 25, 2005 ~ Tyrone Garfield Kersey, commonly known as keyboardist, arranger, producer, songwriter Ron Kersey, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of the Trammps, co-wrote their smash hit Disco Inferno. Also worked with MFSB, the Salsoul Orchestra, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, the O'Jays, and others. Produced Stephanie Mills's I Have Learned To Respect The Power Of Love. Co-wrote Stacy Lattisaw's Every Drop Of Your Love, co-wrote Evelyn Champagne King's Send For Me ~ Kersey was born in 1949
January 25, 1999 ~ Conductor Robert Shaw, full name Robert Lawson Shaw passed away in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known for leading his own orchestra, the Robert Shaw Chorale, as well as the Cleveland Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Also worked with the Collegiate Chorale, the San Diego Symphony, and George Szell. Firm supporter of racial integration in orchestras. Dubbed “the Dean of American choral conductors,” mentoring younger conductors including Jameson Marvin, Margaret Hills, Maurice Casey, Ken Clinton, Donald Neuen, Ann Howard Jones, and Norman MacKenzie ~ Shaw was born in 1916
January 25, 1998 ~ Jazz guitarist Attila Zoller, full name Attila Cornelius Zoller, passed away in Townshend, Vermont, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Fled Soviet-occupied Hungary. Studied under Jim Hall. Roommate of Ornette Coleman. Has worked with Jutta Hipp, Hans Koller, Herbie Mann, Lee Konitz, Albert Mangelsdorff, Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Red Norvo, Jimmy Raney, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Shirley Scott, Cal Tjader, Jimi Hendrix, Don Friedman, Tommy Flanagan, and George Mraz ~ Zoller was born in 1927
January 25, 1996 ~ Anthony Hayes, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Stevie Plunder,passed away in Wentworth Falls, Australia ~ Co-founding member of the Plunderers, known for songs such as Strange Affection, I Don't Mind, I Didn't Even See Them All, and Christo. Plunder also teamed up with bandmate bassist Andy Lewis in the Whitlams, with whom he recorded the albums Introducing The Whitlams and Undeniably The Whitlams, until his untimely death at age 32 of an apparent suicide ~ Hayes was born in 1963
January 25, 1993 ~ Reggae DJ, singer Shaggy releases Oh Carolina, lifted off his Pure Pleasure debut album ~ Based on the 1959 song Carolina by the Folkes Brothers, while also sampling Henry Mancini's Peter Gunn Theme, Shaggy's Oh Carolina would be the breakout hit for the Jamaican-born American singer. The single reached top 10 in over a dozen countries, doing especially well in Europe, while only a minor hit in America where it failed to reach the top half of the Billboard Hot 100. Oh Carolina would also be used for the soundtrack of Sliver, which spawned another pop reggae hit, UB40's Can't Help Falling In Love
January 25, 1989 ~ R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Alvin Robinson passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ As a solo artist known for two 1960s tracks, the minor hit Something You Got, and Down Home Girl which was later notably covered by the Rolling Stones for their 1965 Rolling Stones No.2 album. Robinson recorded through the late-1960s but failed to chart. As a session musician Robinson is best known for his work with Dr John, present on the albums Dr John's Gumbo, Hollywood Be Thy Name, and City Lights. Robinson has also appeared on albums by Maria Muldaur, Ringo Starr Carly Simon, Tom Waits (Blue Valentine), and Chuck E Weiss ~ Robinson was born in 1937
January 25, 1987 ~ Indie pop, power pop outfit World Party release Ship Of Fools, lifted off their Private Revolution debut album ~ When Karl Wallinger departed the Waterboys after their This Is The Sea album, the multi-instrumentalist started World Party, basically a one-man band employing session musicians and guests where needed. The Private Revolution album would produce no hits in Wallinger's native UK, its highest charting single Ship Of Fools just missing the top 40. The single would, however, do better abroad, reaching top 30 on the American Billboard Hot 100 as well as in New Zealand, and top 10 in Australia. Due to its environmentalist lyrics, over the years Ship Of Fools has gained a wider exposure, including in the UK, for its inclusion on over a dozen themed compilation albums
January 25, 1986 ~ In its seventeenth week on the charts, Never Be You by Rosanne Cash hits No.1 Billboard Country ~ Written by Tom Petty and Benmont Tench, the song first became known as recorded by Maria McKee for the soundtrack of the 1983 Streets Of Fire action crime film. Initially, Cash had recorded the song for the film, but the producers went with McKee instead. A few years later, Cash included the song on her Rhythm & Romance album. Issued as the second single off the album, Never Be You would spend twentyfour weeks on the Billboard Country chart, including one week at No.1
January 25, 1985 ~ Singer Prince releases Take Me With U, the fifth and final single off his Purple Rain album ~ Originally intended to be performed by Vanity. However, shortly before filming the Purple Rain film she left to accept a contract with Motown, and also ended her romantic relationship with Prince. The song was then intended for the Apollonia 6 album to coincide with the film, but was pulled for the Purple Rain soundtrack. The final version by Prince, sung as a duet with Apollonia Kotero, would reach top 30 Billboard Hot 100, and top 10 in the UK
January 25, 1981 ~ Alicia Augelio Cook, commonly known as R&B, soul, neo soul singer, pianist Alicia Keys, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to Swizz Beatz since 2010. Influenced by Igor Stravinsky. Debuted with the critically acclaimed Songs In A Minor in 2001, which sold 16 million copies and spawned the Billboard No.1 hit Fallin'. Her sophomore album, 2003's The Diary Of Alicia Keys, produced the hits You Don't Know My Name, If I Ain't Got You and Diary. Subseqent hits would include My Boo with Usher, No One, and the Jay-Z-collaboration Empire State Of Mind. Keys has also notably collaborated with Bono, Beyoncé, Maxwell, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Angie Stone, Eve, and Alejandro Sanz
January 25, 1976 ~ Pop, rock singer, poet Anabel Bosch, full name Ana Isabel Ramirez Bosch, born in Manila, Philippines ~ First gained attention in the late-1990s singing with Tropical Depression. Would go on to work with with Elektrikoolaid, Spy, and Analog. Also involved with the women's poetry movement Romancing Venus. Bosch passed away at age 32 following a brain aneurysm ~ Bosch passed away in 2009
January 25, 1976 ~ Christophe Kenner, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter Chris Kenner passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for the early-1960s hits I Like It Like That and Land Of 1,000 Dances, both of which would become R&B classics covered by numerous artists. Other well known hits include Sick & Tured, Rocket To The Moon, Life's Just A Struggle and Something You Got ~ Kenner was born in 1929
January 25, 1975 ~ Please Mr Postman by soft rock duo the Carpenters, lifted off their Horizon album, hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Originally an early-1960s Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for the Marvelettes, penned by Brian Holland, the Carpenters would again take it to the top position, the duo's third and final American No.1 single following (They Long To Be) Close To You) and Top Of The World. In 2006, rapper Juelz Santana would sample the Carpenters version in his Oh Yes single off his What's The Game's Been Missing sophomore album
January 25, 1974 ~ Rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Emily Haines, full name Emily Savitri Haines, born in New Delhi, India ~ Lead singer of indie rock outfit Metric, known best for Help I'm Alive of their 2009 Fantasies breakout album. Member of loose collective Broken Social Scene from 2001 through 2005, present on the band's 2005 eponymous Broken Social Scene album, their best known. Haines has also recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Delerium, Jason Collett, K-OS, the Crystal Method, and Todor Kobakov
January 25, 1969 ~ Death metal, heavy metal singer Dave Ingram, full name Dave Richard Bjerregaard Ingram, born in Birmingham, UK ~ First gained attention as member of Benediction, joining the band in 1990 as replacement for Mark Barney Greenway and remaining through 1998. Member of Bolt Thrower from 1998 through 2004. Has also worked with Downlord, Down Among The Dead Men, Echelon, Warlord, and Hail Of Bullets
January 25, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later) ~ Self-penned. Produced by Bob Johnston. Included on the 1966 Blonde On Blonde album and released as the album's lead single featuring Queen Jane Approximately on the flip side. The song would later be notably covered by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall for the Chimes Of Freedom album, a charity album by multiple artists with proceeds benefitting the human rights organization Amnesty International
January 25, 1965 ~ Singer Tony Bennett releases his If I Ruled The World single ~ Originally written by Cyril Ornade and Leslie Bricusse for the 1963 West End musical Pickwick, the song from the show earning the composers an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song. In the UK the song would be most closely associated with Harry Secombe, whose 1963 version reached top 20 on the pop charts. Bennett would release the song as a single, paired with Take The Moment on the B-side, and reach top 40 Billboard Hot 100. Bennett would re-record the song as a duet with Céline Dion for his 2006 Grammy Award-winning Duets (An American Classic) album
January 25, 1963 ~ Pop, pop rock singer Suzanne Klemann born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Along with sister Monique Klemann key member of pop outfit Lois Lane, known for late-1980s, 1990s hits such as It's the First Time, Fortune Fairytales, Qualified and perhaps their best known Tonight. Also sang with Girls Wanna Have Fun
January 25, 1960 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records Chain Gang at RCA Studios, New York, New York ~ Penned by Cooke and Charles Cook Jr. Produced by Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore. The single, I Fall In Love Every Day on the flip side, would become one of Cooke's most successful, peaking at No.2 on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts
January 25, 1956 ~ New wave, ska guitarist, singer Andy Cox born in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founded the Beat with Dave Wakeling. The band is known for early-1980s hits such as The Tears Of A Clown, Hands Off She's Mine, Mirror In The Bathroom and Too Nice To Talk To, all of which reached the UK top 10. Co-founded the Fine Young Cannibals in 1985, known for songs such as Johnny Come Home, Suspicious Minds, Ever Fallen In Love, She Drives Me Crazy and Good Thing, the latter two top 10 hits on both sides of the Atlantic
January 25, 1943 ~ Gerhard Höllerich, commonly known as schlager singer, actor Roy Black, born in Bobingen, Germany ~ Took his stage name for his black hair color and his idol Roy Orbison. Started singing rock & roll but soon switched to romantic songs pressed by his manager, first gaining attention with the 1966 single Ganz In Weiss which sold over one million copies. Black would go on to become one of Germany's most beloved schlager singers, scoring hits well into the 1980s ~ Höllerich passed away in 1991
January 25, 1939 ~ Giorgio Gaberscik, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Giorgio Gaber, born in Milan, Italy ~ Began playing guitar at age 15 to prevent paralysis, a recommendation made by a doctor. Pioneered the genre Teatro Canzone. Recorded over two dozen albums. Well-known songs include Benzina E Cerini, Mai Mai Mai (Valentina), E Allora Dai, and Non Arrosire. Internationally perhaps best known for writing and first recording Far Finta Di Essere Sani, covered in English as Tomorrow's Got To Be Sunny by Tony Orlando & Dawn in 1975 ~ Gaberscik passed away in 2003
January 25, 1939 ~ Gloria Jean Brown, commonly known as soul singer Tami Lynn, born in Gert Town, Louisiana, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for her 1971 single I'm Gonna Run Away From You, penned by Jerry Wexler and Bert Berns. Sang backup for the Rolling Stones on the acclaimed Exile On Main St and on all of Dr John's albums. Opened for John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Lynn passed away in 2020
January 25, 1938 ~ Jamesetta Hawkins, commonly known as singer Etta James, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Bridged the gap between R&B and rock & roll. Active since the mid-1950s. Known for songs such as All I Could Do Was Cry, The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry), At Last, Trust In Me, Tell Mama, Something's Got A Hold On Me, I'd Rather Go Blind, and I Just Want To Make Love To You. Worked with Johnny Otis, Bobby Murray, Harvey Fuqua, Chuck Berry (sang back-up on Berry's Back In The USA), Gabriel Mekler, Sugar Pie DeSanto, and others ~ Hawkins passed away in 2012
January 25, 1938 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet, actor Vladimir Vysotsky, full name Vladimir Semyonovich Vysotsky born in Moscow, Soviet Union ~ Widely known for his unique singing style and lyrics, dressing social and political commentary in humorous wit. Though largely ignored and forbidden to release his songs by the cultural establishment remained popular and had a lasting effect on Soviet culture. Has written an estimated 1,000 songs, yet as most of were passed on through amateur vinyl and tape recordings he died without any official album release. Well-known songs include Farewell To Mountains, I Don't Like, Capricious Horses, Morning Gymnastics, and The Lyrical Song ~ Vysotsky passed away in 1980
January 25, 1933 ~ Malcom Simmons, commonly known as Chicago blues harpist, singer, songwriter Little Mack Simmons, born in Twist, Arkansas, USA ~ Childhood friend of James Cotton. Recorded a number of obscure singles in the 1950s and 1960s before, aside from an occasional album, semi-retiring from music for the ministry. Surfaced in the 1990s starting with 1995's High & Lonesome resulting in a string of well-received albums through the end of the decade
January 25, 1931 ~ Music manager, lyricist, music publisher, label executive Stig Anderson, full name Stig Erik Leopold Anderson, born in Hova, Sweden ~ Prolific songwriter enjoying popularity throughout the 1960s, his songs recorded by the likes of Lill Babs, Brita Borg, Lena Anderson, and others. Best known for managing pop band ABBA. Co-founded Polar Music label ~ Anderson passed away in 1997
January 25, 1929 ~ Bebop, hard bop saxophonist Benny Golson born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ One of the most significant contributors to the development of hard bop, initially known more as a sideman and songwriter before leading or co-leading his own ensembles. Has written numerous standards including Stable Mates (Miles Davis), Whisper Not (Lee Morgan), Blues March (Gigi Gryce), and Along Came Betty (Art Blakey). As a leader best known for his 1957 New York Scene album. Co-founded and co-led the Jazztet with Art Farmer, acclaimed for early-1960s albums such as Meet The Jazztet, Blues On Down, and Another Git Together. In-demand sideman, present on quintessential albums by the likes of Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Johnny Griffin, Dizzy Gillespie, Jim Hall, Paul Chambers, Abbey Lincoln (It's Magic), Curtis Fuller, Milt Jackson (Bags' Opus), Blue Mitchell (Out Of The Blue), Jimmy Cleveland, Buddy Rich (Richcraft), Quincy Jones, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Charles Mingus, Shirley Scott, Sam Jones (The Chant), Slide Hampton, Red Holloway, and Sarah Vaughan ~ Golson passed away in 2024
January 25, 1927 ~ Pianist, singer, composer, arranger Antônio Carlos Jobim born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Widely regarded as “the Father of Bossa Nova” both as a performer and as a songwriter. Acclaimed for albums such as Black Orpheus with Luiz Bonfá, Wave, and Stone Flower. As a songwriter especially known for Desafinado, first recorded by João Gilberto in 1958 and covered by over 400 artists. Other well known songs written or co-written by Jobim include Outra Vez (Dick Farney, Elis Regina), Eu Não Existo Sem Você (Vanjo Orico, Elizete Cardoso), Por Causa De Voce (Silvia Telles, Marisa), and A Felicidade (Agostinho dos Santos, Billy Eckstine, Ella Fitzgerald) ~ Jobim passed away in 1994
January 25, 1919 ~ Producer, A&R executive, songwriter Norman Newell born in Plaistow, UK ~ Joined Columbia Records as staff producer in 1949 and would head the label during its most successful years. In-demand songwriter and lyricist, co-writing songs such as Portrait Of My Love (Matt Monro), Forget Domani (Katyna Ranieri), the White Rose Of Athens (Nana Mouskouri), and Après Toi (Vicky Leandros) ~ Newell passed away in 2004
January 25, 1917 ~ Jazz, R&B guitarist Floyd Smith, full name Floyd George Smith, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for Floyd's Guitar Blues, penned by Smith, recorded with Andy Kirk in 1939 and arguably the first hit record to feature a blues solo on electric guitar. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Eddie Johnson's Crackerjacks, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, the Sunset Royal Orchestra, the Clouds Of Joy, Django Reinhardt, Wild Bill Davis, Bill Doggett, and others. Has served as producer for Loleatta Holloway, notably the 1975 hit Cry To Me, whom he later married ~ Smith passed away in 1982
January 25, 1913 ~ Conductor, composer Witold Lutoslawski, full name Witold Roman Lutoslawski, born in Warsaw, Russian Empire ~ Among the major 20th century composers. Critically acclaimed as possibly the greatest Polish composer since Karol Szymanowski and possibly the greatest since Frédéric Chopin. Known best for his symphonies and concertos, notably Variations On A Theme By Paganini, and Concerto For Orchestra ~ Lutoslawski passed away in 1994
January 25, 1911 ~ Charles Valdes Parham, commonly known as jazz double bassist Truck Parham, born ~ Played drums before switching to bass. Professional boxer before he turned to music. Worked with Zack Whyte, Zutty Singleton, Roy Eldridge, Art Tatum, Bob Shoffner, Earl Hines, Jimmie Lunceford, Muggsy Spanier, Herbie Fields, Louie Bellson, Art Hodes, and others ~ Parham passed away in 2002
January 25, 1897 ~ Gospel blues singer, guitarist, evangelist Blind Willie Johnson born in Pendleton, Texas, USA ~ Known for a handful of late-1920s landmark recordings, considered influential on slide guitarists and gospel blues players. Best known for the hymn Dark Was The Night (Cold Was The Ground). Other well known songs include Nobody's Fault But Mine and John The Revelator. Johnsons songs would be rediscovered in the 1960s, finding a new audience with blues and rock artists. Bob Dylan covered Johnson's Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed retitled to Make Up My Dying Bed on his debut album. Others who covered his work would include the Soul Stirrers, the Staple Singers, Fairport Convention, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Tom Waits and Lucinda Williams ~ Johnson passed away in 1945
January 25, 1896 ~ Florence Winfrey, commonly known as cabaret singer, dancer, comedian Florence Mills, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Known for songs such as I'm A Little Blackbird Looking For A Bluebird and I'm Cravin' For That Kind Of Love. Sometimes referred to as “the Queen of Happiness”. Rose to prominence starring in the 1921 Broadway production of Shuffle Along ~ Winfrey passed away in 1927