January 26, 2023 ~ Pianist, organist Dean Daughtry passed away ~ Keyboardist for Classics IV after Joe Wilson left. present on the 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Spooky. Co-founding and sole constant member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, known for hits such as So In To You and Imaginary Lover ~ Daughtry was born in 1946
January 26, 2022 ~ Film composer, sound editor Kenneth Wannberg, full name Kenneth Gail Wannberg, passed away ~ Frequent collaborator of John Williams. Has worked on soundtracks for films such as The Tender Warrior, Star Wars, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Schlinder's List and Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azbakan ~ Wannberg was born in 1930
January 26, 2020 ~ Robert Castle Schoen, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Shane passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Pivotal figure in the 1950s, 1960s folk revival. Founding member of the Kingston Trio ~ Schoen was born in 1934
January 26, 2019 ~ Composer, organist, pianist Jean Guillou, full name Jean Victor Guillou, passed away in Paris, France ~ Internationnaly acclaime as a concert organist and improviser. Composed over 90 works for organ, chamber and orchestral music ~ Guillou was born in 1930
January 26, 2019 ~ Film composer, arranger, conductor, pianist Michel Legrand passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Wrote over 200 film and TV scores. Won three Oscars, including for The Windmills Of Your Mind from The Thomas Crown Affair ~ Legrand was born in 1932
January 26, 2019 ~ Operatic soprano Wilma Lipp passed away in Inning-am-Ammersee, Germany ~ Long-time member of the Vienna State Opera. Particularly associated with the role of the Queen of the Night in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, a role she performed internationally over 400 times ~ Lipp was born in 1925
January 26, 2018 ~ Reese Francis Clifford III, commonly known as singer Buzz Clifford, passed away ~ Best known for his 1961 hit Baby Sitting Boogie ~ Clifford was born in 1942
January 26, 2018 ~ Conductor, composer Francisco Savín passed away ~ Best known as conductor of the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra ~ Savín was born in 1929
January 26, 2018 ~ J-pop, rock guitarist Junji Yayoshi passed away ~ Member of the Stereo Criminals. Following the band's disbandement would go on to back Koji Kikkawa, Aiko, and Ringo Sheena. Was also briefly married to the latter in the early 2000s. Yayoshi also served as producer for Kaori Kawamura and Shunsuke Kiyokiba ~ Yayoshi was born in 1968
January 26, 2016 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Bryce Rohde, full name Byrce Benno Rohde, passed away ~ Influenced by George Russell. Best known as co-founding member of the Australian Jazz Quartet. Worked extensively with Bruce Cale and Charlie Munro ~ Rohde was born in 1923
January 26, 2016 ~ Singer Colin Vearncombe passed away in Cork, Ireland ~ Best known as frontman, singer, songwriter of Black who scored the 1987 hit Wonderful Life ~ Vearncombe was born in 1962
January 26, 2014 ~ Charles Edward York, commonly known as bluegrass, country, rockabilly singer, guitarist, songwriter Rusty York passed away in Redington, Florida, USA ~ Known for a handful of 1950s recordings, perhaps best remembered by rockabilly aficionados for his 1959 single Sugaree penned by Marty Robbins ~ York was born in 1935
January 26, 2012 ~ Douglas Clare Fischer, commonly known as keyboardist, composer, arranger Clare Fischer, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Morning and Pensative. Worked with Donald Byrd, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass, Bud Shank, and others. Also worked as an arranger for numerous pop and R&B acts including Rufus, Chaka Khan, Prince, Robert Palmer, Paul McCartney, Céline Dion, Elvis Costello, the Roots, d'Angelo, Sheila E, Michael Jackson, Amy Grant, João Gilberto, Paula Abdul, Natalie Cole, and Branford Marsalis ~ Fischer was born in 1928
January 26, 2011 ~ Charles Elzer Loudermilk, commonly known as guitarist Charlie Louvin, passed away in Wartrace, Tennessee, USA ~ Half of noted country duo the Louvin Brothers, the other half being Ira Louvin. Influential on Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, and the Byrds. Known for songs such as When I Stop Dreaming, I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby, Cash On The Barrelhead, and My Baby's Gone. As a solo artist teamed up with George Jones, Jeff Tweedy, Alex McManus, Elvis Costello, Derwin Hinson, Colonel Robert Morris, Al Perkins, and others ~ Loudermilk was born in 1927
January 26, 2011 ~ Edwin Mordue, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Eddie Mordue passed away ~ In-demand accompaniest and collaborator with a career spanning seven decades. Worked with Eric Winstone, Julie Dawn, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Billie Holiday, Dusty Springfield, Alexis Korner, Shirley Bassey, Henry Mancini, John Barry, and others ~ Mordue was born in 1928
January 26, 2011 ~ Singer Gladys Horton, full name Gladys Catherine Horton, passed away in Sherman Oaks, California, USA ~ Founder, lead singer of the Marvelettes, known for songs such as Playboy, Beechwood 4-5789, Too Many Fish In The Sea, Please Mr Postman, and Don't Mess With Bill ~ Horton was born in 1945
January 26, 2008 ~ George Allen Miles Jr, commonly known as drummer Buddy Miles, passed away in Austin, Texas, Texas ~ Best known as founding member of Electric Flag, drummer for Jimi Hendrix, and as founder of the Buddy Miles Band. Also worked with Ruby & the Romantics, the Delfonics, Wilson Pickett, Mike Bloomfield, David Hull, Adrian Gurvitz, Bootsy Collins, Muddy Waters, John McLaughlin, Santana, Jeff Berlin, and others ~ Miles was born in 1947
January 26, 1996 ~ Double bassist, conductor Henry Lewis, full name Henry Jay Lewis, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Marilyn Horne from 1960 until 1972. Child prodigy. Member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic by age 16. Director of the Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra. Also worked with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Itzhak Perlman, Misha Dichter, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and others ~ Lewis was born in 1932
January 26, 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 worked with the Whitlams, appearing on the albums Introducing The Whitlams and Undeniably The Whitlams, until his untimely death at age 32 ~ Hayes was born in 1963
January 26, 1995 ~ Pianist Geoffrey Parsons, full name Geoffrey Penwill Parsons, passed away in London, UK ~ Revered accompanist of lieder singers. Worked with Essie Ackland, Peter Dawson, Anne Ziegler, Webster Booth, Gerhard Hüsch, Joan Hammond, Birgit Nilsson, Hugues Cuénod, Norman Bailey, Janet Baker, Jessye Norman, and others ~ Parsons was born in 1929
January 26, 1993 ~ Composer Kenneth Gaburo, full name Kenneth Louis Gaburo, passed away in Iowa City, Iowa, USA ~ Professor of music at the University Of Illinois, the University Of California, the University Of Iowa. Founded Lingua Press, publishing scores, books, and films. As a composer perhaps best known for his Flow Of U, a minimalist composition for three voices published in 1974 ~ Gaburo was born in 1926
January 26, 1989 ~ Soul, R&B, disco singer Donnie Elbert passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active from the mid-1950s throught the late 1970s. Member of 1950s doo-wop outfit the Vibraharps, known for songs such as Walk Beside Me. Debuted as a solo artist in 1957 with What Can I Do, which reached top 20 on the R&B charts. Best known for his 1971 single Where Did Our Love Go ~ Elbert was born in 1936
January 26, 1987 ~ Composer, conductor Charles Wolcott, full name Charles Frederick Wolcott, passed away in Haifa, Israel ~ Best known as a composer, musical director for Disney. Wrote music for cartoon shorts and feature films such as Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio and Bambi. Served as musical director on films including Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, Song Of The South and Fun And Fancy Free ~ Wolcott was born in 1909
January 26, 1985 ~ Drummer Kenny Clarke, full name Kenneth Clarke Spearman, passed away in Montreuil, France ~ Major innovator of bebop style of drumming. Worked with the Modern Jazz Quartet, Miles Davis, Francy Boland, Claude Hopkins, Sidney Bechet, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Mildred Bailey, Billy Eckstine, Charlie Parker, Milt Jackson, Phineas Newborn Jr, Bud Powell, Gene Ammons, Elek Bacsik, Eddie Bert, Kenny Burrell, Lee Konitz, Dizzy Gillespie, Hank Jones, Carmen McRae, Thelonious Monk, and others ~ Clarke was born in 1914
January 26, 1983 ~ Alonzo Keith Mathis Jr, commonly known as MC Gorilla Zoe, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Member of rap group Boyz n Da Hood, replacing Young Jeezy in 2006. Released his Welcome To The Zoo debut album in 2007, which spawned the modest hit Hood Nigga. Collaborated with Yung Joc on Coffee Shop and Bottle Poppin'. Has alos collaborated with Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, Cheri Dennis, Santigold, T-Pain, Juicy J, and others
January 26, 1983 ~ Rory William Quigley, commonly known as hip-hop producer Harry Fraud, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Fixture in the New York underground scene. Reached mainstream succes producing French Montana's Shot Caller single. Has also worked with Smoke DZA, Curren$y, Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa, the Weeknd, Troy Ave, NORE, Rich the Kid, Jack Harlow, and others
January 26, 1976 ~ Hitomi Furuya, mononymously known as pop, rock, electronica singer, songwriter Hitomi, born in Tochigi, Japan ~ Worked as a teen model before being launched as a singer by producer Tetsuya Komuro in the mid-1990s. Best known for songs such as Candy Girl, Love 2000, and Samurai Drive
January 26, 1976 ~ Folk blues, country, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jeffrey Foucault born ~ Married to singer, songwriter Kris Delmhorst. Released his Miles From Lightning debut album in 2001 and has recorded consistently since. Has collaborated with Peter Mulvey, Mark Erelli, Cold Satellite, Redbird, and others
January 26, 1976 ~ Gospel singer, keyboardist, songwriter Tye Tribbett, full name Tyrone Tribbett, born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ Choir director, founder of Greater Anointing, recording since 2000 and best known for their Grammy Award-winning Greater Than album released in 2013. Tribett and his wife are pastors of the LiVe Church in Orlando, Florida
January 26, 1974 ~ Jazz clarinetist Archie Semple, full name Archibald Stuart Nisbet Semple, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Edmond Hall and Pee Wee Russell. Worked with his brother John Semple, Mick Mulligan, Freddy Randall, Roy Crimmins, Alex Welsh, and others ~ Semple was born in 1928
January 26, 1971 ~ Ambient, drone sampler, theremin player, guitarist Helge Sten born in Roros, Norway ~ Married to singer Susanna Wallumrød. Best known for a collection of works, released as a box set in 2004 under the moniker Deathprod. Member of Supersilent. Staff producer with the Rune Grammofon label, working with artists such as Motorpsycho and Biosphere
January 26, 1971 ~ Jazz, blues, R&B saxophonist Nat Perrilliat, full name Nathaniel Perrilliat, passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Active since the early 1950s. Worked with Professor Longhair, Smiley Lewis, Shirley & Lee, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Alvin Batiste, Nat Adderley, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Barbara George, Clarence Frogman Henry, Junior Parker, Joe Tex, and others ~ Perrilliat was born in 1936
January 26, 1970 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, drummer Louis Schefano born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Co-founding and constant member of alternative rock band Remy Zero. The band first gained attention opening for Radiohead on the American leg of the The Bends tour. Commercially best known for their 1998 Villa Elaine sophomore album and for Save Me, used as the theme song for superhero TV series Smallville, of their third and final album Golden Hum. Schefano has also worked with Verbena, Little Red Rocket, his once-girlfriend Maria Taylor, and recorded as a solo artist
January 26, 1970 ~ Punk rock, ska, rocksteady singer, songwriter Stephen Jackson born in Virginia, USA ~ Cites Alton Ellis, Marvin Gaye, Mick Jagger, U2, the Police, and the Clash as influences. Best known as lead singer, co-founding and sole constant member of ska, soul outfit the Pietasters, recording over half a dozen albums with the band since the early 1990s
January 26, 1969 ~ Guitarist, composer, arranger Adam Rafferty born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Bob Cranshaw, Lou Donaldson, Virgil Jones, Gloria Lynn, Frank Wess, Buster Williams, Eric Person, Norah Jones, Chris Potter, the New York Trio Project, Bennie Wallace, Alvin Queen, Dr Lonnie Smith, Tal Farlow, and others
January 26, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Billy Luso born in Port Chester, New York, USA ~ Worked with artists such as Anders Osborne, George Porter Jr, the Restless Natives, Dead Feat, the Brides Of Jesus, Russell Batiste Jr, Bill Kreutzmann, Fred Tackett, and others
January 26, 1968 ~ Flavio Basso, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Jupiter Apple, was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil ~ Influenced by Paul McCartney, Syd Barrett, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger. Founding member of rock, rockabilly band TNT, present on songs such Entra Nessa and Estou Na Mão. Co-founding member of Os Cascavelletes, known for Nega Bombom and Oce Me Deixa Insano. Released his A Setima Efervescenia solo debut album 1997 ~ Basso passed away in 2015
January 26, 1966 ~ Progressive metal singer Andrew McDermott born ~ Best known as a member of Threshold, joining the band in 1998 replacing Damian Wilson. Has also worked with Sargant Fury, Yargos, Swampfreaks, and with Powerworld ~ McDermott passed away in 2011
January 26, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Wendy Melvoin, full name Wendy Ann Melvoin, born ~ Daughter of jazz pianist Mike Melvoin. Best known for her association with Prince, appearing on albums such as 1999, Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day, and Sign O' The Times. Formed the duo Wendy & Lisa with Lisa Coleman, known for their hit single Waterfalls of the 1987 eponymous Wendy & Lisa album. Has also worked with Seal, Doyle Bramhall II, Meshell Ndegeocello, kd Lang, Sheryl Crow (The Globe Sessions), Neil Finn, Los Lobos, Liz Phair, Gwen Stefani, Nikka Costa (Can'tneverdidnothin), and Rob Thomas
January 26, 1963 ~ Singer Andrew Ridgeley born in Windlesham, UK ~ Half of 1980s pop duo Wham, the other half being George Michael, known for hits such as Young Guns (Go For It), Wham Rap (Enjoy What You Do), Bad Boys, Club Tropicana, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Careless Whisper, Freedom and Edge Of Heaven, all of which the UK top 10. As a solo artist released a handful of recordings, his highest charting being 1990's Shake which stalled at No.56 UK
January 26, 1963 ~ Trevor Beresford Romeo, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Jazzie B, born in Finsbury, UK ~ Founded Soul II Soul, known for hits such as Keep On Movin' and Back To Life (However Do You Want Me), the latter reaching the Billboard top 10. Jazzie has also produced or remixed tracks for Incognito, Maxi Priest, James Brown, Kym Mazelle, Cheryl Lynn, Teena Marie, Johnny Gill, Ziggy Marley, Nas and Destiny's Child
January 26, 1961 ~ Guitarist, producer Colin Cripps born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Member of Blue Rodeo, the Jim Cuddy Band, Crash Vegas, and of Junkhouse. As a producer known for his work with Kathleen Edwards, Big Wreck, Tom Wilson, Colin James, Craig Cardiff, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Stephen Fearing, Oh Susanna, the Headstones, Sarah McLachlan, Justin Rutledge, Bryan Adams, Collin Herring, Andrew Walker, Dawn Langstroth, and others
January 26, 1961 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Keifer, full name Carl Thomas Keifer, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Cinderella. The band released four studio albums, starting with Night Songs in 1985. In the mid-1990s Kiefer was diagnosed with paralysis of the left vocal cord and underwent several operations before having to learn how to sing again. Has reunited with Cinderella on occassion and released his solo debut album, The Way Life Goes, in 2013
January 26, 1958 ~ Singer Anita Baker born in Toledo, Ohio, USA ~ One of the most popular quiet storm singers. Member of funk band Chapter 8, leaving the band in 1985 to focus on her solo career. Released her solo debut, Songstress, in 1983 and would rise to stardom with her sophomore Rapture album which spawned the Billboard top 10 hit Sweet Love. Also known for songs such as Ain't No Need To Worry with the Winans, Giving You The Best That I Got, Talk To Me and Body & Soul
January 26, 1958 ~ Cellist, viola player, conductor Christophe Coin born in Caen, France ~ Founded the string quartet Quatuor Mosaiques which also included Erich Hobarth, Andrea Bischof, Anita Mitterer. Served as director of the Ensemble Baroque De Limoges since 1991. Both ensembles are known for performing on period instruments
January 26, 1958 ~ Percussionist, trombonist Norman Hassan born in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founding member of UB40. Sang lead on Labour Of Love. The band is known for hits such as Red Red Wine, I Got You Babe featuring Chrissie Hynde, Here I Am Come And Take Me, The Way You Do The Things You Do, and I Can't Help Falling In Love
January 26, 1957 ~ Saxophonist, keyboardist, director Mike Stevens, full name Michael William Stevens, born in Cambridgeshire, UK ~ Best known as Take That musical director. Also worked with 10cc, Barry White, Brenda Russell, Dionne Warwick, the Temptations, Bill Withers, the Eurythmics, Mika, the Sugababes, James Morrison, Will Young, Geri Halliwell, Boyzone, B'witched, 911, 5ive, and others
January 26, 1955 ~ Rock. hard rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen, full name Edward Lodewijk van Halen, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Virtuoso guitarist, songwriter. Lead guitarist of Van Halen, which he founded with Mark Stone, David Lee Roth and brother Alex van Halen, known for songs such as Runnin' With The Devil, Eruption, Dance The Night Away, Jump, Panama, Why Can't This Be Love, When It's Love, and others. Eddie also worked with Gene Simmons, Nicolette Larson, Michael Jackson, Brian May, Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath, Roger Waters, Steve Lukather, LL Cool J, and others ~ Van Halen passed away in 2020
January 26, 1955 ~ Jazz double bassist Gary Crosby born in London, UK ~ Founding member of the Jazz Warriors, acclaimed for their 1987 Out Of Many (One People) album. The band would serve as launching pad for artists such as Courtney Pine, Cleveland Watkiss, Phillip Bent, Orphy Robinson, and others
January 26, 1955 ~ Actress, model, Latin pop singer Lucía Méndez, full name Lucía Leticia Méndez Pérez, born in Leon, Mexico ~ Started as an actress in the early 1970s, starring in telenovelas and film. Has recorded extensively as a singer since the mid-1970s
January 26, 1953 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Lucinda Williams, full name Lucinda Gayle Williams, born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA ~ Draws from country, folk, rock. Debuted in 1979 with the Ramblin'. Would remain largely unnoticed until 1998's Car Wheels On A Gravel Road, making her a household name. Has released a string of critically acclaimed albums since. Has toured with Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers Band, Tom Petty.
January 26, 1952 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Billy Greer born in Surgoinsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as a member of Kansas, first appearing on the Power album released in 1986. Has also worked with the Streets, Seventh Key, and Native Window
January 26, 1951 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Andy Hummel, full name John Andrew Hummel, born in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as original drummer of Big Star, appearing on two of their three albums, Number One Record and Radio City. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including The India Song, Way Out West, Life's White, What's Going Ahm, The Back Of A Car, and Daisy Glaze ~ Hummel passed away in 2010
January 26, 1950 ~ Rock, pop, blues rock, psychedelic rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Pena, full name Paul Jerrod Pena, was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts, USA ~ Has opened for Frank Zappa, Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead. Played on Bonnie Raitt's eponymous 1971 Bonnie Raitt debut album. Perhaps best known for writing Jet Airliner, a 1977 smash hit for the Steve Miller Band ~ Pena passed away in 2005
January 26, 1950 ~ Ratislav Delmas, commonly known as rock drummer, singer Rasa Delmas, born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Joined YU Grupa in 1972, a band credited with pioneering the fusion of rock with elements of traditional Balkan music. Present on some of their best-known including Trka, Cudna Suma, More and the cultballad Crni Leptir. Had previously worked with Mobi Dik, Pop Masina and Siluete. Following his departure from Grupa in 1976 Delmas would found and front rock band Zebra, known for the singles Moja Mala Zebra and Ma Ko Si Ti ~ Delmas passed away in 2021
January 26, 1949 ~ Bassist, guitarist Derek Holt born ~ Best known as co-founding member of the Climax Blues Band through 1983, rejoining in later years. Wrote I Love You, one of the band's best known reaching top 20 in Canada and the USA
January 26, 1948 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Aki Takase born in Osaka, Japan ~ Classically trained. Leader and sidewoman. Actively recording since the late-1970s Takase has collaborated with Lester Bowie, Sheila Jordan, Dave Liebman, John Zorn, her husband Alexander von Schlippenbach, Eugene Chadbourne, Han Bennink, Evan Parker, Paul Lovens, Fred Frith, Maria João, Louis Sclavis, David Murray, Rudi Mahall, Cecil McBee, Bob Moses, Reggie Workman, Karl Berger, Wilbert de Joode, Sven Ake Johansson, and numerous others
January 26, 1948 ~ Arranger, composer, musicologist John Lomax, full name John Avery Lomax, passed away ~ Pioneering musicologist, folklorist. Father of musicologists Alan Lomax and Bess Lomax Hawes ~ Lomax was born in 1867
January 26, 1947 ~ Singer, songwriter Michel Sardou born in Paris, France ~ Known for songs such as La Maladie D'Amour, Je Vais T'Aimer, Le Curé and Les Lács Du Connemara
January 26, 1947 ~ Anargyros Koulouris, commonly known as guitarist Silver Koulouris, born in Piraeus, Greece ~ Member of progressive rock, baroque pop outfit Aphrodite's Child, which also included Demis Roussos, known for a number of late 1960s, early 1970s hits of which Rain And Tears, It's Five O'Clock and Spring Summer Winter And Fall would chart well across Europe including top 10 positions in Italy and the Netherlands
January 26, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Deon Jackson born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for a number of mid-1960s hits including You Said You Love Me, Come Back Home, and his best known song Love Makes The World Go Round ~ Jackson passed away in 2014
January 26, 1945 ~ Bassist, singer Ashley Hutchings, full name Ashley Stephen Hutchigs, born in London, UK ~ British folk-rock fixture, having co-founded the influential groups Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band. Has also worked with Morris On, the Rainbow Chasers, the Lark Rise Band, the Bunch, and others
January 26, 1943 ~ Jean Calliste, commonly known as soul, R&B, funk singer Jean Knight, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for her Stax/Volt single Mr Big Stuff, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1971. The single sold two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy but lost to Aretha Franklin's Bridge Over Troubled Water though
January 26, 1943 ~ Producer, songwriter Thom Bell, full name Thomas Randolph Bell, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Important figure in 1970s Philly soul. Closely associated with the Delfonics, co-writing songs such as La La Means I Love You, Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love), and Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time. Closely associated with the Stylistics, co-writing songs such as You Are Everything, People Make The World Go Round, and Stop Look Listen To Your Heart. Others who recorded his songs include Brooks O'Dell, Tommy Hunt, Connie Stevens, the Intruders, the Spinners (I'll Be Around), Ronnie Dyson, MFSB, Johnny Mathis, Elton John, the Love Dimension, the O'Jays, the Temptations, and Phyllis Hyman ~ Bell passed away in 2022
January 26, 1939 ~ Marshall Philip Leibowitz, commonly known as pop guitarist, singer Marshall Leib, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as member of the Teddy Bears, which also included a then-unknown Phil Spector, known for their 1958 hit To Know Is To Love Him. The song would mark the beginning of Spector's hit-making career ~ Leibowitz passed away in 2002
January 26, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Ronnie Stephenson born in Sunderland, UK ~ One of the most in-demand British jazz drummers of the 1960s. Has worked with Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Zoot Sims, Quincy Jones, Paul Gonsalves, Johnny Griffin, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Stitt, Barney Kessel, Benny Golson, Benny Goodman, Nelson Riddle, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett, Ronnie Ross, Stan Tracey, Ted Heath, Dick Morrisey, Terry Smith, Jack Parnell, Johnny Dankworth, Tubby Hayes, Cleo Laine, Kurt Edelhagen, Peter Herbolzheimer, Horst Jankowski, Paul Kuhn, Rolf Kühn, Kenny Clarke, Victor Feldman, Heinz von Hermann, Hans Rettenbacjer, Tom Jones, Matt Monro, Engelbert Humperdinck, Cilla Black, Shirley Bassey, Wes Montgomery, JJ Jackson, Terry Smith, and others ~ Stephenson passed away in 2002
January 26, 1934 ~ Huey Pierce Smith, commonly known as R&B pianist Huey Piano Smith, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Helped develop a distinctive New Orleans piano sound. Influentual on artists such as Dr John and the Meters. Known for songs such as Little Liza Jane, Everybody's Whalin', The Rocking Pneumonia & The Boogie-Woogie Flu, Genevieve, Don't You Just Know It and Pop-eye. Backed Little Richard on his early Specialty Records recordings. Also worked with Guitar Slim, Lloyd Price, Earl King, Smiley Lewis, Bobby Marchan, Dave Bartholomew, and others ~ Smith passed away in 2023
January 26, 1933 ~ Singer Bing Crosby and the Dorsey Brothers record I've Got The World On A String ~ Lyrics by Ted Koehler, music by Harold Arlen. Previously recorded and popularized by Cab Calloway
January 26, 1932 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Claude Gray born in Henderson, Texas, USA ~ Paved the way for pop-oriented country artists. Best known for his 1960 hit Family Bible, penned by Willie Nelson. Other well known songs include I'll Have Another Cup Of Coffee (Then I'll Go), My Ears Should Burn (When Fools Are Talked About), Knock Again True Love, I Never Had The One I Wanted and How Fast Them Trucks Can Go
January 26, 1932 ~ Clement Seymour Dodd, commonly known as producer Coxsone Dodd, born in Jamaica ~ Worked with Roland Alphonse, Don Drummond, the Skatalites, Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, the Gaylads, Burning Spear, Ras Michael, Delroy Wilson, Horace Andy, Sound Dimension, Sugar Minott, and others ~ Dodd passed away in 2004
January 26, 1928 ~ Swing, big band trombonist Dick Nash, full name Richard Taylor Nash, born ~ Brother of saxophonist Ted Nash. Father of saxophonist Ted Nash. First call Hollywood session musician, especially associated with Henry Mancini. Also worked with Pete Rugolo, Lalo Schifrin, Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Louie Bellson, Tex Beneke, Esquivel, Anita O'Day, Harry James, Nat King Cole, Mel Tormé, Art Pepper, Ray Anthony, Don Ellis, Pete Fountain, Jimmy Witherspoon, Teresa Brewer, Randy Crawford, Julio Iglesias, Sue Raney, Barry Manilow, Kenny Rogers, Paul Chihara, Julia Migenes, Sonny Criss, and others
January 26, 1926 ~ Adrian Hill, commonly known as singer, radio presenter Ronnie Hilton, born in Hull, UK ~ Best known for covers of popular American songs during the 1950s such as I Still Believe, Veni Vidi Vici, No Other Love, Who Are We and Around The World ~ Hill passed away in 2001
January 26, 1924 ~ Hildur Alice Hilson, commonly known as singer, actress Alice Babs, born in Vastervik, Sweden ~ Internationally best known as a jazz singer and for representing Sweden at the first Eurovision Songfestival held in 1958, finishing in 4th place with Lilla Stjärna. Has also sung Swedish folklore, Elizabethan repertoire and opera ~ Nilsen passed away in 2014
January 26, 1924 ~ Kenneth Thorne, commonly known as pianist, film, TV composer Ken Thorne, born in Norfolk, UK ~ Active since the late 1940s. Has worked on the music for mostly comedy films such as It's Trad Dad, Inspector Clouseau, How I Won The War, The Ritz and others ~ Thorne passed away in 2014
January 26, 1921 ~ Tenor singer Louis Roney born ~ Enjoyed a four decaded career. Noted for premiering Jules Massenet's Marie-Magdeleine at the Lincoln Center, New York, in 1984 ~ Roney passed away in 2017
January 26, 1913 ~ Edward Chester Babcock, commonly known as film, TV, theater composer Jimmy van Heusen, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Quintessential composer. Won four Oscars for Best Original Song and close to a dozen nominations. Collaborated with lyricists such as Sammy Cahn, Johnny Burke, Eddie DeLange, David Kapp, Carl Sigman, Johnny Mercer, Phil Silvers, Buddy Kaye, and others ~ Babcock passed away in 1990
January 26, 1908 ~ Violinist Stéphane Grappelli born in Paris, France ~ Dubbed “the Grandfather of jazz violinists” and co-founder of the Quintette du Hot Club with Django Reinhardt. Also worked with Adelaide Hall, Andre Ekyan, George Shearing, Jack Llewelyn, Coleridge Goode, Diz Disley, Franco Cerri, Pino Presti, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Michel Petrucciani, Claude Bolling, Svend Asmussen, Jean-Luc Ponty, Stuff Smith, Gary Burton, Paul Simon, David Grisman, Yehudi Menuhin, André Previn, Bucky Pizzarelli, Joe Pass, Yo-Yo Ma, Toots Thielemans, Henri Crolla, Jon Burr, Mark O'Connor, Denny Wright, Ike Isaacs, Louis Stewart, John Ethridge, Martin Taylor, Pink Floyd, and others ~ Grappelli passed away in 1997
January 26, 1905 ~ Vaudeville pianist, songwriter Al Goodhart born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing I Apologize, a hit for Bing Crosby in 1931 and covered by numerous artists including Billy Eckstine, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Vinton, and others. Other songs co-penned by Goodhart include Auf Wiedersehen My Dear (Jack Denny, Bert Ambrose, Russ Columbo), I Saw Stars (Freddy Martin, Joe Haymes, Etta Jones), and Serenade Of The Bells (Sammy Kaye, Jo Stafford, Gene Autry) ~ Goodhart passed away in 1955
January 26, 1905 ~ Maria Augusta Kutschera, commonly known as singer Maria von Trapp, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Stepmother and matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers. Wrote The Story Of The Trapp Family, published in 1949. The book would inspire the 1956 German film The Trapp Family which in turn inspired the 1959 Broadway musical The Sound Of Music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and its 1965 film version starring Julie Andrews ~ Kutschera passed away in 1987
January 26, 1900 ~ Country fiddler Clayton McMichen born in Allatoona, Georgia, USA ~ Founded the Home Town Boys. Worked with the Skillet Lickers, which also included Gid Tanner, one of the nation's most successful country acts of the 1920. As a solo artist known for recordings such as Sweet Bunch Of Roses and My Carolina Home. Wrote Peach Pickin' Time, a hit for Jimmie Rodgers ~ McMichen passed away in 1970