January 26, 2024 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, R&B, funk, rock guitarist Dean Brown passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ One of the most respected jazz guitarists of his generation, praised for his virtuosity and innovative approach. Has recorded five albums as a leader, starting with Here in 2000, often featuring all-star casts of regular collaborators. As a sideman, Brown has appeared on albums by Vital Information, Billy Cobham, Kirk Whalum (And You Know That), Bob James (Grand Piano Album), Steps Ahead, the Brecker Brothers, Marcus Miller (Tales), Till Brönner, Roberta Flack, Ricky Peterson (Souvenir), David Sanborn, Nelson Rangell (Always), Jason Miles, and Joe Zawinul ~ Dean was born in 1955
January 26, 2024 ~ Vibraphonist Michel Hausser passed away ~ Played the accordion before switching to vibraphone by his late teens. Sessioned prolifically in the 1950s and 1960s, backing the likes of Eddy Barclay, Christian Chevallier, Henri Crolla, Benny Golson, Stéphane Grappelli, Roger Guerin, Bobby Jaspar, Lucky Thompson, and Sarah Vaughan. Formed his own trio in the mid-1960s with bassist Jacky Samson and a rotating roster of drummers. Hausser relocated to Germany in the 1970s, where he worked as a teacher ~ Hausser was born in 1927
January 26, 2023 ~ Pianist, organist Dean Daughtry, full name William Dean Daughtry, passed away in Huntsville, Alabama, USA ~ Keyboardist for Classics IV after Joe Wilson left, appearing on the 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Spooky. Co-founding and sole constant member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums. The band is best known for the late-1970s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits So In To You and Imaginary Lover. Other well known songs include Doraville, I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, and Do It Or Die ~ Daughtry was born in 1946
January 26, 2012 ~ Douglas Clare Fischer, commonly known as keyboardist, arranger, composer Clare Fischer, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Pensative and Morning, the former covered by the likes of George Shearing, Art Blakey, and Freddie Hubbard, while the latter has been covered by Sérgio Mendes, Donald Byrd, and Tito Puente. As a leader or solo pianist, Fischer has recorded over fifty albums since the early-1960s including perhaps most notably America The Beautiful, Starbright, Just Me (Solo Piano Excursions), and On A Turquoise Cloud. As a sideman, Fischer has appeared on albums by Cal Tjader, the Jazz Crusaders, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, Henry Mancini, Moacir Santos, Hubert Laws (In The Beginning), Art Pepper, George Benson (Give Me The Night), and Jeff Berlin, while as an arranger he has worked with Chaka Khan, DeBarge, Robert Palmer, Prince (Diamonds And Pearls), Diane Schuur, Céline Dion, Tony Toni Toné, and Al Jarreau ~ Fischer was born in 1928
January 26, 2011 ~ Charles Elzer Loudermilk, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Charlie Louvin, passed away in Wartrace, Tennessee, USA ~ Formed the Louvin Brothers with Ira Louvin, the duo considered one of the most important sibling acts of the 1940s and 1950s, influential especially on Gram Parsons, the Byrds, and Emmylou Harris. Well known songs include When I Stop Dreaming, I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby, Cash On The Barrelhead, and My Baby's Gone. Most of the Louvin Brothers catalogue was penned by Ira and Louvin, numerous of their songs becoming country standards covered by Bill Monroe, Porter Wagoner, Don Gibson, Ray Charles, Etta James, Del McCoury, Uncle Tupelo, Ralph Stanley, Dolly Parton, and Alison Krauss. In 1963, two years before Ira's death in a traffic accident, the Louvin Brothers disbanded. Louvin has since recorded prolifically as a solo artist, notably Something To Brag About issued in 1971. Later on in his career, Louvin would on occasion guest on albums by the likes of Rhonda Vincent, Melba Montgomery, Jeannie Seely, and Lucinda Williams ~ Loudermilk was born in 1927
January 26, 2011 ~ Edwin Mordue, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Eddie Mordue, passed away ~ Considered one of the finest sax players to emerge from the heyday of British big band music. Professionally active since an early age, moving to London at age 13 to play with Archie's Juvenile Band and subsequently hone his skills working with Eric Winstone during World War II. Mordue's first wife was singer Julie Dawn, with whom he also regularly collaborated. Mordue was a fixture on the 1950s West End jazz scene, notably as a member of Jack Nathan's band, regularly playing the the London Palladium, before focusing on his work as a freelancer. Over the course of his career, Mordue has performed and recorded with the likes of Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Dusty Springfield, Alexis Korner, and Shirley Bassey, as well as orchestras for several TV shows, and in numerous soundtracks including The Pink Panther and several James Bond films. Mordue continued to perform until his death at age 83. Mordue never lost his sense of humor, as reportedly his last words were “yes, rock & roll” in reply to the ambulance medics asking him if he had any allergies ~ 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, Strange I Know, As Long As I Know He's Mine, Too Many Fish In The Sea, Don't Mess With Bill, The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, and My Baby Must Be A Magician, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B. Their biggest hit, Please Mr Postman released in 1961, would be the first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for the Motown label ~ Horton was born in 1945
January 26, 2010 ~ Singer Lady Gaga releases Telephone featuring Beyoncé, lifted off her The Fame Monster EP ~ Lady Gaga initially wrote Telephone for Britney Spears, who recorded a demo version for her Circus album. Subsequently, Gaga and Spears tried the song as a duet, but that didn't pan out either. Eventually, Gaga brought in Beyoncé, with the final version making it to Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster EP. The single would reach No.3 Billboard Hot 100, making it Gaga's sixth American top 10 hit
January 26, 2009 ~ Country, country-pop outfit Lady Antebellum release I Run To You, lifted off their eponymous debut album ~ Despite lukewarm critical reception, I Run To You became their second single to reach top 10 Billboard Country, preceded by Love Don't Live Here, and their first to top the chart. The song finds singers Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott turning to eachother to escape the negativity and prejudice of the world. On the subject of the song, not a typical subject for a country song, co-writer Tom Douglas has stated: “Most people will tell you to write for the quintessential guy on the bar stool, and not get above his head. I think that guy is a lot smarter than we give him credit for. This song has a pretty intelligent, mature lyric and I think the guy on the bar stool got it. Our experiences are pretty universal, and I think he wants to run from prejudice and pessimists just like I do. You don't have to have an MBA from Harvard to feel that kind of thing, it's all pretty universal”
January 26, 1998 ~ Singer Will Smith releases Gettin' Jiggy Wit It, lifted off his Big Willie Style album ~ As Gettin' Jiggy Wit It drew from Sang And Dance by the Bar-kays, Love Rap by Spoonie Gee, and He's The Greatest Dancer by the Pointer Sisters, no less than twelve songwriters received co-writing credit. Rapper Nas also contributed to the lyrics but is not mentioned as a co-writer, as he would later explain his contribution was only minimal: “I hung out with Will in the studio. And watched him write it. It was a fun studio session, and I said a line or two or three to him. It wasn't that serious. Will Smith wrote that song.” Originating from a derogatory term for African-Americans, “Jiggy” somehow acquired the meaning of being cool and trendy, in the context of the song referring mostly to dancing effectively, and as the single became a hit the term made the leap from street slang to the popular lexicon. Gettin' Jiggy Wit It would reach top 10 across the globe including in the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, and America, spending three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the latter, and earned Smith a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. It would be the second consecutive year Smith earned a Grammy, as Men In Black had won in the same category the previous year
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, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Lewis was born in 1932
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, 1987 ~ Singers Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt release To Know Him is To Love Him, lead single off their collaborative Trio album ~ Written by Phil Spector, inspired by words on Spector's father's tombstone: “to know him was to love him.” First recorded in 1958 by the Teddy Bears, the only group that had Spector as a member. Several other hit versions have been recorded since, the text and title sometimes changed to To Know You Is To Love You, notably a hit for Peter & Gordon in 1965 and for Bobby Vinton in 1969. The song would be resurrected in the mid-1980s by Parton, Harris and Ronstadt, who took it to the top of the Billboard Country charts in 1987, partly due to heavy rotation of the clip on CMT. The video clip was shot and directed by Star Wars-director George Lucas, then Ronstadt's boyfriend
January 26, 1985 ~ Drummer Kenny Clarke, full name Kenneth Clarke Spearman, passed away in Montreuil, France ~ Major innovator of bebop drumming, shifting the time-keeping rhythm from the bass drum to the ride cymbal. Well over two dozen albums as a leader, noted particularly for his 1955 album Bohemia After Dark, and Change Of Scenes released in 1971. Member of the Modern Jazz Quartet through 1955, with whom he also performed at the very first Newport Jazz Festival in 1954. A revered sideman, Clarke is present on albums by Cal Tjader, Sonny Criss, Milt Jackson (Wizard Of The Vibes), André Hodeir, Thelonious Monk (Genius Of Modern Music Vol.1), Zoot Sims, Bud Powell, Art Farmer, Stan Getz, Eddie Bert, Urbie Green (Blues And Other Shades Of Green), Joe Wilder, Charles Mingus, Phineas Newborn Jr (Here Is Phineas), Carmen McRae, Bud Powell, Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Victor Feldman (Suite Sixteen), Gigi Gryce, Oscar Pettiford, Dexter Gordon (Our Man In Paris), Nathan Davis (The Hip-Walk), and Don Patterson ~ 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, and Juicy J
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, and Jack Harlow
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 ~ Brother of trumpeter John Semple, with whom he frequently worked. Influenced by Edmond Hall and Pee Wee Russell. Considered one of the finest clarinetists of his day, praised for his rich and quirky imagination. Perhaps best known for his association with Alex Welsh from the mid-1950s through the 1960s. Semple has also played with Freddy Randall, Roy Crimmins, Mick Mulligan, Diz Disley, Nat Gonella, Humphrey Lyttelton, and Acker Bilk. Semple has recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Jazz For Young Lovers released in 1960. Semple passed away at age 36, his health frailed by chronic alcoholism ~ 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, and Joe Tex ~ 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, 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, and Tal Farlow
January 26, 1968 ~ Flavio Basso, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Jupiter Apple or Jupiter Maca, 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, full name Andrew John 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 reached 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, 1963 ~ In its fourth week on the charts, Walk Right In by the Rooftop Singers hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Gus Cannon and Hosea Woods, who recorded the original song in 1929 with their jug outfit the Jug Stompers. The success of the 1960s cover by the Rooftop Singers would be a lucky break for Cannon, who by then was in his seventies and had been forced to pawn his banjo to pay the heating bill. Not only did some unexpected money from royalties come his way, the single's success also renewed interest in Cannon's music and led to a recording contract of his own. Folk trio the Rooftop Singers would score one more hit, Tom Cat reaching No.20 Billboard Hot 100
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, and Dawn Langstroth
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 occasion and released his solo debut album, The Way Life Goes, in 2013
January 26, 1958 ~ R&B, quiet storm singer Anita Baker, full name Anita Denise 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, 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, Eurythmics, Mika, the Sugababes, James Morrison, Will Young, Geri Halliwell, Boyzone, B'witched, 911, and 5ive
January 26, 1955 ~ Rock, hard rock guitarist, songwriter Eddie Van Halen, full name Edward Lodewijk van Halen, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Considered a virtuoso guitarist. 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, and When It's Love. Van Halen has also worked with Gene Simmons, Nicolette Larson, Michael Jackson, Brian May, Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath, Roger Waters, Steve Lukather, and LL Cool J ~ Van Halen passed away in 2020
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, 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, No.1 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 ~ 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, 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, and Sven Ake Johansson
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, 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, and the Bunch
January 26, 1943 ~ Jean Audrey Caliste, 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 Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1971. The single sold two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy Award but lost to Aretha Franklin's Bridge Over Troubled Water though. Knight would continue to record into the 1980s but was unable to repeat her earlier success ~ Knight passed away in 2023
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 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 as a producer and songwriter ~ Leibowitz passed away in 2002
January 26, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Ronnie Stephenson born in Sunderland, UK ~ Initially aimed to become a tap dancer like his idol Gene Kelly but was given a drum kit at age 14 and was playing semi-professionally a year later. Frequently backed his brothers pianists Bill Stephenson and Bob Stephenson, before gaining serious attention touring with singer Lita Roza. Stephenson would go on to become one of the most in-demand British jazz drummers of the 1960s, well known for his stints with Johnny Dankworth and Stan Tracey, working with the latter in the house band at Ronnie Scott's renowned London jazz club including accompanying numerous visiting American jazz icons. Stephenson has appeared on albums by Wes Montgomery, Tubby Hayes (100% Proof), JJ Jackson, Ray Warleigh, Rolf Kühn, Victor Feldman, the NDR Bigband, Benny Golson, and Cleo Laine ~ 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, and Dave Bartholomew ~ Smith passed away in 2023
January 26, 1932 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Claude Gray born in Henderson, Texas, USA ~ Paved the way for pop-oriented country artists. Dubbed “the Tall Texan”, Gray would become 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 ~ Gray passed away in 2023
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, and Sonny Criss
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, 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, and Buddy Kaye ~ 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. Acclaimed for albums such as Violins No End, Venupelli Blues, and Live In London. Grappelli had his compositions recorded by Charlie Byrd, Chet Atkins, Baden Powell, Jethro Burns, and Biréli Lagrène, and guested on albums by Duke Ellington, Svend Asmussen, Barney Kessel, Michel Legrand, Gary Burton, Paul Simon (Paul Simon), Gary Burton, the Rowans, David Grisman (Hot Dawg), and Mark O'Connor ~ 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, and Bobby Vinton. 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