January 28, 2023 ~ Odd Børre Sørensen, commonly known as pop singer Odd Børre, passed away ~ Active mostly from the early-1960s until semi-retiring from music in 1970. Internationally best known for representing his native Norway in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival contest, reaching thirteenth place with Stress ~ Sørensen was born in 1939
January 28, 2023 ~ Thomas Miller, commonly known as punk rock, art punk, post-punk singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Verlaine, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Stan Getz, Miles Davis, the Velvet Underground, the Rolling Stones. Formed the Neon Boys with Richard Hell and Billy Ficca, quickly disbanding after failing to attract a second guitarist despite auditions from both the Ramones' Dee Dee Ramone and Blondie's Chris Stein. Rose to fame as frontman of Television, their acclaimed 1977 Marquee Moon debut album considered one of the defining albums of the post-punk era. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Tom Verlaine album released in 1979. Notably collaborated with once-girlfriend Patti Smith including on her Horses debut album. Tapped to produce Jeff Buckley's second studio album, a project that never materialized due to Buckley's untimely death. Verlaine was also a member of supergroup the Million Dollar Bashers alongside Lee Ranaldo, Nels Cline, and John Medeski ~ Miller was born in 1949
January 28, 2021 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter César Isella passed away ~ Joined Los Fronterizos in 1956 replacing Carlos Barbarab, remaining with the group through 1966. Wrote a number of the band's best known including La Fiera, Guittarreando and Un Abrazo A Corrientes. As a solo artist perhaps best known for co-writing Cancion Con Todos with poet, lyricist Armando Tejada Gómez, considered a Latin American anthem recorded by numerous artists ~ Isella was born in 1938
January 28, 2021 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Sherman Robertson passed away ~ Draws from zydeco, swamp blues, electric blues, R&B. First gained serious attention backing Clifton Chenier during the 1980s, notably present on the albums Live At The and San Francisco Blues Festival. Guested on Paul Simon's Graceland album. Following Chenier's death in 1987 Robertson would work with Rockin' Dopsie and Terrance Simien before venturing out on his own. As a solo artist best known for the album I'm The Man released in 1994 ~ Robertson was born in 1948
January 28, 2021 ~ Classical, opera, jazz, traditional singer Sibongile Khumalo passed away ~ Active since the early-1990s until her death, about half a dozen albums to her name. Noted for singing at the 75th birthday of Nelson Mandela in 1993 and his Presidential inauguration the following year. Has worked with the Bach Choir, Jack DeJohnette, Hugh Masekela, and others ~ Khumalo was born in 1957
January 28, 2019 ~ Rock, blues rock, hard rock, acid rock drummer Paul Whaley, full name Paul Gene Whaley, passed away in Regensburg, Germany ~ Son of country singer Paul Edward Whaley. Member of the Oxford Circle, present on the live album Live At The Avalon 1966. Best known as drummer for rock band Blue Cheer, present on some of the band's best known including the 1968 singles Summertime Blues and Just A Little Bit ~ Whaley was born in 1947
January 28, 2019 ~ Singer, drummer, guitarist, songwriter Pepe Smith, full name Joseph William Feliciano Smith, passed away in Rizal, Philippines ~ Rose to prominence as member of pioneering Filipino rock band the Juan de la Cruz Band, alongside guitarist Wally Gonzales and bassist Mike Hanopol. When drummer Edmon Fortuno joined the trio a few years later Smith would switch to playing guitar ~ Smith was born in 1947
January 28, 2017 ~ Hard rock keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, singer Geoff Nicholls, full name Geoffrey James Nicholls, passed away ~ Best known as member of Black Sabbath from 1979 through 2004, first appearing on the 1980 Heaven & Hell album. Has also worked with the Boll Weevils, the Seed, Johnny Neal & the Starliners, Quartz and the World Of Oz ~ Nicholls was born in 1944
January 28, 2016 ~ Singer, guitarist Paul Kantner, full name Paul Lorin Kantner, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of the Jefferson Airplane, a pivotal act in San Francisco's late-1960s counterculture peak. The band is best known for Somebody To Love and White Rabbit of their quintessential Surrealistic Pillow sophomore album. Both singles would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Kantner has also been involved with several Airplane side projects and spin-offs including Hot Tuna, the KBC Band, and Jefferson Starship ~ Kantner was born in 1941
January 28, 2016 ~ Singer Signe Anderson passed away in Beaverton, Oregon, USA ~ Original singer for the Jefferson Airplane. Present on their debut album Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, notably on her signature song Chauffeur Blues. Left the band in late 1966, replaced by Grace Slick ~ Anderson was born in 1941
January 28, 2015 ~ Evangelina Orico, commonly known as actress, singer Vanjo Orico, passed away ~ Known best for her role in the 1953 adventure western O Cangaceiro, the first Brazilian movie to score internationally. As a singer known for first recording Eu Não Existo Sem Você in 1957, penned by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes and covered by over four dozen artists ~ Orico was born in 1931
January 28, 2014 ~ Composer, conductor John Cacavas, full name John Harry Cacavas, passed away ~ Best known for his work for TV and film including on TV series such as Hawaii Five-O, The Bionic Woman and Kojak, as well as television films such as Superdome, The Time Machine and The Executioner's Song ~ Cacavas was born in 1930
January 28, 2011 ~ Soprano Margaret Price, full name Margaret Berenice Price, passed away in Celbwr, UK ~ First gained attention in the early-1960s as a member of the Ambrosian Singers, remaining only briefly with the ensemble. Would go on to work with the Royal Opera House, initially as an understudy yet rising to fame overnight filling in for Teresa Berganza in the role of Cherubino in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Marriage Of Figaro. Price has also notably worked with the English Opera Group, the Cologne Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera ~ Price was born in 1941
January 28, 2010 ~ Folk singer Alistair Hulett passed away in Glasgow, UK ~ Frontman and founder of folk punk band Roaring Jack. Has also worked with Fairport Convention's Dave Swarbrick, released a number of solo albums and formed the Malkies with whom he released one album ~ Hulett was born in 1951
January 28, 2009 ~ Keyboardist Billy Powell, full name William Norris Powell, passed away in Orange Park, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of Southern rock outfit Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2009. Present on the band's best known starting with the acclaimed 1973 Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd debut album. Has also worked with Vision, 38 Special and the Rossington-Collins Band ~ Powell was born in 1952
January 28, 2005 ~ Nicola James Capaldi, commonly known as rock, progressive rock, soft rock singer, percussionist, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Jim Capaldi, passed away in Westminster, UK ~ Best known for co-founding Traffic, co-writing the majority of the band material with bandmate Steve Winwood. Co-wrote Love Will Keep Us Alive, recorded by the Eagles on their 1994 Hell Freezes Over album. As a solo artist best known for songs such as It's All Up To You and Love Hurts, the latter a UK top 10 hit in 1974. An in-demand collaborator, Capaldi has also worked with Deep Feeling, the Hellions, Eric Clapton, Hawkwind's Robert Calvert, Carlos Santana, George Harrison, and Paul Weller ~ Capaldi was born in 1944
January 28, 2004 ~ Peter Leslie Dines, commonly known as Dino Dines, passed away ~ Best known as member of T.Rex frim 1974 until the band's dissolution in 1977 after the death of frontman Marc Bolan, present on hits such as Light Of Love, New York City and I Love To Boogie. Had previously played with Apostolic Intervention, known for Tell Me Have You Ever Seen Me, and with the Keef Hartley Band ~ Dines was born in 1944
January 28, 2002 ~ Flautist, bassist Andy Kulberg passed away in Fairfax, California, USA ~ Played with local polka bands before emerging as a member of the Blues Project, alongside Al Kooper, Danny Kalb, Steve Katz, and Roy Blumenfeld. With their eclectic mix of blues, folk, and rock & roll, they are arguably the first rock band to come out of New York, and especially noted for their 1966 Projections album. Following the band's disbandement in 1969, Kulberg co-founded Seatrain, with whom he recorded four albums through the early-1970s including the acclaimed Seatrain (Second Album) album ~ Kulberg was born in 1944
January 28, 1998 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Electra Mustaine, full name Electra Nicole Mustaine, born in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA ~ Daughter of hard rock singer Dave Mustaine. Active since the mid-2010s, initially primarily penning country songs and later venturing into EDM, hip-hop and pop. First gained serious attention with the 2018 single Just Us, a collaborative effort with Said The Sky and Yuppycult. Backed her father on Megadeth's 2013 Super Collider album, providing backing vocals. Collaborated with Michael Sweet on his 2014 I'm Not Your Suicide album
January 28, 1988 ~ Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, commonly known as rapper, producer AKA, born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Member of hip-hop group Entity. Member of production collective the IV League, working with artists such as Khuli Chana, Pro, and JR. As a solo artist known for songs such as In My Walk, Lemons (Lemonade), All Eyes On Me, and Fela In Versace ~ Forbes passed away in 2023
January 28, 1988 ~ Pianist, keyboardist, composer Casimir Liberski born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Worked with Charnett Moffett, Stanley Jordan, Jeff Tain-Watts, Denardo Coleman, Rodney Holmes, Nasheet Waits, John Hebert, Greg Osby, Matthew Shipp, Mark Shim, Tony Moreno, Evan Marien, Godwin Louis, Peter Evans, Matt Garstka, and Louis de Mieulles
January 28, 1987 ~ Jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov born in Kyrgyz, Soviet Union ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with John Patitucci, Michael Brecker, Todd Strait, James Genus, Marco Panascia, Chris Botti, Roy Hargrove, Armando Gola, Ludwig Afonso, Nicholas Payton, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Joe Locke, JD Allen, Ali Jackson, and others
January 28, 1985 ~ Jermaine Lamarr Cole, commonly known as producer, MC J Cole born in Frankfurt, West Germany ~ Released his full-length debut album, Cole World (The Sideline Story), in 2011 spawning the Billboard top 20 hit Work Out. Would subsequently hit the charts with songs such as Can't Get Enough featuring Trey Songz, Power Trip featuring Miguel, Déjà Vu, Neighbors, ATM and Middle Child. Has collaborated with Trey Songz, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, TLC, Kendrick Lamar, Amber Coffman, Sean Garrett, Wale, Elle Varner, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, 21 Savage, Ty Dolla $ign, and others
January 28, 1984 ~ Clarence Albert Poindexter, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Al Dexter, passed away ~ Best known for Pistol Packin' Mama, co-written by Dexter and a hit in 1944. It would later be covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, and the Andrews Sisters. Other well known Dexter songs include So Long Pal, I'm Losing My Mind Over You and Too Late To Worry ~ Dexter was born in 1905
January 28, 1983 ~ Ronald Wycherley, commonly known as singer, songwriter Billy Fury, passed away in Paddington, UK ~ Popular 1960s singer known for songs such as Colette, Halfway To Paradise, Jealousy, Last Night Was Made For Love, Once Upon A Dream, Like I've Never Been Gone, When Will You Say I Love You, In Summer and In Thoughts Of You, all of which reached the British top 10 ~ Wycherley was born in 1940
January 28, 1983 ~ Sandy Leah Lima, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Sandy, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Dubbed “the Princess of Pop”. First gained attention as half of Sandy & Junior, the other half being her brother Junior Lima. The duo would lead the wave of late-1990s teen pop artist, noted for albums such as 1999's As Quatro Estações and 2000's Quatro Estações (O Show) ranking among Brazil's all-time best-selling albums. The duo disbanded in 2007 and Sandy has released a number of solo albums since, starting with Manuscrito in 2010
January 28, 1980 ~ Composer Franco Evangelisti passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Abandoned his engineering studies to pursue a career in music. Revered for his work in electronic music. Co-founding member of the Gruppo Di Improvvisazione Di Nuova Consonanza, which also included Francisco Pennisi and Aldo Clementi ~ Evangelisti was born in 1926
January 28, 1980 ~ Singer Nick Carter, full name Nickolas Gene Carter, born in Jamestown, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of boy band the Backstreet Boys, known for Billboard Hot 100 hits such as Quit Playing Games With My Heart, Everybody (Backstreet's Back), All I Have To Give, I Want It That Way, and Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely. Parallel to his career in the band Carter has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Now Or Never released in 2002
January 28, 1978 ~ Freddie Ross, commonly known as singer Big Freedia, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Popularized bounce music, a New Orleans subgenre of hip-hop. Released a full-length debut album, Queen Diva, in 2003. Has collaborated with Mannie Fresh, Galactic, RuPaul, Diplo, Jordin Sparks, Naughty By Nature, Drake (Nice For What), Lizzo, and Ke$ha
January 28, 1978 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, Short People by Randy Newman peaks at No.2 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Devoted fans and critics had always known of and praised Newman's wit, yet many others missed the point of his sole Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, which can only be described as probably one of the funniest songs tackling bigotry. At first glance, Short People mocks short people, but its meaning is blatantly obvious in the last line, “short people are just the same as you and I, all men are brothers until the day they die”. Later, in a 2003 interview with the Sunday Times Newman reflected: “I mean, irony, who's got the time? But it's what I do, and it's what I can't help but do. I couldn't write like Elton John if I tried”
January 28, 1977 ~ Singer Joey Fatone, full name Joseph Anthony Fatone Jr, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of NSYNC, one of the all-time best-selling boy bands known for hits such I Want You Back, (God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You, Music Of My Heart with Gloria Estefan, It's Gonna Be Me, This I Promise You and Girlfriend featuring Nelly
January 28, 1977 ~ Jazz singer, saxophonist Sissel Vera Pettersen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Known for her experimental vocal techniques and for incorporating performance, theatre and visual art in her work. Has worked with artists such as Jon Balke, Theo Bleckmann, John Hollenbeck, Chick Corea, the Trondheim Voices, Christian Wallumrød, Marc Ducret, Marilyn Mazur, Nikolaj Hess, Mikkel Ploug, John Tchicai, and others
January 28, 1976 ~ Jazz singer Alexis Cole born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Released her debut album, Very Early, in 1999 and has recorded steadily since. Has worked with Harry Pickens, and Ben Stivers
January 28, 1976 ~ Drummer, percussionist Daniel Buess born in Basel, Switzerland ~ Worked with the Ensemble Phoenix Bazel, Cortex, How2, Noisezone, Zbignieuw Karkowski, Alex Buess, Harry Bedair, Kasper T Toeplitz, John Duncan, Jurg Henneberger, Michael Wertmuller, Phill Niblock, Zev, Julio Estrada, Antoine Chessex, Christoph Bosch, Volker Heyn, Thomas Lauck, Tim Hodgkinson, Marco Papiri, Iancu Dumitrescu, Ana Maria Avram, Jerome Noetinger, Cadlah, and others ~ Buess passed away in 2016
January 28, 1976 ~ Jazz trumpeter, violinist, singer Ray Nance, full name Ray Willis Nance, passed away ~ Best known for his longtime association with Duke Ellington, hired in 1940 as replacement for Cootie Williams and remaining with the orchestra through 1963. Sang lead on recordings such as Jump For Joy, Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin' and Just Squeeze Me But Please Don't Tease Me. Has also worked with Earl Hines, Horace Henderson, Rosemary Clooney, Jaki Byard, Chico Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Budd Johnson, Joya Sherrill, and recorded a number of albums as a leader ~ Nance was born in 1930
January 28, 1976 ~ William Leonard Robert II, commonly known as rapper Rick Ross, born in Carol City, Florida, USA ~ Debuted in 2006 with the single Hustlin' and would follow up with a full-length album, Port Of Miami, later the same year. Known for songs such as Bo featuring T-Pain, Aston Martin Music featuring Drake & Chrisette Michele and Purple Lamborghini featuring Skrillex. Has also collaborated with Nelly, John Legend, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, French Montana, Jadakiss, Lil' Wayne, Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, DJ Khaled, Gorilla Zoe, Mary J Blige, French Montana, and others
January 28, 1972 ~ Monifa Carter, mononymously known as R&B singer Monifah, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for her association with rapper Heavy D. As a solo artist scored a number R&B, hip-hop hits starting in the mid-1990s including You and her best known Touch It, the latter crossing over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and reaching top 10
January 28, 1971 ~ Singer Anthony Hamilton, full name Anthony Cornelius Hamilton, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Debuted in 1996 with the album XTC. Rose to fame with his sophomore album, Coming From Where I'm From, in 2003, spawning the hits Coming From Where I'm From and Charlene. Co-wrote the 1999 hit U Know What's Up for Donell Jones. Sang backup for d'Angelo on the 2000 Voodoo tour. Hamilton also guested on tracks by Nappy Roots, Mark Ronson, Jadakiss (Why), Roy Hargrove, Buddy Guy, Jill Scott (So In Love), Elayna Boynton, the Soultronics, Gorillaz, Tupac Shakur, Twista, Angie Stone (Stay For A While), Nick Cannon, and J Moss
January 28, 1971 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record How Can You Mend A Broken Heart at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb. The song reflects on the period of the siblings' break-up and alienation. Produced by the band and their manager Robert Stigwood. Released as a single off their Trafalgar, it would reach No.1 Billboard Hot 100 charts and remains one of their most well known and beloved ballads to this day. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart would be their last major hit until Jive Talkin' in 1975, a stylistic change for the band, ushered in a string of disco hits
January 28, 1969 ~ Singer Stevie Wonder releases his I Don't Know Why single, paired with My Cherie Amour on the flip side ~ Originally released with My Cherie Amour on the flip side, the latter would become the bigger hit. The original single would be a moderate hit, peaking just inside the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. After the single dropped from the charts, however, radio DJ's continued to play the B-side and Motown re-released the single with the sides flipped. It would reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B charts and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. My Cherie Amour originated from Oh My Marcia, written by Wonder for a girlfriend from school. Label head Berry Gordy Jr brought in Henry Cosby and Sylvia Moy to rework the song. The success of the single prompted the label to program an entire album of love songs, My Cherie Amour, released the following August. Wonder has also recorded Spanish and Italian versions of the song, respectively titled Mi Querido Amor and My Cherie Amor
January 28, 1968 ~ Lawrence Muggerud, commonly known as rapper, producer DJ Muggs, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Member of Cypress Hill, known for songs such as Insane In The Brain, I Ain't Goin' Out Like That and Throw Your Set In The Air. Member of Cross My Heart And Hope To Die. Fronts the collective Soul Assasins. In-demand producer for artists such as House Of Pain, Funkdoobiest, Daddy Freddy, Die Antwoord. Remixed tracjs for Janet Jackson, U2, Simply Red, Depeche Mode. Has collaborated with Tricky, GZA, Planet Asia, Ill Bill
January 28, 1968 ~ William Michael Griffin Jr, commonly known as rapper Rakim born in Wyandach, New York, USA ~ Hugely influential figure in hip-hop. Raised the bar for MC technique and pioneered the use of internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes. Half of famed duo Eric B & Rakim, the other being Eric B, known for four albums considered classics of the genre starting with 1987's Paid In Full
January 28, 1968 ~ Singer, songwriter Sarah McLachlan born in Halifax, Canada ~ Started playing ukelele at age 4. Studied classical guitar, classical piano, voice at Conservatory. Known for her emotional ballads and mezzo-soprano range. Also founded the Lilith Fair Tour Event, showcasing female musicians
January 28, 1967 ~ Gospel singer, songwriter Marvin Sapp, full name Marvin Louis Sapp, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Member of gospel outfit Commissioned, joining in 1990 as replacement for Keith Staten and present on the albums Number 7, Matters Of The Heart and Irreplaceable Love. Active as a solo singer since the late-1990s, known best for his 2007 single Never Would Have Made It and the 2010 single The Best In Me, the latter earning him a GMA Dove Award. Sapp is also the founder and senior pastor of the Lighthouse Full Center Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan
January 28, 1966 ~ Songwriter, producer Jeff Cohen born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked in several executive positions at BMI and Warner Chappell Music from the late-1980s through the mid-1990s before pursuing a full-time career as a songwriter. Artists who recorded his songs include Sugarland, Josh Groban, Macy Gray (Boom Boom), Evan & Jaron (Crazy For This Girl), Nick Lachey, Marc Broussard, Big & Rich (Holy Water), Bethany Joy Lenz, the Spin Doctors, Mandy Moore, Laura Bell Bundy, Ilse de Lange (Beautiful Distraction), Doc Walker (Put It Into Drive), Sandi Patty, Ronan Tynan, the Band Perry (Postcard From Paris), Aamie Miriello, Toby Lightman, Eleanor Barooshian, and others
January 28, 1966 ~ Jazz saxophonist Julian Argüelles born in Lichfield, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Rose to prominence as member of Loose Tubes. Debuted as a leader with the Phaedrus album in 1990. Has worked with Steve Swallow, Archie Shepp, Tim Berne, Hermeto Pascoal, John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, Peter Erskine, Chris McGregor, Evan Parker, Mike Gibbs, John Scofield, Carla Bley, Dudu Pukwana, Arturo Sandoval, Giorgio Gaslini, Kenny Wheeler, and others
January 28, 1965 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, bandleader Arthur Schutt passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Wrote Delirium and Bluin' The Black Keys, co-wrote Benny Goodman's Georgia Jubilee. Worked with Paul Specht, Roger Wolfe Kahn, Donald Voorhees, Fred Rich, Nathaniel Shilkret, Frankie Trumbauer, Bix Beiderbecke, the Charleston Chasers, Red Nichols, the Dorsey Brothers, and Bud Freeman ~ Schutt was born in 1902
January 28, 1962 ~ Arthur Edmonds, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Harpdog Brown, born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Performing professionally since age 15. About half a dozen albums to his name, starting with Beware Of Dog released in 1993. Especially acclaimed for the albums Home Is Where The Harp Is released in 1994 and What It Is released in 2014 ~ Brown passed away in 2022
January 28, 1962 ~ Leslie Ann Phillips, commonly known as alternative rock, pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Sam Phillips born in Glendale, California, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Leslie Phillips. Best known for the critically acclaimed albums Martinis & Bikinis released in 1994 and Fan Dance released in 2001. Also known for scoring music to TV shows such as Gilmore Girls, Bunheads and The Marvelous Mrs Maiser. Topped Billboar's Christian chart in 1997 with the single Your Kindness. Her song Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us would be recorded by Alison Krauss & Robert Plant on the 2009 collaborative Raising Sand album. Guested on recordings by Mark Heard, Randy Stonehill, Bruce Cockburn, Rodney Crowell, the Wallflowers, and others
January 28, 1961 ~ Keyboardist Drew McDowall born in Paisley, UK ~ Member of Coil, working on-and-off with the band from the early-1990s and a full-time member from 1994 through the end of the decade. Formed art-punk outfit Poems in 1978 with his then-wife Rose McDowall. Subsequently also worked with Psychic TV, Compound TV, and with CSD, and recorded about half a dozen solo albums mostly during the 2010s
January 28, 1959 ~ Jazz vibraphonist Bill Ware, full name William Anthony Ware III, born in East Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Played bass and piano early on in his career, eventually focusing mostly on vibraphone. Formed and led Laatin jazz group AM Sleep. Joined the Jazz Passengers in 1987. Also worked with Groove Collective, Steely Dan, Brad Jones, EJ Rodriguez, Vibes, Elvis Costello, Roy Nathanson, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Marshall Crenshaw, DJ Logic, Debbie Harry, Mario Pavone, CeCe Peniston, Bobby Previte, and John Zorn
January 28, 1958 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Brad Robinson, full name Bradford Leigh Robinson, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Lead and rhythm guitarist for the Australian Crawl throughout the band's entire existence from 1978 through 1986. The band enjoyed popularity in their native Australia with songs such as Downhearted, Things Don't Seem, Shut Down, and perhaps their best known Reckless (Don't Be So), the latter reaching top of the charts in 1983 in Australia and top 10 in neighbouring New Zealand. Following the band's disbandement by the late-1980s Robinson has worked as manager for people in the entertainment and sports industries ~ Robinson passed away in 1996
January 28, 1957 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz bassist, double bassist Kent Kessler born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Formed the Neutrino Orchestra in 1977 with Dan Scanlan, Nrobert Funk and Michael Zerang. Also formed Musica Mento with Zerang. Member of the NRG Ensemble from 1985 until the death of leader Hal Russell in 1992. Frequently collaborated with hornist Ken Vandermark. Has also worked with DKV Trio, Hamid Drake, Fred Anderson, Joe McPhee, Peter Brötzmann, Mats Gustafsson, Misha Mengelberg, and with his wife country singer, songwriter Jane Baxter Miller
January 28, 1956 ~ Pierre Michael Schilling, commonly known as synth-pop singer, songwriter Peter Schilling, born in Stuttgart, West Germany ~ Known for incorporating science-fiction themes into his songs such as aliens and astronauts. Best known for his 1983 single Major Tom (Coming Home), a retelling of David Bowie's Space Oddity, originally recorded in German and rerecorded in English it became a hit across Europe
January 28, 1955 ~ Blues shouter Big Joe Turner records Flip Flop & Fly in New York, New York ~ Written by Charles Calhoun and Turner. Backed by pianist Jesse Stone, saxophonist Al Sears, drummer Connie Kay. Released the following month, paired with Ti-ri-lee on the flip side
January 28, 1953 ~ Electronic, industrial keyboardist Chris Carter born in London, UK ~ Best known as member of Throbbing Gristle and half of the duo Chris & Cosey alongside Cosey Fanni Tutti. Has also worked with CTI, Monte Cazazza, Coil, Current '93, John Duncan, Erasure, Eurythmics, Boyd Rice, Robert Wyatt,
January 28, 1952 ~ Jean-Louis Bergheaud, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jean-Louis Murat, born in Bourboule, France ~ Actively recording since the early-1980s. First gained attention in 1988 with the single Si Je Devais Manquer De Toi. Also well known for his album Cheyenne Autumn, released the following year. Broke through with his 1991 single Regrets, a duet with Mylène Farmer which reached No.3 in France. Has recorded steadily since. Also known as an actor ~ Bergheaud passed away in 2023
January 28, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Jones born in Welshpool, UK ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Perhaps best known as one third of the 1980s, 1990s trio Fredericks Goldman Jones alongside regular collaborators Carole Fredericks and Jean-Jacques Goldman. Has also worked with Urban District Council Dib Bob Band, Travert & Cie, Buddy C, Tai Phong, El Club, and recorded as a solo artist. Retired from music in 2013 for health reasons
January 28, 1950 ~ Barbara Lynn Klein, commonly known as model, actress, singer Barbi Benton, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a model, appearing on the Playboy cover four times, TV host on Playboy After Dark and Hee Haw, actress in series such as McCloud, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. Released a number of moderately successful country, country pop albums, starting with 1975's Barbi Doll which spawned the country hit single Brass Buckles, a Billboard Country top 10 hit
January 28, 1950 ~ Wilbur Joe McCoy, commonly known as Delta blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Kansas Joe McCoy, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of Papa Charlie McCoy. Husband of Memphis Minnie. Best known for co-writing Why Don't You Do Right, recorded by Lil' Green, Benny Goodman, and by Peggy Lee. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, the Ink Spots, Ella Fitzgerald, Led Zeppelin (When The Levee Breaks), Jo-Ann Kelly, Cleo Laine, A Perfect Circle, and others ~ McCoy was born in 1905
January 28, 1949 ~ Country, country-pop, rock drummer Eddie Bayers born ~ In-demand session drummer. Member of the Notorious Cherry Bombs. Influenced by Al Jackson Jr and Clyde Stubblefield. Worked with Tanya Tucker, John Denver, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, the Beach Boys, Garth Brooks, the Players, George Jones, Dolly Parton, the Medallion Band, Glen Campbell, Kenny Chesney, Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Delbert McClinton, Clay Walker, Julio Iglesias, Alan Jackson, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Uncle Kracker, Bob Seger, Sting, Steve Winwood, Trisha Yearwood, and others
January 28, 1949 ~ R&B, soul singer, producer, songwriter Gene McFadden born in Olanta, South Carolina, USA ~ First teamed up with John Whitehead in the 1960s forming the Epsilons, a group which eventually toured with Otis Redding. The duo would later help define Philly soul, writing and producing numerous hits for others, including Back Stabbers for the O'Jays, Wake Up Everybody (Part 1) for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and I'll Always Love My Mama for the Intruders. The duo also scored a Billboard R&B charttopper on their own with Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now, released in 1979 ~ McFadden passed away in 2006
January 28, 1948 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz drummer Bob Moses, full name Robert Laurence Moses, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since his teens, starting with Rahsaan Roland Kirk in the mid-1960s. Co-founded the Free Spirits with Larry Coryell, present on the 1967 album Out Of Sight & Sound. Closely associated with Gary Burton, including on the albums The Gary Burton Quartet In Concert and Ring. Well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for When Elpehants Dream Of Music released in 1982. Also present on albums by Jim Hall, Steve Marcus, Jack DeJohnette, Michael Gibbs (Only Chrome Waterfall Orchestra), Pat Metheny (Bright Size Life), Blue Mitchell, Hal Galper, Steve Kuhn, Emily Remler (Transitions), and George Gruntz
January 28, 1948 ~ Rock keyboardist, guitarist, singer Dave Clarke, full name David Patrick Clarke, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his 1971 Pale Horse solo album featuring Keith Moon and Noel Redding, issued under the moniker Dave Carlsen to avoid confusion with the UK singer Dave Clarke. Subsequently co-founded the Noel Redding Band. Has also worked with the White Line, the Dream Machine, Shut Up Frank, Tim Rose, and others. Has fronted the Kast Off Kinks since the mid-1990s
January 28, 1945 ~ Drummer, singer Robert Wyatt born in Bristol, UK ~ Leading figure of the Canterbury scene. Co-founding and key member of both Soft Machine and Matching Mole. Has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist, especially acclaimed for the albums Rock Bottom and Dondestan released respectively in 1974 and 1991
January 28, 1943 ~ Drummer Brian Keenan born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of psychedelic soul band the Chamber Brothers, known for incorporating elements of traditional gospel and blues, psychedelica and rock into soul, scoring a Billboard top 20 hit with the eleven-minute single Time Has Come Today in 1968 ~ Keenan passed away in 1985
January 28, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Dick Taylor, full name Richard Clifford Taylor, born in Dartford, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of the Pretty Things remaining with the band from 1963 through 1969 and again from 1978 through 2020. Present on the band's best known including the 1968 SF Sorrow which is considered one of the first rock operas. Previously briefly a member of the Rolling Stones in 1962, succeeded by Bill Wyman. Has also worked with the Mekons, with Electric Banana, and served as co-producer for Hawkwind's 1970 eponymous Hawkwind debut album
January 28, 1941 ~ Morris Dollison Jr, commonly known as electric blues, gospel blues, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Cash McCall, born in New Madrid, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for his 1966 R&B hit When You Wake Up. Co-wrote Otis Clay's It's Wonderful To Be In Love. Co-produced Howlin' Wolf's 1971 Message To The Young album. Co-produced Willie Dixon's 1988 Grammy Award-winning Hidden Charms album ~ Dollison passed away in 2019
January 28, 1941 ~ Osbourne Ruddock, commonly known as engineer, producer King Tubby, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Pivotal to the development of dub in the 1960s and 1970s. Elevated the role of engineer to a role previously reserved for composers, producers, musicians. Cited as the inventor of the concept of the remix. Best known for his work with Augustus Pablo, the Aggrovators, Prince Jammy, Lee Scratch Perry, Bunny Lee, Vivian Jackson, Johnny Clarke, Cornell Campbell, Linval Thompson, Horace Andy, Delroy Wilson, Jah Stitch, Yabby You, Roots Radics, Sly & Robbie, and others ~ Ruddock passed away in 1989
January 28, 1938 ~ Jazz, R&B, cabaret singer Salena Jones, birth name Joan Elizabeth Shaw, born in Newport News, Virginia, USA ~ Also recorded under the moniker Joan Shaw. Has some 40 albums to her name. Performed and recorded with a host of R&B and jazz artists including Varetta Dillard, Peppermint Harris, King Curtis, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Lavern Baker, Herman Foster, Adelaide Hall, Art Farmer, Brook Benton, Barney Kessel, Sarah Vaughan, Hank Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Kenny Burrell, and others
January 28, 1937 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Carolyn Hester, full name Carolyn Sue Hester, born in Waco, USA ~ Important figure in 1960s folk revival. Known for her recordings of The House Of The Rising Sun and She Moved Through The Fair. Turned down an offer to join Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey who then turned to Mary Travers to form Peter Paul & Mary. Hester worked with Norman Petty, Richard Fariña to whom she was briefly married, Bill Lee, and Bruce Langhorne
January 28, 1930 ~ Contemporary classical composer Luis de Pablo, full name Luis de Pablo Costales, born in Bilbao, Spain ~ Among a generation of composers dubbed Generación del 51, known for connecting music in Spain to musical developments in Europe after the Civil War. Co-founded the Grupo Nueva Musica. Co-founded Tiempo & Musica. Founded and organized several festivals and cultural events. Accused of giving too much prominence to “left-wing art” by the Franco regime, accused of supporting Franco by the ETA. Spent a number of years living in exile. Known for film scores such as The Spirit Of The Beehive and The Hunt and for operas such as Kiu and La Señorita Cristina ~ De Pablo passed away in 2021
January 28, 1929 ~ Bernard Stanley Bilk, commonly known as clarinetist, singer Acker Bilk, born in Pensford, UK ~ Reportedly, earned the nickname “Acker” from the Somerset slang for friend or mate. Became the second British artist to score a No.1 on the American pop charts in 1962, preceded only by Vera Lynn's Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart a decade earlier. Originally Bilk had named the instrumental Jenny, for his daughter, but changed its title to Stranger On The Shore for use in a British TV series of the same name. Other well known Bilk songs included Summer Set, Buona Sera, and That's My Home ~ Bilk passed away in 2014
January 28, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist John Thomas Williams born in Windsor, Vermont, USA ~ Started as a member of Mal Hallett's band. Later played with Johnny Bothwell, Teddy Kotick, Charlie Parker, Charlie Barnet, Stan Getz, Sal Salvador, Charlie Mariano, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Cleveland, Phil Woods, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Raney, Lon Norman, and others ~ Williams passed away in 2018
January 28, 1928 ~ Composer, conductor Andrzej Cwojdzinski born in Jaworzno, Poland ~ Served as director for the Koszalin Philharmonic from 1964 through 1979. Taught at the Academy of Music, Gdansk from 1991 through 1999 ~ Cwojdzinski passed away in 2022
January 28, 1927 ~ Ronald Schatt, commonly known as jazz tenor saxophonist, jazz club owner Ronnie Scott, born in Aldgate, UK ~ Best known as jazz club owner, founded Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in 1959. Tenor saxophonist, worked with Johnny Claes, Ted Heath, Ambrose, Cab Kaye, Tito Burns, the Club Eleven Band, Johnny Dankworth, Tadd Dameron, Jack Parnell, Pete King, Victor Feldman, Hank Shaw, Phil Seamen, Kenny Clarke, Johnny Griffin, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Kenny Wheeler, Mike Carr, Bobby Glen, John Critchinson, the Jazz Couriers, Stan Tracey, Joe Harriott, Tubby Hayes, Tony Crombie, Malcolm Cecil, Martin Drew, and others ~ Schatt passed away in 1996
January 28, 1927 ~ Trumpeter Roy Caton, full name Roy Vernon Caton, born in Frackville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Toured with Woody Herman prior to becoming a studio musician in the 1960s. Present on albums by the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers (Back To Back), Nancy Sinatra, Ike & Tina Turner, Love (Forever Changes), the Monkees, Harry Nilsson (Aerial Pandemonium Ballet), and Neil Diamond ~ Caton passed away in 2010
January 28, 1918 ~ Hilliard Goldsmith, commonly known as lyricist Bob Hilliard, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed his first big success in the mid-1940s co-writing The Coffee Song, recorded by Frank Sinatra. Sinatra also recorded his In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning. Other well known songs co-written by Hilliard include Bouquet Of Roses (Eddy Arnold), Careless Hands (Sammy Kaye), Dear Hearts And Gentle People (Dinah Shore), Please Stay (the Drifters), Any Day Now (Chuck Jackson), and Our Day Will Come (Ruby & the Romantics) ~ Goldsmith passed away in 1971
January 28, 1916 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Cliff Townshend, full name Clifford Blandford Townshend, born ~ Father of the Who's Pete Townshend. Joined the UK Armed Forces in the 2nd World War, playing in the army band the Squadronaires. As a solo artist best known for his 1956 rendition of Unchained Melody ~ Townshend passed away in 1986
January 28, 1900 ~ Pianist, organist, singer, composer Michael Head, full name Michael Dewar Head, born in Eastbourne, UK ~ Concert pianist, singer active since the late-1920s. Wrote a piano concerto, a tone poem and scherzo for orchestra. Best known for his song cycles Over The Rim Of The Moon and Songs Of The Countryside, the former containing his best known song The Ships Of Arcady ~ Head passed away in 1976
January 28, 1899 ~ Jazz trumpeter Zilner Randolph, full name Zilner Trenton Randolph, born in Dermott, Arkansas, USA ~ Father of jazz trumpeter Lucious Randolph. Best known for his association with Louis Armstrong, backing the trumpeter in the early-1930s. Co-wrote Old Man Mose, first recorded by Armstrong, later covered by dozens of artists including Teresa Brewer, Louis Prima, Connie Francis, and Kenny Ball. Randolph has also served as arranger for the likes of Earl Hines, Woody Herman, Fletcher Henderson, and Duke Ellington. From the 1940s onward, Randolph has focused mostly on teaching ~ Randolph passed away in 1994
January 28, 1896 ~ Elizabeth Carlisle, commonly known as singer Elsie Carlisle, born in Manchester, UK ~ Perhaps best known for introducing What Is This Thing Called Love by special request of the song's writer Cole Porter in 1929. The song would become a jazz standard recorded by hundreds of artists including Tommy Dorsey, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra. Carlisle enjoyed popularity in her native UK especially during the 1930s, Carlisle at the time dubbed “Radio Sweetheart No.1”. Well known songs include A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, Alone And Afraid, and My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes. Carlisle rarely performed or recorded from the early-1940s onward ~ Carlisle passed away in 1977
January 28, 1887 ~ Pianist Arthur Rubinstein born in Lodz, Russian Empire ~ Child prodigy, fascinated by the piano from age two onward. The violinist Joseph Joachim, on hearing a four-year-old Rubinstein play, told Rubinstein's family: “This boy may become a very great musician, he certainly has the talent for it. When the time comes for serious study, bring him to me, and I shall be glad to supervise his artistic education.” Rubinstein would go on to become widely regarded as one of the all-time greatest pianists, especially known as an interpreter of the works of Frédéric Chopin ~ Rubinstein passed away in 1982
January 28, 1868 ~ Classical pianist, composer Frederic Lamond, full name Frederic Archibald Lamond, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Early champion of Johannes Brahms. Considered an authority of Ludwig van Beethoven. Highly respected teacher, mentoring pupils such as Victor Borge, Jan Chiapusso, Gunnar Johansen, Ervin Nyiregyházi, Carrie Burpee Shaw, and others ~ Lamond passed away in 1948