January 29, 2024 ~ Accordionist, keyboardist, guitarist Tony Cedras passed away ~ Perhaps best known for his longtime association with Paul Simon, both as a touring and session musician including on the acclaimed Graceland album. Cedras has also guested on albums by the likes of Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba (Sangoma), Ziggy Marley, Tony Bird, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Cassandra Wilson (Blue Light 'Til Dawn), Henry Threadgill (Carry The Day), Milton Nascimento, Garland Jeffreys, Bakithi Kumalo, and the Indica Project ~ Cedras was born ca.1952
January 29, 2023 ~ Songwriter, singer Barrett Strong passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ The first artist to score a hit for Motown, namely with Money (That's What I Want) in 1959. Best known as a songwriter, usually partnering up with Norman Whitfield. Well known songs co-written by Strong include I Heard It Through The Grapevine (the Miracles, Marvin Gaye), You Don't Love Me No More (Gladys Knight), That's The Way Love Is (the Isley Brothers), Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On (Edwin Starr), Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) (the Temptations), and Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (the Undisputed Truth) ~ Strong was born in 1941
January 29, 2023 ~ Classical pianist Gabriel Tacchino passed away ~ Worked with renowned orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra ~ Tacchino was born in 1934
January 29, 2021 ~ Electric blues, Texas blues, jazz blues tenor saxophonist Grady Gaines passed away ~ Brother of guitarist, singer Roy Gaines. Perhaps best known for working with Little Richard in the 1950s including on Keep A Knockin' (But You Can't Come In) and Ooh My Soul. Has also backed Dee Clark, Little Willie John, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Joe Tex. Recorded a handful of solo albums starting with Full Gain released in 1988 ~ Gaines was born in 1934
January 29, 2021 ~ Rock, blues rock, folk rock, skiffle guitarist Hilton Valentine, full name Hilton Stewart Paterson Valentine, passed away ~ Original guitarist of the Animals, noted for his electric guitar intro on the band's 1964 signature song The House Of The Rising Sun. After the band disbanded in 1966 Valentine has recorded solo albums, joined in several Animals reunions and collaborated with former bandmates ~ Valentine was born in 1943
January 29, 2021 ~ Pianist, conductor, orchestrator, arranger, composer Jeremy Lubbock, full name Jeremy Michael Lubbock, passed away in Oxfordshire, UK ~ Active since the 1950s, initially as a jazz singer and pianist with a style modeled after Nat King Cole. In-demand collaborator from the mid-1970s, notably present on albums such as Joni Mitchell's Mingus and Minnie Riperton's Minnie. Would go on to work with David Foster (The Best Of Me), Quincy Jones, Chicago (Hard Habit To Break), Céline Dion, and others ~ Lubbock was born in 1931
January 29, 2019 ~ Singer James Ingram passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits I Don't Have The Heart and Baby Come To Me, the latter a duet with Patti Austin. Also known for duetting with Linda Ronstadt on Somewhere Out There, with Melissa Manchester on Brightest Star, and with Dolly Parton on The Day I Fall In Love. In-demand collaborator and backing singer, present on albums by Donna Summer, Ray Charles, Anita Baker, Viktor Lazlo, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, and Quincy Jones ~ Ingram was born in 1952
January 29, 2019 ~ Sanford Mead Sylvan, commonly known as baritone singer Sanford Sylvan, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Studied under Phyllis Curtin. Performed with leading conductors, opera companies and orchestras including the Houston Grand Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and with the Concertgebouw Orchestra ~ Sylvan was born in 1953
January 29, 2018 ~ Saxophonist Eddie Shaw passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his association with Howlin' Wolf, leading Wolf's backing unit the Wolf Gang from 1972 onwards. Wrote or co-wrote half the songs on Wolf's 1973 album Back Door Wolf. In his teens worked with Little Milton, Willie Love and an ocassional jam session with Ike Turner at age 14. Joined Muddy Waters backing unit at age 20. Also worked with Hound Dog Taylor, Freddie King, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, and others. Released nine albums as a solo artist, starting with 1982's Moving & Grooving through 2012's Still Riding High ~ Shaw was born in 1937
January 29, 2017 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Penny Nichols passed away ~ Formed the duo the Greasy Mountain Butterballs with Kathy Smith, the duo toured Vietnam in 1966. Debuted as a solo artist with the Penny's Arcade album in 1967. Also worked with John McEuen, sang backup with Jimmy Buffett's the Coral Reefer Band, and was a member of jazzy outfit Black Imp. Married to actor, musician Harry Shearer from 1974 to 1977 ~ Nichols was born in 1947
January 29, 2015 ~ Beat, pop, new wave, electronic, synth-pop singer, keyboardist Maurizio Arcieri passed away in Varese, Italy ~ Member of 1960s beat band the New Dada, known for opening for the Beatles at their Milan concert. Has recorded a number of solo albums throughout the 1970s. Formed the duo Chrisma with wife husband Christina Moser, perhaps best known for collaborating with producer Nico Papathanassiou and Vangelis on the singles U and Amore as well as on their 1978 Chinese Restaurant album ~ Arcieri was born in 1942
January 29, 2015 ~ Singer, poet, songwriter, actor Rod McKuen, full name Rodney Marvin McKuen, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ One of the best-selling poets of the late 1960s. Wrote or co-wrote over 1,500 songs, recorded by a wide array of artists including Robert Goulet, Barbra Streisand, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, the Kingston Trio, Nana Mouskouri, Dusty Springfield, Al Hirt, Frank Sinatra, and others. Renowned film composer, including earning Academy Award-nominations for The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie and A Boy Named Charlie Brown. Known for songs such as Love's Been Good To Me, The World I Used To Know, I've Been To Town, Kaleidoscope, Merci Beaucoup, Doesn't Anybody Know My Name and Soldiers Who Want To Be Heroes ~ McKuen was born in 1933
January 29, 2010 ~ Contemporary Christian pianist, singer, conductor Tom Howard passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting in the late 1970s. Also closely associated with Thomas Kinkade. Has collaborated with the likes of Larry Norman, the Salvation Air Force, Dennis Litchfield, Mark Heard, Randy Stonehill, Darrell Mansfield, Wendell Burton, Phil Keaggy, Sixpence None The Richer, Cindy Morgan, Bob Carlisle, Dolly Parton, Allison Moorer, and others ~ Howard was born in 1950
January 29, 2009 ~ Bennie Ross Crawford Jr, commonly known as saxophonist, arranger, songwriter Hank Crawford, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the CTI All-Stars. Served as saxophonist and musical director for Ray Charles, including on the pivotal albums What'd I Say (1959) and Modern Sounds In Country & Western Music (1962), before embarking on a solo career. As a solo artist known for 1960s songs as Misty, The Peeper, Whispering Grass, and Shake A Plenty, and for working as arranger for artists such as Etta James, Lou Rawls, and Dr John. Has also guested on albums by Eric Clapton, Grant Green, BB King, Johnny Hammond Smith, Shirley Scott, and others ~ Crawford was born in 1934
January 29, 2009 ~ Iain David McGeachy, commonly known as guitarist, songwriter John Martyn passed away in Thomastown, Ireland ~ Important in development of British folk. Drew from rock and jazz. Acclaimed for albums such as 1973's Solid Air and 1977's One World. Collaborated with artists as diverse as drummer Phil Collins, jazz bassist Danny Thompson, and reggae producer Lee Scratch Perry. ~ Martyn was born in 1948
January 29, 2004 ~ Barbara Augustine Nederhorst commonly known as actress, singer Guusje Nederhorst, passed away in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known as actress. As a singer known for Ademnood, released under the moniker Linda Roos & Jessica with her Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden co-stars Babette van Veen and Katja Schuurman. The 1995 single was intended as a gimmick but would reach No.1 on the Dutch charts, featured backing vocals by Trijntje Oosterhuis and was produced by Fluitsma & Van Tijn. Nederhorst was married to singer Dinand Woesthoff from 2003 until her death the following year, the couple have one son ~ Nederhorst was born in 1969
January 29, 2004 ~ Bassist, percussionist Malachi Favors passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Protégé of Wilbur Ware. Especially acclaimed for the 1975 Sightsong album collaborating with Muhal Richard Abrams and his 1978 Natural & Spiritual solo album. Backed Paul Bascomb, Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard early on in his career. Best known as a member of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago. Co-founded the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Has also worked with Sunny Murray, Archie Shepp, Dewey Redman, Charles Brackeen, Andrew Hill, Wadada Leo Smith, and others ~ Favors was born in 1927
January 29, 2004 ~ Eulis Richardson, commonly known as R&B drummer, percussionist, arranger Soko Richardson, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Most noted for his associations with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, especially remembered for arrangements on Proud Mary. Has also worked with Ike Turner's the Kings Of Rhythm, Pee Wee Crayton, Bobby Womack, Terry Reid, Albert Collins, and others ~ Richardson was born in 1939
January 29, 1992 ~ Producer, songwriter, singer, bassist Willie Dixon passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Perhaps the most influential musician in post-war Chicago blues. Chess Records stalwarth, producer, songwriter, mentor to many, revered sideman, bassist. Wrote or co-wrote classic blues songs such as Hoochie Coochie Man, Little Red Rooster, My Babe, and You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover. Worked with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and others. Many of his songs were covered by late-1960s rockers such as the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Cream, the Doors, and by Led Zeppelin ~ Dixon was born in 1915
January 29, 1986 ~ Jazz guitarist Everett Barksdale passed away in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Worked with Erskine Tate, Eddie South, Benny Carter, Sidney Bechet, Dean Barlow, Maxine Sullivan, the Blenders, Clover, Mickey & Sylvia, the Ink Spots, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis Jr, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Art Tatum, Milt Hinton, Buddy Tate, Clark Terry, Louis Armstrong, the Drifters (including on Under The Boardwalk and Saturday Night At The Movies), with Ben E King, and with others ~ Barksdale was born in 1910
January 29, 1986 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Michael Paynter born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Contestant on the 2013 edition of talent contest The Voice Australia. Released a sole solo album, Weary Stars, in 2014 which also included his highest charting single Love The Fall. Touring member of Icehouse. Has also worked with Reece Mastin, Marcus Santoro, Rachel Costanzo, and others
January 29, 1985 ~ Donald MacRae Wilhoite Jr, commonly known as vaudevillian, songwriter Don Raye, passed away in Encino, California, USA ~ Best known for penning or co-penning a number of the Andrews Sisters' songs including Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, The House Of Blue Lights, Just For A Thrill and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Other artists who recorded his songs include Will Bradley, Louis Jordan, Jimmie Lunceford, Bing Crosby, Woody Herman, Freddie Slack, Sarah Vaughan, Gene Krupa, and others ~ Raye was born in 1909
January 29, 1985 ~ Rory Charles Graham, commonly known as new blues, blues-rock, R&B, hip-hop, indie pop singer, songwriter Rag'n'bone Man, born in Uckfield, UK ~ Started rapping as a teen in the rap group Rum Committee, opening for artists such as Pharoahe Monch and KRS One. Released his acclaimed Human solo debut album in 2017, its lead single and title track having reached top of the charts across Europe the previous year
January 29, 1983 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Eric Paslay, full name Eric Thomas Paslay, born in Abilene, Texas, USA ~ Released his eponymous Eric Paslay album in 2014, spawning the hits Friday Night, Song About A Girl and She Don't Love You all of which reached top 20 Billboard Country. Best known as a songwriter, penning or co-penning songs for Sheryl Crow, Jake Owen (Barefoot Blue Jean Night), Will Hoge, the Eli Young Band (Even If It Breaks Your Heart), Love & Theft (Angel Eyes), Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts
January 29, 1983 ~ Singer Jessica Andrews, full name Jessica Danielle Andrews, born in Huntingdon, Tennessee, USA ~ First gained attention at age 15 with I Will Be There For You, the lead single of her 1999 Heart Shaped World debut album. It would reach top 30 Billboard Country as would two of its followups, You Go First (Do You Wanna Kiss) and Unbreakable. Best known for her 2001 single Who I Am, a Billboard Country charttoppper that also crossed over on to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
January 29, 1982 ~ Singer Adam Lambert, full name Adam MItchel Lambert, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Rose to fame after finishing as runner-up on the 8th season of talent show American Idol in 2009. Released his debut album, For Your Entertainment, later the same year. Best known for songs such as Whataya Want From Me, If I Had You and Ghost Town. Has collaborated with Nile Rodgers, Steve Aoki, Glee Cast, and Avicii
January 29, 1981 ~ Alejandro Martinez de Ubago Rodriguez, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Alex Ubago, born in Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain ~ Praised as balladeer with a heartfelt, warm voice. Debuted in 2001 with the album Que Pides Tu, which would top the Spanish album charts and be certified Platinum several times over, and has recorded to a growing fanbase and commercial success since. Best known for Sin Miedo A Nada featuring Amaia Montero
January 29, 1981 ~ Blues, blues-rock, soul blues, gospel guitarist, singer, songwriter Jonny Lang, full name Jon Gordon Langseth Jr, born in Fargo, North Dakota, USA ~ One of the most enduring artists to emerge from the 1990s trend of young blues, blues-rock guitarists. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder. Debuted in 1995 at age 14 with the Smokin' album. Appears in the 2000 sequel Blues Brothers 2000. Collaborated with Buddy Guy, Shannon Curfman, Willie Nelson, Double Trouble, Herbie Hancock, Lee Ritenour, and others
January 29, 1980 ~ New wave, pop rock outfit Blondie release Call Me, the theme song to the American Gigolo film ~ Film composer Giorgio Moroder first approached Stevie Nicks for what was to become the main theme to American Gigolo, yet she declined. Moroder then turned to Blondie, who accepted. Lead singer Debbie Harry added lyrics to Moroder's instrumental, and the single would be a global hit, reaching top 10 in numerous countries, including the No.1 spot in Canada, the UK, and America, where it held the Billboard Hot 100 top spot for six consecutive weeks. The song would also be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, but lose out to Fame, the main theme for the movie of the same name sung by Irene Cara
January 29, 1980 ~ Alternative rock drummer Fergal Matthews born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Co-founded JJ72 with singer Mark Greaney. The band cite Nirvana, Mudhoney and Joy Division as main influences and is acclaimed for for their eponymous 2000 JJ72 debut album. Well known songs include October Swimmer, Long Way South and Oxygen
January 29, 1979 ~ Percival Payne, commonly known as jazz drummer Sonny Payne, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of Wild Bill Davis-drummer Chris Columbus. Closely associated with Harry James and Count Basie, remaining with the latter's the Count Basie Orchestra for about a decade starting in 1954. Has also worked with Paul Bascomb, Hot Lips Page, Earl Bostic, Tiny Grimes, Lucille Dixon, Erskine Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Al Grey, Joe Newman, and others ~ Payne was born in 1926
January 29, 1976 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, percussionist, singer Jesse Fuller passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Worked in a variety of day jobs prior to first recording in the late 1950s. As a busker developed himself as a one-man band including playing the harmonica mounted on a neck brace. Influenced artists such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, the Grateful Dead, Hot Tuna, Janis Joplin, Richie Havens, and others. Best known for San Francisco Bay Blues ~ Fuller was born in 1896
January 29, 1974 ~ Daniel Salte, commonly known as heavy metal, punk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Vrangsinn, born in Stavanger, Norway ~ Best known as bassist of Carpathian Forest from 1999 through 2014, rejoining in 2019. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Nattefrost, A Waste Of Talent, Eirik Skrangle, Tsjuder, SECHT, Hatepulse, Neetzach, the No No No's, Krypt, the Small Penis Syndromes, World Destroyer, and others
January 29, 1969 ~ Death metal guitarist Rob Barrett born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Cites Gary Moore, Malcolm Young, Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Tony Iommi and Steve Vai as influences. Best known as rhythm guitarist of death metal outfit Cannibal Corpse. Has also worked with Malevolent Creation, Hateplow, Hollenthon, Infernäl Mäjesty, Deicide, and others
January 29, 1967 ~ Post-bop jazz pianist Marc Cary born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with host of jazz, pop, R&B artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, Art Taylor, Abbey Lincoln, Carlos Garnett, Erykah Badu, Meshell Ndegeocello, Stefon Harris, Lauryn Hill, Ani DiFranco, Jackie McLean, Q-Tip, Carmen McRae. Has been recording as a leader since the mid-1990s, employing sidemen such as Roy Hargrove, Ron Blake, Terell Stafford, and others
January 29, 1964 ~ R&B girl group Martha & the Vandellas record In My Lonely Room at Hitsville USA, Detroit, Michigan ~ Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland Jr, with Brian and Lamont also serving as producers. Backed by several of the in-house session crew the Funk Brothers including bassist James Jamerson and pianist Earl Van Dyke. Released the following March as a single, featuring A Tear For The Girl on the flip side
January 29, 1964 ~ Indie pop, new wave, post-punk singer, guitarist, songwriter Roddy Frame born in East Kilbride, UK ~ Founding member, frontman of Aztec Camera, known for songs such as Oblivious, How Men Are, Good Morning Britain and their best-known Somewhere In My Heart, the latter reaching the UK top 10 in 1988
January 29, 1962 ~ Gonzalo Quintana III, commonly known as rock, punk drummer Charlie Quintana, born in El Paso, Texas, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Plugz. Drummer for punk rockers Social Distortion from 2000 through 2009. Appears on Mike Ness's 1999 Under The Influences album. Has also worked with the Cruzados, the Havalinas, Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds, Jimmy & the Mustangs, Joan Osborne, Cracker, Bob Dylan, Mark Curry, Agent Orange, the Circle Jerks, and others ~ Quintana passed away in 2018
January 29, 1961 ~ Progressive metal, glam metal, heavy metal bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer Eddie Jackson born in Robstown, Texas, USA ~ Member of Cross & Fire who later changed their name to the Mob and later still to Queensryche. The band are considered one of the leaders of progressive metal, along with Dream Theater and Fates Warning, and have released well over a dozen albums sine the early 1980s selling over 20 million copies. They are most acclaimed for their 1988 Operation Mindcrime, a landmark album of the genre and acclaimed as one of the all-time greatest metal concept albums. The power ballad Silent Lucidity of their 1991 Empire album would reach top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100
January 29, 1961 ~ Gospel singer Edward Jackson passed away ~ Tenor singer of gospel group the Charioteers, a band named after the traditional gospel song Swing Low Sweet Chariot which was a favorite in the band's repertoire. The group is perhaps best known for participating in the 1941 Broadway hit musical Hellzapoppin' and for serving as the studio chorus on Bing Crosby's radio show Kraft Music Hall from 1942 through 1946 ~ Jackson was born ca.1920
January 29, 1961 ~ Singer Pauline Henry born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Lead vocalist of the Chimes from 1988 through 1991, best known for their 1990 U2-cover I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. Released two mid-1990s albums as a solo artist and best known for her 1993 single Feel Like Making Love, which reached top 20 in Australia, New Zealand and the singer's native UK
January 29, 1960 ~ Industrial, post-punk, trip-hop singer, producer, songwriter JG Thirlwell, full name James George Thirlwell, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Renowned solo artist and in-demand collaborator. Co-wrote Wings Of Flies of Nick Cave's From Her To Eternity, Cave's first album with the Bad Seeds. Has also worked with Nurse With Wound, Marc Almond, The The, Pigface, Roli Mosliman, Electronicat, Lydia Lunch, David Rees, John Hodgman, and others
January 29, 1958 ~ Singer, guitarist Bo Diddley records Say Man in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Written by Diddley. Released as a single the following year, b/w The Clock Strikes Twelve, it would become Diddley biggest pop hit peaking at No.20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Named by some critics as “the first rap song” for its back and forth spoken pattern of put-downs between Diddley and maracas player Jerome Green arising from a spontaneous jam session. Diddley would later comment that “a lot of things (they) did in the studio was just goofing around. They played it back and it shocked all of us.”
January 29, 1956 ~ Amy Paulette Stewart, commonly known as disco, soul singer Amii Stewart, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Stepsister to singer, actress Miquel Brown. Best known for the disco cover Knock On Wood, a global hit in 1979, originally a hit for Eddie Floyd in 1966. Stewart would follow up with other disco covers, notably Light My Fire/137 Disco Heaven (Medley) but failed to repeat the success of Knock On Wood. Stewart continued to record and score some hits, mostly in the UK and Italy, with songs such as Friends in 1984, the Mike Francis duet Together in 1985 and It's Fantasy in 1988
January 29, 1955 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Liam Reilly born in Dundalk, Ireland ~ Best known as lead singer of rockers Bagatelle, enjoying popularity in their native Ireland with songs such as Leeson Street Lady, Summer In Dublin and Second Violin, the latter an unexpected hit in Uruguay. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his Savannah Souvenirs debut album in 1989 ~ Reilly passed away in 2021
January 29, 1954 ~ Richard Blum, commonly known as Handsome Dick Manitoba, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of punk rock outfit the Dictators, known for their 1975 the Dictators Go Cirl Crazy debut album. The album would sell poorly but would later be regarded by some as the starting point of American proto-punk. Has also worked as a radio host, sang with a reformed MC5 from 2005 until the band's disbandement in 2012, and released his solo debut album Born In The Bronx in 2019
January 29, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Charlie Wilson born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as member of R&B, funk band the Gap Band, known for hits such as Oops Upside Your Head, Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me), Yearning For Your Love, Early In The Morning, You Dropped A Bomb On Me and Outstanding. As a solo artist Wilson debuted in 1992 with the album You Turn My Life Around. Has since regularly reached the top of the R&B charts with songs such as Without You, Supa Sexy featuring T-Pain & Jamie Foxx, You Are, Life Of The Party, I'm Blessed featuring TI, Forever Valentine, The One I Got and All Of My Love featuring Smokey Robinson
January 29, 1953 ~ Keyboardist Peter Baumann born in Berlin, Germany ~ Best known as key member of Tangerine Dream's mid-1970s line-up along with Edgar Froese and Christopher Franke, remaining with the band from 1971 through 1977 and present on some of the band's best-selling albums, Phaedra and Rubycon, both of which reached the British top 20. Has been recording as a solo artist since, starting with the Romance '76 album released in 1976
January 29, 1949 ~ Erdélyi Tamás, commonly known as drummer, producer Tommy Ramone, born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Initially drafted as the Ramones manager but also took on the role of drummer when Joey Ramone found out he couldn't drum fast enough. Tamás produced and drummed on the band's first three albums, The Ramones, Leave Home and Rocket To Russia, as well as on the live album It's Alive. Tamás also formed the bluegrass folk duo Uncle Monk with Claudia Tienan ~ Tamás passed away in 2014
January 29, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Kirchen, full name William Knight Kirchen, born in Bridgeport ~ Considered a pioneer of the twangcore movement alongside artists such as Dave Alvin, Wilco, Big Sandy & the Fly-rite Boys. Member of Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen. Formed swing orchestra the Moonlighters. Collaborated extensively with artists such as Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Gene Vincent and Link Wray. Also known for a string of acclaimed 1990s solo albums such as A Tombstone Every Mile and Hot Rod Lincoln Live
January 29, 1948 ~ Florain Corella Flanagan, commonly known as soul, pop singer Felice Taylor, born in Richmond, California, USA ~ Member of the Sweets alongside sisters Norma Flanagan and Darlene Flanagan, known for The Richest Girl and Satisfy Me Baby. As a solo artist teamed with songwriter, producer team of Barry White and Paul Politi resulting in the late 1960s releases It May Be Winter Outside (But In My Heart It's Spring), I'm Under The Influence Of Love and I Feel Love Comin' On. White would later record new versions of all three songs with his protegées Love Unlimited ~ Flanagan passed away in 2017
January 29, 1947 ~ David Garrick, commonly known as hard rock, progressive rock, art rock singer, songwriter David Byron, born in Epping, UK ~ Known for his operatic voice and flamboyant stage presence. Best known as lead singer of Uriah Heep from 1969 through 1976, present on key albums such as Demons & Wizards, Uriah Heep Live and Sweet Freedom. Released his Take No Prisoners solo debut album in 1975, featuring Heep-bandmates Mick Box, Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake. Formed the shortly-lived Rough Diamond with Clem Clempson and Geoff Britton, known for their eponymous 1977 Rough Diamond album. ~ Garrick passed away in 1985
January 29, 1947 ~ Organist, composer Marián Varga born in Skalica, Czechoslovakia ~ Member of Prudy, present on the quintessential 1969 Zvonte Zvonky album. Co-founded art-rock band Collegium Musicum, known for reinterpretations of classic themes by composers such as Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky. Also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Pavol Hammel, Vladimír Merta, and others ~ Varga passed away in 2017
January 29, 1946 ~ Betty Jo Haskins, commonly known as soul singer Bettye LaVette born in Muskegon, Michigan, USA ~ Active since the early 1960s and long overlooked. Released her 1962 debut single, My Man He's A Lovin' Man, at age 16. Also known for songs such as Let Me Down Easy, He Made A Woman Out Of Me, Right In The Middle Of Falling In Love and I Can't Stop
January 29, 1943 ~ Hector José Regalado, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader, songwriter Rudy Regalado, born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Key member of El Chicano, joining the band in 1971 and present on some of the band's best-known including the singles Brown Eyed Girl and Tell Her She's Lovely. Fronted his own Chévere, known for the 1990s albums Mollendo Cafe and La Gloria. Toured with Aretha Franklin. Appeared on recordings by Quincy Jones, Joe Zawinul, Alphonse Mouzon, Alex Acuña, and others ~ Regalado passed away in 2010
January 29, 1941 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Bobby King, full name Robert L King, born in Jefferson County, Arkansas, USA ~ In-demand session musician. Worked with Hank Ballard, Bobby Blue Bland, Lee Shot Williams, Eddy Clearwater, Freddie King, Lonnie Johnson, the Aces, Sonny Thompson, annd others. As a solo artist best known for his 1962 single Thanks Mr Postman, an answer song to Please Mr Postman, and for his solo solo album Chaser released in 1975 ~ King passed away in 1983
January 29, 1937 ~ Pianist, vibraphonist, songwriter, producer Bobby Scott, full name Robert William Scott, born in Mount Pleasant, New York, USA ~ Bandleader for Verve, ABC-Paramount, Bethlehem and Musicmasters. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing A Taste Of Honey, first recorded by Billy Dee Williams, and for co-writing He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother, first recorded by Kelly Gordon. Both songs would become classics covered by numerous artists ~ Scott passed away in 1990
January 29, 1937 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Jeff Clyne, full name Jeffrey Ovid Clyne, born in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Jazz Couriers in the late 1950s alongside Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. Noted for being among the musicians performing on the opening night of famed London jazz club Ronnie Scott's. Backed Stan Tracey on the pivotal Jazz Suite Inspired By Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood album. Has also worked with Blossom Dearie, Ian Carr, Gordon Beck, Dudley Moore, Zoot Sims, Norma Winstone, John Burch, Marion Montgomery, Nucleus, Isotope, Gilgamesh, Amalgam, Turning Point, Trevor Tomkins, and others ~ Clyne passed away in 2009
January 29, 1936 ~ Bassist James Jamerson born in Edisto, South Carolina, USA ~ Considered one of the most influential bassists in modern music history. Influenced by Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Percy Heath. Played with Washboard Willie and toured with Jackie Wilson prior to starting at Motown where Jamerson, as a member of house band the Funk Brothers, would appear on an estimated just-about-every Motown recording from 1963 through 1968 including You Can't Hurry Love (the Supremes), My Girl (the Temptations), Shotgun (Junior Walker & the All-Stars), For Once In My Life and I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder), Going To A Go-Go (the Miracles), Dancing In the Street (Martha & the Vandellas), What's Going On (Marvin Gaye), and Bernadette and Reach Out I'll Be There (the Four Tops) ~ Jamerson passed away in 1983
January 29, 1933 ~ Alexandre Distel, commonly known as singer, guitarist, actor Sacha Distel, born in Paris, France ~ Known for one British hit, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. Mostly known for French versions of English-language songs such as Chanson Bleue and Je T'Appelle Pour Dire Que Je T'Aime, covers of respectively Neil Diamond's Song Sung Blue and Stevie Wonder's I Just Called To Say I Love You. Distel also recorded in German, Spanish and Italian. As a songwriter perhaps best known for La Belle Vie which she co-wrote and recorded in 1962, to English audiences best known as The Good Life as covered by Tony Bennett and subsequently by numerous others ~ Distel passed away in 2004
January 29, 1931 ~ Composer, lyricist Leslie Bricusse born in Pinner, UK ~ Film and musical composer best known for co-writing the James Bond-themes Goldfinger sung by Shirley Bassey and You Only Love Twice sung by Nancy Sinatra. Frequent collaborator of composers such as Anthony Newley, Cyril Ornade, Henry Mancini, and others. Has worked on numerous musicals and soundtracks, many songs notably covered by a host of pop and jazz artists including Sammy Davis Jr (Candy Man), Nina Simone (Feelin' Good), Matt Monro (My Kind Of Girl), the Turtles (A Guide For The Married Man), Maureen McGovern (Can You Read My Mind), Diana Krall (When I Look In Your Eyes), and others ~ Bricusse passed away in 2021
January 29, 1930 ~ Avant-garde jazz guitarist Derek Bailey born in Sheffield, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Important figure in free improvisation, expanding the guitar experimenting with atonality and noise. Active since the early 1950s. Formed the the Joseph Holbrooke Trio with Tony Oxley and Gavin Bryars. Perhaps best known for co-founding the Spontaneous Music Ensemble. Has also worked with the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, Company, Arcana, Han Bennink, Anthony Braxton, Jamie Muir, John Zorn, Louis Moholo, Noël Akchoté, Trevor Watts, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Fred Frith, Iskra, Kenny Wheeler, Thurston Moore, David Sylvian, and others ~ Bailey passed away in 2005
January 29, 1926 ~ Jazz guitarist, double bassist Franco Cerri born in Milan, Italy ~ Considered one of the most important European jazz musicians. Cites Django Reinhardt, Barney Kessel, and René Thomas as influences. Has worked with Chet Baker, Buddy Collette, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Griffin, Stéphane Grappelli, Lars Gullin, Billie Holiday, Lee Konitz, Gerry Mulligan, Lou Bennett, Bud Shank, Tony Scott, Phil Woods, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Roberto Vecchioni, Nicola Arigliano, Bunny Foy, Tullio de Piscope, Pino Presti, Gianluigi Trovesi, Flavio Ambrosetti, and Jean-Luc Ponty ~ Cerri passed away in 2021
January 29, 1924 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Enrico Simonetti born in Alassio, Italy ~ Father of keyboardist, film composer Claudio Simonetti. Active since the early 1950s, playing jazz clubs in his native Italy with Piero Piccioni and Bruno Martino. Emigrated to Brazil in 1953, finding employ as a musician and TV presenter for the popular The Simonetti Show. Returned to Italy by the mid-1960s, where he joined RAI network working as a TV and radio host. Simonetti has also composed over half a dozen soundtracks, including for Macumba Love, Special Killers, Il Magnate and Per Amore Di Cesarina ~ Simonetti passed away in 1978
January 29, 1924 ~ Avant-garde classical composer Luigi Nono born in Venice, Italy ~ Member of the Italian Resistance during World War II, his anti-fascist political orientation would regularly also be reflected in his music. Became one of the leading composers of New Music during the 1950s, alongside contemporaries such as Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Known for compositions such as La Victoire De Guernica, Il Canto Sospeso, Diario Polacco Composizione No.2, and Intolleranze 1960 ~ Nono passed away in 1990
January 29, 1923 ~ Blues, electric blues guitarist, singer Eddie Taylor born in Benoit, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his work with Jimmy Reed, providing the groove for most of the singer's recordings during the 1950s and early 1960s. Taylor also recorded a number of solo singles during the 1950s, notably Bad Boy, Ride 'Em On Down, and Big Town Playboy, though warmly received he never became a household name. Taylor has also guested on albums by Kenny Graham, John Lee Hooker (I'm John Lee Hooker), Curtis Jones, Homesick James, Carey Bell (Carey Bell's Blues Harp), John Littlejohn, Big Walter Horton, and Elmore James ~ Taylor passed away in 1985
January 29, 1920 ~ Bandleader, producer, label executive Paul Gayten, full name Paul Leon Hayten, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Recorded several late-1940s New Orleans R&B hits such as True You Don't Love Me, Since I Fell For You, and I'll Never Be Free. Gayten also wrote For You My Love, a hit for Larry Darnell. Discovered Clarence Frogman Henry and produced his first hit Ain't Got No Home. Backed Chubby Newsom on Hip Shaking Mama. Played piano on Chuck Berry's Carol. Gayten also worked with Annie Laurie, Hank Mobley, Jimmy Scott, and others ~ Gayten passed away in 1991
January 29, 1912 ~ Jazz guitarist, bass guitarist Ulysses Livingston born in Bristol, Tennessee, USA ~ Roadie for Horace Henderson. Would go on to work as a musician with artists such as Lil' Armstrong, Frankie Newton, Sammy Price, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Cee Pee Johnson, Spirits Of Rhythm, his own band the Four Blazes, and others ~ Livingston passed away in 1988
January 29, 1862 ~ Classical composer Frederick Delius, full name Frederick Theodore Albert Delius, born in Bradford, UK ~ Influenced by European composers such as Edvard Grieg and Richard Wagner as well as African-American music encountered during a stay in Florida as manager of an orange plantation. Enjoyed popularity in Germany from the 1890s and in his native England from the 1900s onwards. Best known for his cantata Mass Of Life based on the Friedrich Nietzsche-novel Thus Spoke Zarathustra and the opera A Village Romeo And Juliet ~ Delius passed away in 1934