January 3, 2023 ~ Post-punk, synth-pop, new wave keyboardist, guitarist Alan Rankine passed away ~ Member of cabaret band Caspian, which would evolve into post-punk, new romantic outfit the Associates. The band would be best best known for their 1980 The Affectionate Punch album and their critically acclaimed Sulk masterpiece released in 1982. Following his departure from the band on the eve of the Sulk tour Rankine would establish himself as a producer for the likes of Paul Haig, the Cocteau Twins, and the Pale Fountains. Has also recorded as a solo artist in the late-1980s ~ Rankine was born in 1958
January 3, 2023 ~ Joseph Koo Kar-fai, commonly known as composer, songwriter Joseph Koo, passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ One of the most respected composers to come out of Hong Kong. Helped define Cantopop. Music director for the TV network TVB for about two decades starting in the early-1970s until migrating to Canada. Has written well over 1,000 songs, film and TV themes, notably the theme songs for series such as The Legend Of The Condor Heroes and Five Easy Pieces and the soundtrack to the 1986 film A Better Tomorrow ~ Koo was born in 1931
January 3, 2021 ~ Gerard Marsden, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Gerry Marsden passed away in Liverpool, UK ~ Lead singer, frontman of Merseybeat outfit Gerry & the Pacemakers, alongside Les Chadwick, Arthur McMahon and his brother Freddie Marsden, known for a string of 1960s UK hits such as How Do You Do It, I Like It, You'll Never Walk Alone, I'm The One, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying and Ferry Cross The Mersey ~ Marsden was born in 1942
January 3, 2021 ~ Classical violist Tasso Adamopoulos passed away in Paris, France ~ Became violist soloist at the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra at age 19. Has also worked with the Gulbenkian Orchestra, the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, the Orchestre National de France, the Sartory Trio, and others ~ Adamopoulos was born ca.1944
January 3, 2019 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter,producer Steve Ripley passed away in Pawnee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Active since the mid-1970s. Best known as co-founding member and frontman of mid-1990s country outfit the Tractors. Has also worked as a producer, recording engineer and studio musician with artists such as Bob Dylan (Shot Of Love), JJ Cale (Shades, 8, Roll On), Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Roy Clark. Founded Ripley Guitars in 1982, building guitars for Steve Lukather, Ry Cooder, Jimmy Buffett, and Eddie Van Halen ~ Ripley was born in 1950
January 3, 2018 ~ Colin James Brumby, commonly known as composer, conductor Colin Brumby passed away in Brisbane, Australia ~ Closely associated with the Queensland Opera Company, serving as its musical director from 1968 through 1971 and touring with the company performing a number of children's operettas penned by Brumby, including The Wise Shoemaker and The Prince Who Couldn't Laugh. Also remembered for penning ballets, sonates, orchestral, choral and chamber works, notably Fibonacci Variations and A Ballade For St Cecilia ~ Brumby was born in 1933
January 3, 2018 ~ Composer, viola player Miroslav Miletić passed away ~ Founder of the Pro Arte Zagreb Quartet, who performed at over 2000 concerts. As a composer known for his devotion to Croatian folklore and his vast oeuvre, notable for works such as Concerto Fo Viola And Orchestre, Diptych For Cello And Piano and Suite In Modo Antico For Flute And Piano ~ Miletić was born in 1925
January 3, 2017 ~ Mike Gaborno, commonly known as punk rock singer El Jefe born in Washington DC, USA ~ Member of the Cadillac Tramps. Co-founding member of Chicano punk rock supergroup Manic Hispanic, best known for their 1995 The Menudo Incident debut album containing covers of punk classics from the Buzzcocks, the Damned, Black Flag and the Clash with the lyrics humorously rewritten to reflect the band's Chicano identity. The album also included Before The Next Teardrop Falls, a notable cover of the classic Freddy Fender country hit ~ Gaborno was born ca.1966
January 3, 2016 ~ Pianist Paul Bley passed away in Stuart, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Charlie Parker, Al Levitt, Peter Ind, Ben Webster, Art Blakey, Hal Gaylor, Lenny McBrowne, Don Cherry, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins, Jimmy Giuffre 3, Steve Swallow, Sonny Rollins, his wife Carla Bley, Bill Dixon, Roswell Rudd, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Michael Mantler, Sun Ra, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Bruce Ditmas, Lee Konitz, Dave Holland, Marion Brown, Gunter Hampel, Lester Bowie, Steve Lacy, Ran Blake, Perry Robinson, Naná Vasconcelos, John Gilmore, Chet Baker, Satoko Fujii, Yitzhak Yedid, and others ~ Bley was born in 1932
January 3, 2015 ~ Jazz trumpeter, conductor, arranger Ivan Jullien passed away ~ To pop audiences perhaps best known for his association with Elton John, appearing on the early-1970s albums Honky Château and Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player. Jullien has also played with Claude Bolling and Jacques Denjean early on in his career, led the mid-1960s ensemble the Paris Jazz All-Stars, and guested on albums by Jef Gilson, Eddy Mitchell, Didier Lockwood, Charles Aznavour, Claude Nougaro, and Raymond Fol ~ Jullien was born in 1934
January 3, 2014 ~ Singer Phil Everly, full name Philip Jason Everly, passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Formed the sibling duo the Everly Brothers with his brother Phil Everly. Though following in the tradition of other sibling duos, such as the Delmore Brothers, the Everly's would become one of the best known sibling duos, drawing from rock & roll, country, and pop, and influential on country-rock. They duo scored about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits starting in the late-1950s, including the charttoppers Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have To Do Is Dream, and Cathy's Clown ~ Everly was born in 1939
January 3, 2012 ~ Guitarist, singer Bob Weston, full name Robert Joseph Weston, passed away in London, UK ~ Member of Fleetwood Mac in the early-1970s, present on the albums The Penguin and Mystery To Me. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of the Kinetic, Ashkan, Chimera, Graham Bond, Ashman Reynolds, Long John Baldry, Dana Gillespie, Sandy Denny, Adrian Wagner, Mark Ashton, Danny Kirwan, Robbie Patton, Dick Morrisey, Bob Welch, and Frank Baijens ~ Weston was born in 1947
January 3, 2011 ~ Actress, singer Jill Haworth, full name Valerie Jill Haworth, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular actress for film and TV from the late-1950s forward. To musical audiences perhaps best known for starring in the 1966 Broadway musical Cabaret, portraying the role of Sally Bowles ~ Haworth was born in 1945
January 3, 2005 ~ R&B singer Usher releases Caught Up, lifted off his Confessions album ~ The fifth and final single off of Usher's fourth studio album and though still a solid hit at No.8 Billboard Hot 100 the only one to not reach No.1. In Caught Up a girl has the tables turned on the singer, a new experience for him as he is usually is the one who's in control. The opening lines, “I'm the kind of brother who's been doing it my way, getting my way for years”, are a reference to his 1998 Billboard Hot 100 No.2 hit My Way and its parent album of the same name
January 3, 2004 ~ Reggae singer Barry Brown passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ First gained attention in the 1970s working with producer Bunny Lee. Member of short-lived group the Aliens, alongside Rod Taylor and Johnny Lee. As a solo artist Brown became one of the most popular early artists of the dancehall era, starting with the 1979 single Step It Up Youthman Worked with noted Jamaican producers such as Lee, Linval Thompson, Winston Holness, Sugar Minott, and Coxsone Dodd. Released a staggering eleven albums between 1979 and 1984 ~ Brown was born ca.1962
January 3, 2003 ~ Edmond Bacri, commonly known as songwriter Eddy Marnay, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Reportedly wrote more than 4,000 songs during his lifetime. Artists who have recorded his songs include Edith Piaf, Frida Boccara (Un Jour Un Enfant), and Céline Dion ~ Bacri was born in 1920
January 3, 2002 ~ Juan Garcia Equivel, commonly known as bandleader, pianist, composer Esquivel, passed away in Jiutepec, Mexico ~ Known for instrumental songs merging lounge music and jazz with a touch of Latin music. Sometimes referred to as “the King of Space Age Pop”. Best known for his rendition of Mucha Muchacha, later used in numerous movies including The Big Lebowski and Beavis And Butthead Do America ~ Esquivel was born in 1918
January 3, 2001 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Doye O'Dell, full name Allen Doye O'Dell, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1952 recording Diesel Smoke Dangerous Curves, in retrospect considered a quintessential forerunner of the trucking country subgenre. Has worked with Johnny Bond, Texas Jim Lewis, Roy Lanham, and the Sons Of The Pioneers. Appeared in several Western movies alongside Roy Rogers and Tex Ritter ~ O'Dell was born in 1912
January 3, 2000 ~ Harvey Blackston, commonly known as blues harpist Harmonica Fats, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Cited Sonny Terry as a major influnce. Best known for his early-1960s recordings Tore Up, a cover of a Hank Ballard song, and its follow-up Mama Mama Talk To Your Daughter For Me. Worked with the Houserockers, Johnny Dyer, Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Bobby Darin, Tina Turner, Etta James, and others ~ Blackston was born in 1927
January 3, 1997 ~ Holly Marie Miller, commonly known as Christian pop, R&B singer Hollyn, born in Waverly, Ohio, USA ~ Active since the early 2010. Guested on TobyMac's 2015 This Is Not A Test album, featured on the songs Backseat Driver and Lights Shine Bright. Hollyn released her full-length One-Way Conversations in 2015. Best known for songs such as Alone featuring TRU, Can't Live Without You and In Awe
January 3, 1995 ~ R&B, blues drummer Al Duncan passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Considered a forefather of rhythm & blues. In-demand session drummer. Has worked with Billy The Kid Emerson, Buddy Guy, Dale Hawkins, Red Holloway, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Camille Howard, and Phil Upchurch ~ Duncan was born in 1927
January 3, 1995 ~ Gary Lachlan Mack, commonly known as news anchor Byron MacGregor, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Scored a fluke hit US top 10 with Americans, a spoken version of a Toronto newspaper commentary by Gordon Sinclair set to the tune of America The Beautiful performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Sinclair also recorded a version. MacGregor scored the US hit, peaking at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sinclair's version would top the Canadian single chart ~ MacGregor was born in 1948
January 3, 1995 ~ Cassietta Baker, commonly known as gospel singer, songwriter Cassietta George, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Clara Ward. Best known as a member of Albertina Walker's backing unit the Caravans. Wrote songs such as To Whom Shal I Turn, and I Believe In Thee ~ Baker was born in 1929
January 3, 1989 ~ Jazz, swing, Dixieland pianist Eddie Heywood Jr passed away in Miami Beach, Florida, USA ~ Son of blues, jazz pianist Eddie Heywood Sr. Enjoyed popularity especially during the 1940s and 1950s. Occasionally accompanied Billie Holiday in the early-1940s. Partially paralysed twice, leaving him unable to perform for years on end each time, but made a comeback twice. Co-wrote and first recorded Soft Summer Breeze. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Canadian Sunset, which was first recorded by Hugo Winterhalter in 1956, later recorded by over two hundred artists including Billy Vaughn, Santo & Johnny, Gene Ammons, Wes Montgomery, Illinois Jacquet, Hargus Pig Robbins, and Tommy Emmanuel. Heywood would continue to perform well into the 1980s ~ Heywood was born in 1915
January 3, 1987 ~ Folk singer Alex Campbell passed away ~ Known for futing with Ewan MacColl which resulted into folk lovers divided into two camps, the MacCollites and the Campbellites. MacColl took the purist view that folk singers should only sing songs from their own regional heritage, whereas Campbell had an eclectic repertoire and sang whatever he liked, be it a Scottish, English or American song. Also known for a marriage of convenience to Peggy Seeger in 1958, whom he was infatuated with, to keep the American singer from being deported back to America. Ironically, Seeger would later marry MacColl for love, the singer he futed with, and remain married until MacColl's death in 1989 ~ Campbell was born ca.1931
January 3, 1987 ~ Singer Aretha Franklin becomes the first female to be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ~ Besides Franklin, other artists inducted in the Hall include the Coasters, Eddie Cochran, Bo Diddley, Marvin Gaye, Bill Haley, Clyde McPhatter, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Smokey Robinson, and Jackie Wilson
January 3, 1986 ~ Lloyd Harlin Polite Jr, mononymously known as singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, actor Lloyd, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of preteen-boy band N-Toon. After the group disbanded in 2001 Lloyd set out on a successful solo career, releasing his full length debut album Southside in 2004. Known for songs such as its title track Southside featuring Ashanti, You featuring Lil' Wayne, Get It Shawty, and others
January 3, 1985 ~ Drummer, percussionist Mark Pontius, full name Mark Andrew Pontius, born in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Member of indie pop band Malbec. Co-founding member of Foster The People remaining with the band through 2021, best known for their 2010 single Pumped Up Kicks which eventually reached Billboard top 10. Has also worked with Mr Gabriel, Jai Wolf and with Elephant Castle
January 3, 1982 ~ Jazz double bassist Tommy Bryant passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Brother of pianist Ray Bryant and singer, drummer Len Bryant. Worked with Billy Krechmer, Elmer Snowden, Jo Jones, Charlie Shavers, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Barney Wilen, Benny Golson, Big Joe Turner, Coleman Hawkins, Mahalia Jackson, and others ~ Bryant was born in 1930
January 3, 1982 ~ Singer Toni Basil releases Mickey, lifted off her Word Of Mouth album ~ Originally written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn as Kitty, recorded by British pop group Racey for their Smash And Grab debut album. Basil reversed the gender and recorded the song as Mickey, also adding a distinctive chant of “Oh Mickey, you're so fine”. It would be Basil's sole major hit, reaching top 10 in some half a dozen countries including the No.1 spot in Australia, Canada, and America. It has long been rumored Basil had Micky Dolenz of the Monkees in mind, as the two had met on the set for the 1968 film Head, yet she has adamantly and consistenly denied this. Basil would appear on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice more, yet both Shoppin' From A To Z and Over My Head failed to make the top half of the chart
January 3, 1981 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Dave McCabe born in Whiston, UK ~ Early member of Tramp Attack, appearing on the band's debut single Rocky Hangover. After his departure from the band, McCabe founded the Zutons, scoring the UK top 10 hits Why Won't You Give Me Your Love and Valerie both taken of their 2006 Tired Of Hanging Around sophomore album. Co-wrote Mark Ronson's The Bike Song. Released his Church Of Miami solo debut album in 2015. Has also worked with alternative rock band SILENT-K
January 3, 1981 ~ Jamie Seerman, commonly known as indie pop, folk-pop singer, songwriter Jaymay, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-2000s. Plays guitar, piano, violin, xylophone. Has collaborated with the Separate, Kevin Devine, Cheyenne, Dirty On Purpose, and with art-metal band Goes Cube. Described by BBC as “the Darling of the Anti-folk scene”
January 3, 1980 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer David Arthur Skinner born on Isle of Wright, UK ~ Released a number of solo albums, starting with 2013's Diagonal Jazz. Has collaborated with Sphinx, the Heavy Horns, Laura Fowles, Øyvind Gravdal, Anders Lonn, Kristoffer Kompen, and others
January 3, 1980 ~ Groove metal, metalcore guitarist, bassist, drummer Rob Arnold born ~ Cites Kirk Hammett, Dimebag Darrell, Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman and Kerry King as main influences. Best known as lead guitarist for Chimaira and rhythm guitarist for Six Feet Under. Has also worked with the Elite and the Disaster
January 3, 1980 ~ Kees Freek Wouter van den Assem, commonly known as rapper Spacekees, born in Gouda, the Netherlands ~ Active since the early-2000s. Collaborated with Terilekst on the 2005 single Ik Wil Een Meisje. Collaborated with Sef and de Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig's Faberyayo on the 2011 Ski Or Die EP, released under the moniker SLBMG. Founded punk band Spacepunk in 2017
January 3, 1979 ~ New wave, pop rock outfit Blondie release Heart Of Glass, lifted off their Parallel Lines album ~ One of the first songs Debbie Harry and Chris Stein wrote, inspired by Rock The Boat by the Hues Corporation. A working demo was initially called Once I Had A Love, and subsequently referred to as The Disco Song, with its slower, funkier sound and disco beat. It was only when the band teamed up with producer Mike Chapman for the Parallel Lines sessions that the final version materialized. Harry later recalled: “It was years before we recorded it properly. We'd tried it as a ballad, as reggae, but it never quite worked.” The final cut, released as a single in early 1979 would become the band's first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper
January 3, 1979 ~ Alternative country singer, guitarist, songwriter Justin Rutledge born in Toronto, Canada ~ Debuted as a solo artist in 2004 with the album No Never Alone and has been recording steadily since. Worked with Kathleen Edwards, Jim Cuddy, Blue Rodeo, Hawksley Workman, Luke Doucet, Dolly Parton, Ron Sexsmith, Jenn Grant, Catherine Maclellan, Melissa McClelland, Joey Wright, Jim Bryson, Dean Drouillard, Oh Susanna, Roaring Girl Cabaret, and others
January 3, 1979 ~ Jazz, free improvisation trumpeter, hornist, flutist Susana Santos Silva born in Porto, Portugal ~ Active since the late-2000s, early-2010s. Regarded as one of the most original voices of European avantgarde jazz. Best known for her association with Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos and LAMA. Released her solo debut album, Devil's Dress, in 2011. Has notably collaborated with Eric Vloeimans, Torbjörn Zetterberg, the Fire Orchestra, and Fred Frith
January 3, 1978 ~ Symphonic metal, gothic metal singer Ronny Thorsen born in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Best known as lead singer, and from 1994 through 2013 the sole constant member of metal outfit the Trail Of Tears. Has also worked with Viper Solfa, Blood Red Throne, Scariot, and with Tristania
January 3, 1976 ~ In its thirteenth week on the charts, Saturday Night by the Bay City Rollers hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ The Scottish outfit first issued Saturday Night in 1973 as a single off their Rollin' debut album, yet although three other singles off the same album reached UK top 10, Saturday Night failed to reach the charts. However, when they re-recorded it for a greatest hits compilation in 1975, despite the fact that the song never had been a hit, Saturday Night actually did become a hit and reached the top of the American charts. The original Rollin' album and 1973 single were released only in the UK, the re-recorded single and compilation album were issued in America but not at home. The band would score two more American top 10 hits, Money Honey issued as the follow-up to Saturday Night reached No.9, and You Made Me Believe In Magic off their 1977 It's A Game album peaked at No.10
January 3, 1976 ~ Isidore Kaufman, commonly known as vaudeville singer Irving Kaufman, passed away ~ Member of comedy and music group the Avon Comedy Four from 1913 through 1919. Would go on to record prolifically throughout the 1920s, notably with the Broadway Bell-Hops on songs such as He's The Last Word, Don't Somebody Want Somebody To Love and The Westerners ~ Kaufman was born in 1890
January 3, 1975 ~ Producer, DJ Thomas Bangalter born ~ Best known as half of electronica, dance, house duo Daft Punk, the other half being Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo, active since the late-1990s and known for hits such as Around The World, One More Time, Face To Face, Get Lucky featuring Pharrell Williams, and others. The duo has collaborated with artists such as Panda Bear, Julian Casablancas, the Weeknd, Giorgio Moroder, and Nile Rodgers
January 3, 1972 ~ Songwriter, film composer John Elliott passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Reportedly wrote or co-wrote over 600 songs for motion pictures, most notably for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans films. Co-wrote with Sonny Burke, Harold Spina (Dinah Shore's It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House), and with Lew Quadling (Bing Crosby's Sam's Song), and others ~ Elliott was born in 1914
January 3, 1970 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head by BJ Thomas hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the first of four consecutive weeks ~ Written by noted songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the score of the 1969 film Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head tells of a man who overcomes his troubles with a positive attitude: “there's one thing I know, the blues they send to meet me won't defeat me, it won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me.” The song was first offered to Ray Stevens, but as he liked neither the film nor the song, it was given to BJ Thomas who had previously scored the hit song Hooked On A Feeling, which peaked at No.5 Billboard Hot 100. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head would reach top 10 in several countries, including the No.1 spot in America, and earned the singer the Academy Award for Best Original Song
January 3, 1969 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist James Carter born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ An admired saxophonist saxophonist since the late-1980s and repeat winner of DownBeat Critics & Readers Choice Award for baritone saxophone. Carter worked with musicians such as Lester Bowie, Julius Hemphill, his cousin jazz violinist Regina Carter, Frank Lowe, Kathleen Battle, the World Saxophone Quartet, Cyrus Chestnut, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Mingus Big Band, Karrin Allyson, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Ginger Baker, Hamiet Bluiett, Herbie Hancock, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Christian McBride, DD Jackson, Liz McComb, Marcus Miller, Junko Onishi, Madeleine Peyroux, Odean Pope, Steve Turre, Roseanna Vitro, Rodney Whitaker, and others
January 3, 1969 ~ Folk, country singer Nikki Nelson born in La Mesa, California, USA ~ Lead singer of Highway 101, joining the band in 1991 as replacement for Paulette Carlson, present on the albums Bing Bang Boom and The New Frontier. Carlson returned in 1995 leading Nelson to pursue a solo career
January 3, 1967 ~ Operatic soprano Mary Garden passed away in Inverurie, UK ~ Described as “the Sarah Bernhardt of Opera“ Garden rose to fame in the early 20th century working mostly in England and continental Europe. Leading soprano with Parisien the Opera-Comique in the early-1900s. Brought to America by Oscar Hammerstein I in 1907. Worked with the Manhattan Opera House, the Boston Opera Company, the Philadelphia Opera Company, the Chicago Grand Opera Company, and others. Retired from the stage in the mid-1930s ~ Garden was born in 1874
January 3, 1965 ~ British pop group the Hollies record Yes I Will at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Gerry Goffin and Russ Titelman. Produced by Ron Richards. Released later the same month featuring Nobody on the flip side it would reach top 10 in the band's native UK. It failed to chart entirely in America. The following year the Monkees would record a cover version for their eponymous The Monkees debut album
January 3, 1964 ~ Rock, pop drummer Curt Bisquera born in Santa Maria, California, USA ~ Session drummer worked with Johnny Cash, Josh Groban, Mick Jagger, Seal, Sarah McLachlan, Elton John, Johnny Hallyday, Tom Petty, the Beach Boys, Terence Trent d'Arby, Julieta Venegas, Shelby Lynne, Ronan Keating, Taylor Dayne, Céline Dion, Paula Abdul, Chris Isaak, Melanie C, Beth Hart, Bonnie Raitt, Tony Joe White, Lulu, Mike Love, Nelly Furtado, Boz Scaggs, and others
January 3, 1964 ~ Blue-eyed soul, gospel singer Jon Gibson, full name Jon Robert Gibson, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known for a number of late-1980s, 1990s contemporary Christian singles, notably Love Come Down and Jesus Loves Ya, the latter topping the Christian charts for 11 weeks
January 3, 1964 ~ Guitarist, singer Raymond McGinley born ~ Co-founding member of Teenage Fanclub, known for songs such as Star Sign, The Concept, What You Do To Me, and Ain't That Enough, the latter a UK top 20 hit in 1997. McGinley also worked with Snowgoose, releasing their Harmony Springs debut album in 2012
January 3, 1963 ~ Clarinetist, bandleader John Casimir passed away ~ First gained attention in the late-1910s, playing in the Young Eagles Band alongside Lee Collins. Best known for leading the Young Tuxedo Brass Band from the early-1940s until his death some two decades later, the 1958 Jazz Begins the only album released during his lifetime ~ Casimir was born in 1898
January 3, 1962 ~ Rock, punk rock, glam punk, grunge percussionist Greg Gilmore born in France ~ Played in 10 Minute Warning, which also included Duff McKagan. Member of seminal Seattle band Mother Love Bone. Has also worked with Jack Endino, LAND, Skin Yard, Radio Chongqing, Steve Fisk, and others
January 3, 1959 ~ Country singer, songwriter Rusty Golden born in Brewton, Alabama, USA ~ Formed the sibling duo the Goldens with Chris Golden. The duo's father is country singer William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys. The brothers are best known for the singles Put Us Together Again and Sorry Girls, both taken of their eponymous 1988 The Goldens debut album. After disbanding in the early-1990s Rusty continued to work as a solo artist and songwriter
January 3, 1959 ~ Tracy Grijalva, commonly known as heavy metal guitarist Tracy G, born in Whittler, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of Dio from 1993 to 1999, featured on the albums Strange Highways and Angry Machines. Also worked with Swift Kick, Rags, WWIII, the Eightball Cholos, the Driven, the Mark Bramlett Band, Goad-ed, Love/Hate, Epic, Vessyl, the Robot Lords Of Tokyo, Pain Savior, Barking Spider, and others
January 3, 1957 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records One Step At A Time at Pythian Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Hugh Ashley. Arranged by Jack Pleis and Al Caiola. Released later the same month, paired with Fairyland on the flip side, it would reach top 20 Billboard Country
January 3, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist Dave Dobbyn, full name David Joseph Dobbyn, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Member of the Dudes from 1975 through 1980. Subsequently a key member of DD Smash, best known for songs such as Outlook For Thursday, Whaling, and Magic (What She Do). After the latter disbanded in the mid-1980s ventured out on his own, noted for his 1986 hit Slice Of Heaven with Herbs of the Footrot Flats (The Dog's Tale) animated film soundtrack, Sailing Away (All Of Us), Love You Like I Should, and Loyal
January 3, 1954 ~ Ross Friedman, commonly known as punk, proto-punk, heavy metal guitarist, keyboardist Ross the Boss, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of punk outfit the Dictators and heavy metal group Manowar. Touring member of Black Sabbath on their 1980 Heaven & Hell tour. Has also worked with Fabienne Shine, Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, Heyday, the Hellacopters, the Spinatras, the Brain Surgeons, Burning Starr, Death Dealer, Burning Witches, and others
January 3, 1953 ~ Hard rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Bob Halligan Jr born ~ Lead singer, guitarist of Ceili Rain, merging Celtic rock, hard rock, Christian hard rock. Co-wrote the Judas Priest-songs Take These Chains of 1982's Screaming For Vengeance and Some Heads Are Gonna Roll of 1984's Defenders Of The Faith. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Haligan include KIX (Don't Close Your Eyes), the Blue Öyster Cult, Kiss, Cher, Helix, Icon, and Bonfire
January 3, 1950 ~ Andy Hernandez, commonly known as vibraphonist, keyboardist, percussionist, flutist, singer Coati Mundi born ~ Member of Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, known for their 1976 hit Cherchez La Femme. Co-founding member, musical director, arranger of Kid Creole & the Coconuts, scoring dance hits such as I'm A Wonderful Thing Baby, Stool Pigeon, and Annie I'm Not Your Daddy. Hernandez has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the UK top 40 hit Me No Pop I, and has collaborated with Ralfa Pagán, Joe Bataan, Vernon Reid, N'dea Davenport, Nona Hendryx, Tito Puente, Manny Oquendo, Hall & Oates, Machito, and others
January 3, 1948 ~ Country banjoist, guitarist Larry McNeely born in Lafayette, Indiana, USA ~ Influenced by Don Reno and Bill Keith. First gained attention in the mid-1960s as member of Roy Acuff's backing unit the Smoky Mountain Boys. Would go on to back artists such as Glen Campbell, Burl Ives, the Smother Brothers, Mac Davis, Eddie Kendricks, Percy Faith, Barbara Mandrell. As a solo artist known for his 1976 Rhapsody For Banjo album
January 3, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, bassist, violinist, songwriter Seweryn Krajewski born in Nowa Sol, Poland ~ Member of Czerwone Gitary from 1965 through 1997, generally regarded as one of the most influential Polish rock bands considered the Polish equivalent to the Beatles. The band enjoyed their greatest successes through 1970, acclaimed for albums such as To Wlasnie My, Czerwony Gitary 2 and especially their 1970 release Na Fujarcie, the latter considered their masterpiece. Has also recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artists and written songs for the likes of Irena Jarocka, Maryla Rodowicz, Urszula Sipinska, Zdzislawa Sosnicka (Dezsczowy Wielbiciel), Edyta Geppert, and others
January 3, 1947 ~ Zulema Cusseaux, mononymously known as disco, R&B singer, songwriter Zulema, born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Sang backup for Aretha Franklin. Member of Faith Hope & Charity. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Zulema in 1972. Toured as opening act with Bill Withers, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire, and Sly Stone ~ Cusseaux passed away in 2013
January 3, 1946 ~ James Forman, commonly known as jazz, R&B singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, singer, songwriter James Mtume born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Son of saxophonist Jimmy Heath. First gained attention backing artists such as McCoy Tyner, Art Farmer, Gato Barbieri, Harold Land, Buddy Terry, Lonnie Liston Smith, Freddie Hubbard and notably Miles Davis from 1971 through 1975. Best known as frontman and eponym of Mtume, scoring R&B hits with songs such as You Me & He and Juicy Fruit. Co-wrote Never Knew Love Like This Before, a Grammy Award-winning hit for Stephanie Mills. Has also written or co-written songs recorded by Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, R Kelly, Mary J Blige, Teddy Pendergrass, Inner City, and others ~ Forman passed away in 2022
January 3, 1946 ~ John Richard Baldwin, commonly known as bassist John Paul Jones, born in London, UK ~ Best known as bassist and keyboardist of rock, hard rock titans Led Zeppelin. After the band disbanded in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham has gone on to collaborate with numerous artists across a variety of genres, perhaps most notably teaming up with Josh Homme and Dave Grohl in the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures
January 3, 1946 ~ Jazz drummer Motohiko Hino born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Brother of Terumasa Hino. Motohiko has played professionally since age 17. Has worked with artists such as Jon Faddis, Billy Harper, Joanne Brackeen, Joe Henderson, Takehiro Honda, Nobuyochi Ino, Karen Mantler, Hugh Masekela, John Scofield, Jean-Luc Ponty, Sonny Rollins, and Shungo Sawada ~ Hino passed away in 1999
January 3, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Stephen Stills, full name Stephen Arthur Stills, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Member of Buffalo Springfield, wrote For What It's Worth. Member of supergroup Crosby Stills Nash & Young, known for their landmark Déjà Vu album. Teamed up with Michael Bloomfield and Al Kooper on the acclaimed Super Session album. Released his eponymous Stephen Stills solo debut album in 1970, which featured Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton and spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Love The One You're With. Fronted Manassas. Guested on albums by Joni Mitchell (Clouds), Joan Baez, the Monkees, the Jefferson Airplane (Volunteers), John Sebastian, the Bee Gees, Joe Vitale, Ringo Starr, Rita Coolidge, Bill Withers, Elvin Jones, and others
January 3, 1943 ~ Folk rock, progressive rock guitarist, saxophonist Brian Hopper born in Whitstable, UK ~ Member of early Canterbury scene outfit Wilde Flowers. Also present on Soft Machine's 1969 Volume Two sophomore album. Retired from music by the early-1970s, disillusioned by the deatg of two bandmates. Would reemerge in the late-1990s, releasing several albums as a solo artist
January 3, 1941 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger Roger Neumann born in Minot, North Dakota, USA ~ Recorded two outstanding albums as a leader, 1983's Roger Neumann's Rather Large Band and 1994's Instant Heat. Married to singer Madeline Vergari, with whom he has also worked. As a tenor saxophonist has backed Woody Herman, Bob Crosby, and Anita O'Day. Best known as an arranger for the likes of Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Ray Brown, and the Beach Boys ~ Neumann passed away in 2018
January 3, 1941 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter, arranger, producer Van Dyke Parks born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Revered by peers. Best known for his 1967 Song Cycle album. Has produced, arranged, collaborated with a wide variety of artists including the Beach Boys, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, Phil Ochs, Ry Cooder, Syd Straw, Ringo Starr, U2, Kimbra, Silverchair, the Mothers Of Invention, and others
January 3, 1939 ~ Arieh Lieb Einstein, commonly known as singer, actor, comedian, songwriter, screenwriter Arik Einstein, born in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Dubbed “the Voice of Israel” and perhaps the most popular and influential Israeli artist of all time acclaimed for pioneering Israeli rock. Has worked with acts such as Shalom Hanoch, Miki Gavrielov, Yoni Rechter, Schmulik Kraus, the Churchills, Batzal Yarok, and the High Windows ~ Einstein passed away in 2013
January 3, 1939 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Brian Smith born in Wellington, New Zealand ~ Worked with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, Maynard Ferguson, Nucleus, Mike Westbrook, Neil Ardley, Mike Gibbs, the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Keith Tippett, and Pacific Eardrum
January 3, 1939 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly singer, guitarist, songwriter Gene Summer born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist known for recordings such as School Of Rock & Roll, Straight Skirt, Nervous, Gotta Lotta That, Twixteen, Alabama Shake, Fancy Dan, and Big Blue Diamonds. Has also worked with the Rebels, the Tom Toms, Bill Smith Combo, the Platinum Fog, and others ~ Summers passed away in 2021
January 3, 1937 ~ TV, producer, songwriter Glen A Larson born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Best known as a TV producer responsible for hit shows such as Battlestar Galactica, Magnum PI and Knight Rider. As a musician known as an original member of folk revival, satire group the Four Preps, scoring hits with 26 Miles (Santa Catalina) and Big Man in the late-1950s, both co-written by Larson ~ Larson passed away in 2014
January 3, 1936 ~ Jazz pianist Joe Haider born in Darmstadt, Germany ~ Worked with Benny Bailey, Dusko Gojkovic, Nathan Davis, Booker Ervin, Klaus Doldinger, Hans Koller, Leo Wright, Attila Zoller, George Mraz, Peter Trunk, Philly Joe Jones, Joe Nay, Kurt Bong, Klaus Weiss, Pierre Favre, Heinz Bigler, Isla Eckinger, Peter Giger, Slide Hampton, Woody Shaw, Andy Scherrer, Roman Schwaller, Sandy Patton, Don Menza, and others
January 3, 1928 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Al Belletto born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Able to transition from traditional jazz to swing to bop. As a leader best known for The Al Belletto Sextette released in 1955. Belletto's ensemble would be absorbed into Woody Herman's in the late-1950s. Belletto has also worked with Sharkey Bonano, Louis Prima, Wingy Manone, and the Dukes Of Dixieland ~ Belletto passed away in 2014
January 3, 1928 ~ Singer Ruth Etting records Back In Your Own Backyard ~ Written by Billy Rose and Dave Dreyer. Paired with When You're With Somebody Else on the flip side. One of the more popular versions of this song. Around the same time also recorded by Eva Taylor, and by Al Jolson (who got co-writing credit but reportedly wrote little of it). Later also by Patti Page, Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Margaret Whiting, the Andrews Sisters, Peggy Lee, Brenda Lee, and Vera Lynn
January 3, 1926 ~ R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Danny Overbra born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his 1950s recordings Train Train Train and Forty Cups Of Coffee. Popular club performer, noted for his guitar skills, playing behind his back, and with his teeth, many such moves emulating T-Bone Walker ~ Overbea passed away in 1994
January 3, 1922 ~ Sambista, singer, songwriter Guilherme de Brito, full name Guilherme de Brito Bollhorst, born in Vila Isabel, Brazil ~ About half a dozen albums to his name as a recording artist. Best known as a songwriter, having written some 150 songs, most of them samba, frequently in partnership with Nelson Cavanquinho. Well known songs co-written by De Brito include Raul Moreno's A Flor E O Espinho, Beth Carvalho's Folhas Secas, and Quando Eu Me Chamar Saudade first recorded by Cavaquinho ~ De Brito passed away in 2006
January 3, 1922 ~ Classical pianist, composer Ronald Smith, full name Ronald Bertram Smith, born in London, UK ~ Inluenced by Edwin Fischer. Best known for his recordings of Charles-Valentin Alkan's pieces, rekindling a public interest for Alkan's work. Smith wrote a biography of Alkan and served as President of the Alkan Society from its inception in 1977 until his death ~ Smith passed away in 2004
January 3, 1920 ~ Jazz, swing, blues, folk singer, pianist, songwriter Renato Carosone born in Naples, Italy ~ Revered as a canzone napoletana performer. One of only two artists, the other being Domenico Modugno, to enjoy considerable succes in America without translating his songs to English. Known for songs such as O Sarracino, Caravan Petrol, Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano, Maruzella and Pigliate Na Pastiglia ~ Carosone passed away in 2001
January 3, 1919 ~ Herbert Horatio Nichols, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Herbie Nichols born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Wrote the classic Lady Sings The Blues, made famous by Billie Holiday. Obscure during his lifetime, now highly regarded by many ~ Nichols passed away in 1963
January 3, 1916 ~ Cellist Bernard Greenhouse born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founded the Beaux Arts Trio with violinist Daniel Guilet and pianist Menahem Pressler in the mid-1950s. Acknowledged for its precise playing, the trio's repertoire includes the standard piano works ranging from Maurice Ravel and Gabriel Fauré to Ludwig van Beethoven. Greenhouse remained with the trio through 1987 to be succeeded by Peter Wiley ~ Greenhouse passed away in 2011
January 3, 1916 ~ Singer Maxene Andrews, full name Maxene Anglyn Andrews, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Andrews Sisters, known for songs such as Beer Barrel Polka, Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, Rum And Coca-Cola, and perhaps their best known Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy ~ Andrews passed away in 1995
January 3, 1902 ~ James Preston McDonald, commonly known as jazz trombonist Preston Jackson, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Mentored by Roy Palmer and Honore Dutrey. Fixture on the 1920s Chicago jazz scene, backing artists such as Tig Chambers, Al Simone, Eli Rice, Art Simms, Bernie Young, and Richard M Jones. Would go on to play with Erskine Tate, Louis Armstrong, Frankie Jaxon, Jimmie Noone, Roy Eldridge, and Johnny Dodds ~ McDonald passed away in 1983
January 3, 1893 ~ Jazz saxophonist Rudy Wiedoeft, full name Rudolph Cornelius Wiedoeft, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Popularized the saxophone as a viable instrument. As a composer known for songs such as Valse Erica, Valse Llewellyn, Saxema, Saxophobia and Sax-o-phun ~ Wiedoeft passed away in 1940
January 3, 1878 ~ Ragtime, jazz bandleader, composer Julius Lenzberg born ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1910s and 1920s. Best known for his 1913 composition Hungarian Rag, a ragtime adaptation of Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies. His succes inspired others to “rag” popular classical melodies though none were as successful as Lenzberg ~ Lenzberg passed away in 1956