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, 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, 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 ~ 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, 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, Nile Rodgers, and others
January 3, 1969 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist James Carter born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ An admired saxophonist saxophonist since the late 1980s and repeat winner of Dpwn Beat 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, 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, 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, guitarist, pianist Dave Dobbyn, full name David Joseph Dobbyn, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Member of th' 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, Bonfire, and others
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, Pacific Eardrum, and others
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, 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, remaining 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