January 30, 2022 ~ Hargus Melvin Robbins, commonly known as country, rock pianist Hargus Pig Robbins, passed away ~ In-demand session musician since the mid-1950s. Appears on classic country tracks such as White Lightning (George Jones), I Fall To Pieces (Patsy Cline), Coal Miner's Daughter (Loretta Lynn), Behind Closed Doors (Charlie Rich), The Gambler (Kenny Rogers). Has also worked with Dolly Parton, Connie Smith, Patti Page, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, JJ Cale, John Hartford, Mark Knopfler, Merle Haggard, Roger Miller, Moe Bandy, and Conway Twitty ~ Robbins was born in 1938
January 30, 2022 ~ Singer Norma Waterson, full name Norma Christine Waterson, passed away ~ Best known as member of 1960s acclaimed traditional folk outfit the Watersons, which also included siblings Mike Waterson and Lal Waterson, cousin John Harrison and later her husband Martin Carthy. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Richard Thompson, Roger Swallow, James Yorkston, and Blue Murder ~ Waterson was born in 1939
January 30, 2022 ~ Jazz, blues, R&B drummer Philip Paul passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Backed artists such as Arthur Prysock, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell and Dizzy Gillespie early on in his career playing at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. Scouted by Tiny Bradshaw in the early-1950s. Would go on to become the studio drummer for King Records by 1952, appearing on over 350 recordings including by artists such as Hank Ballard (The Twist), Milt Buckner, Little Willie John (Fever), Grandpa Jones, Wynonie Harris (Good Rockin' Tonight), Cowboy Copas, Bonnie Lou, and just about every Freddie King record including Hide-away and Tore Down. Notable collaborations outside the King Records-label include John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Otis Big Smokey Smothers, Nat Adderley, Herbie Mann and Roy Meriwether ~ Paul was born in 1925
January 30, 2020 ~ Pop singer Dua Lipa releases Physical, lifted off her Future Nostalgia sophomore album ~ With Dua Lipa drawing from dance-pop, power pop and synth-pop, the song was praised for its high energy and Lipa's vocals uniquely reinterpreting the 1980s era, and would reach top 10 in well over a dozen countries including her native UK. Although the main lyrical hook, ‘let's get physical’, suggest Lipa was inspired by Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit of the same name, Lipa did acknowledge there was definitely a nod to the song, but she stated it was a “spur-of-the-moment kind of song, which at times had a Eurythmics vibe to it.”
January 30, 2017 ~ Singer Bruno Mars releases That's What I Like, lifted off his 24K Magic album ~ Though criticized by some for its shallow lyrical content, Mars telling all the things he likes, which just happen to be luxury items that will impress a girl, the song reached top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and would top the American Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as earn Mars an American Music Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song. Furthermore, the accompanying music video would receive wide acclaim and several awards largely due to Mars's dancing skills and tight and well executed choreography
January 30, 2014 ~ James Timothy Shaw, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer, songwriter, producer Mighty Hannibal, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ As a solo artist known for The Biggest Cry, I Need A Woman (Cause I'm A Man), Baby Please Change Your Mind, I'm Coming Home, Hymn No.5, The Truth Shall Make You Free. Worked with the Overalls, Johnny Otis, and Leon Russell ~ Shaw was born in 1939
January 30, 2014 ~ Contemporary classical, jazz trombonist, conductor, composer William Motzing, full name William Edward Motzing Jr, passed away in Manhasset, New York, USA ~ As a trombonist has worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Kai Winding, Jon Eardley, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Russo, and Sal Salvador through the early-1970s. Would find his greatest fame after relocating to Australia, becoming an in-demand film and TV composer with over 30 soundtracks to his name including Newsfront, Young Einstein and The Quiet American. Arranger and conductor on a number of Australian hits including Peter Allen's I Still Call Australia Home, Sherbet's Howzat, INXS' The Swing, and Billy Field's Bad Habits ~ Motzing was born in 1937
January 30, 2013 ~ Blues singer, pianist, guitarist Ann Rabson passed away in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA ~ Actively performing and recording since the 1960s. Member of Saffire The Uppity Blues Women. Released her solo debut, the acclaimed Music Makin' Mama, in 1997 ~ Rabson was born in 1945
January 30, 2011 ~ John Barry Prendergast, commonly known as composer, arranger, conductor John Barry, passed away in Oyster Bay, New York, USA ~ Prolific film composer including for 11 Bond films. Scores written or co-written by Barry include Goldfinger, Lion In Winter, Somewhere In Time, Body Heat, Out Of Africa, and Dances With Wolves. Worked with Jack Parnell, Ted Heath, Adam Faith, and Les Vandyke ~ Prendergast was born in 1933
January 30, 1996 ~ Producer Bob Thiele passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Teresa Brewer. Founded Signature Records which had Lester Young, Erroll Garner, and Coleman Hawkins until the label folded in 1948. Also worked at other labels, Impulse, Decca Records and ABC Records, as well as from time to time run his own, Flying Dutchman Records, Red Barron Records. Co-wrote, along with George David Weiss, the Louis Armstrong hit What A Wonderful World. Worked as producer on array of quintessential albums including ones by John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, and BB King (Lucille) ~ Thiele was born in 1922
January 30, 1995 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist George James passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Active since the late-1920s. Perhaps best known for the 1952 hit Forgive Me, recorded with the Howard Biggs orchestra. As a backing musician, James has worked with Jimmie Noone, Ida Marples, and Jabbo Smith, toured with Louis Armstrong, and later would go on to play with the Savoy Bearcats, Fats Waller, James P Johnson, Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Lucky Millinder, and Noble Sissle. James continued to perform well into the 1970s ~ James was born in 1906
January 30, 1991 ~ Pop trio Wilson Phillips release You're In Love, lifted off their eponymous Wilson Phillips album ~ All members of the trio came from muscial families, Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas, while siblings Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson's parents were Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford of the Honeys. When producer Glen Ballard first heard the trio sing, he was impressed by how they sang together, it sounded like one voice, which makes sense if you consider they all grew up together. Ballard would land the trio a record deal and produce their eponymous debut album. You're In Love would be the album's third Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, preceded by Hold On and Release Me, and earned the trio a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group
January 30, 1989 ~ Blues-rock, roots rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Samantha Fish born in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ Sister of singer Amanda Fish. Draws from blues, rock, country, R&B and bluegrass. Cites Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones as influences. First gained attention with her 2009 Live Bait album and has been recording steadily since. Has worked with Cassie Taylor, Dani Wilde, Devon Allman, Mike Zitto, and Luther Dickinson
January 30, 1984 ~ Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter, actor Kid Cudi, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Rose to fame in 2008 with his debut single Day 'n Nite, included on his 2009 full-length debut album Man On The Moon (The End Of Day). Has recorded steadily since to commercial success and critical acclaim. Has collaborated with Kanye West, Common, MGMT, Ratatat, King Chip, Too $hort, Pharrell Williams, Travis Scott, Eminem, David Guetta, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, and Steve Aoki
January 30, 1984 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, actor Luke Kelly passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Regarded by some as one of Ireland's greatest folk singers. Co-founded the Dubliners, serving as co-lead singer alongside Ronnie Drew from 1962 through 1983 with a temporary hiatus in 1964. The band is known for their energetic stage presence and scored chart success with singles such as Seven Drunken Nights, Black Velvet Band, Hand Me Down My Bible, Free The People and The Irish Rover, the latter a collaborative single with the Pogues ~ Kelly was born in 1940
January 30, 1982 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) by Hall & Oates hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ While often interpreted as a song about a love relationship, John Oates has said it is actually about the music business: “That song is really about not being pushed around by big labels, managers, and agents and being told what to do, and being true to yourself creatively.” It was intentionally generalized, so listeners could more easily connect to the song. I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) became the band's fourth American charttopper, preceded by Rich Girl, Kiss On My List, and Private Eyes
January 30, 1982 ~ Samuel John Hopkins, commonly known as electric blues, country blues, folk blues guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Praised for his fingerstyle technique paired with free and loose phrasing. Regarded as one of the most importan country blues guitarists and a major influence on rock guitarists. Toured and recorded extensively. Known for songs such as T-Model Blues, Tim Moore's Farm and Back To New Orleans (Baby Please Don't Go) ~ Hopkins was born in 1912
January 30, 1979 ~ Indie rock, folk rock, Americana singer, guitarist, songwriter Amy Cook born in San Jose, California, USA ~ Actively recording since her 2000 self-released From The 52nd Story. Has opened for Chris Isaak, Shawn Colvin, Leo Kottke, Ryan Bingham. Artists who guested on Cook's albums include Meshell Ndegeocello, David Garza, Robert Plant, and Ben Kweller
January 30, 1975 ~ Power pop, pop punk, dance rock singer, guitarist, pianist Yumi Yoshimura born in Osaka, Japan ~ Forms the pop duo PUFFY with Ami Onuki, with whom she recorded a little over a dozen albums. They are best known for a string of late-1990s singles, including Kore Ga Watashi No Ikuru Michi, Circuit No Musume, and Nagisa Ni Matsuwaru Etc all reaching the No.1 spot in their native Japan. To avoid confusion with singer, rapper, producer Sean Combs, who at the time also used the moniker Puffy, the duo used the moniker Puffy AmiYumi for their American releases. Briefly married to singer Takanori Nishikawa around the turn of the century, with whom she has one son
January 30, 1968 ~ Avant-garde, alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, rock bassist, double bassist, singer Trevor Dunn born in Eureka, California, USA ~ Rose to fame in the 1990s as co-founding member of experimental band Mr Bungle, remaining with the band from 1985 through 2000 and rejoining in 2019. Has collaborated with a host of acts from as many genres, including fronting his own avant-garde jazz-rock outfit the Trio-Convulsant as well as collaborate with Secret Chiefs 3, Tomahawk, Nels Cline, the Fantomas, the Melvins, Erik Friedlander, Eyvind Kang, Afro-Mystik, the Tin Hat Trio, Tipsy, Bureau of Atomic Tourism, and excessively with John Zorn
January 30, 1967 ~ Keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, percussionist, producer, songwriter James Poyser, full name James Jason Poyser, born in Sheffield, UK ~ Member of the Roots. Member of the Soultronics. Producer, songwriter, session musician. Has co-written songs for Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill (Superstar), Common, and Mariah Carey. Other notable collaborations include Teddy Pendergrass, Jermaine Dupri, Phyllis Hyman, Kelly Price, Eric Benét, Musiq Soulchild, Guru, d'Angelo, Jill Scott, Talib Kweli, Jazzyfatnastees, Anthony Hamilton (Comin' From Where I'm From), Joss Stone, Estelle, and Nikka Costa (Can'tneverdidnothin)
January 30, 1967 ~ Heavy metal singer Jay Gordon born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Founder, lead singer of metal outfit Orgy, known for their 1998 Candyass debut album which spawned the hits Stitches and a cover of New Order's Blue Monday. The band has released subsequent recordings but would be unable to replicate the success of their debut album
January 30, 1963 ~ Punk rock bassist Joe Escalante, full name Joseph Patrick Escalante, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Sole constant member of punk rockers the Vandals, initially starting on drums and later moving to bass. The band is best known for their humorous approach and song subjects rather than the typical social and political topics addressed by most punk bands of the time. Also a member of the Smiths-tribute band Sweet And Tender Hooligans, radio host, TV director and executive
January 30, 1961 ~ Singer Cliff Richard records When The Girl In Your Arms (Is The Girl In Your Heart) at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Sid Tepper and Roy C Bennett. Produced by Norrie Paramor. Released the following October, b/w Got A Funny Feeling, it would reach top 10 in several countries including No.1 spots in the Netherlands and Norway. Richard's hit would be notably covered by singer Connie Francis later the same year as When The Boy In Your Arms (Is The Boy In Your Heart)
January 30, 1961 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Will You Love Me Tomorrow by the Shirelles hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ With the singer wondering if her man will still love her the day after an implied sexual encounter, some considered the song too naughty for its day. However, despite resistance from radio stations, Will You Love Me Tomorrow became a huge hit and sold over a million copies. Penned by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, it would be the first major hit for the husband-wife songwriting team. Will You Love Me Tomorrow would also be the first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper for a black all-female group. Prior to the song being recorded by the Shirelles, singer Tony Orlando had hoped to be given the song, but Aldon Music executive Don Kirshner explained it was a girl's lyrics, and that no teenage boy would ever say those words. Orlando did record an answer song, Not Just Tomorrow But Always issued under the moniker Bertell Dache
January 30, 1959 ~ Dixieland, jazz saxophonist Boyce Brown passed away in Hillsdale, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Wingy Manone, Bob Casey, Danny Alvin. Perhaps best known for his 1935 session with Paul Mares released in 1955 on the Chicago Style Jazz album. After a stint in a monastary recorded his sole album as a leader, 1956's Brother Matthew, backed by Eddie Condon and others ~ Brown was born in 1910
January 30, 1959 ~ Singer Jody Watley, full name Jody Vanessa Watley, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Roberta Flack, Grace Jones, Nancy Wilson. Rose to fame as member of Shalamar, remaining with the group from 1977 through 1983, present on songs such as The Second Time Around, For The Lover In You and A Night To Remember. Released her eponymous Jody Watley solo debut album in 1987, spawning the hit Looking For A New Love. Other well known songs include Some Kind Of Lover, Real Love, and Everything. Has also worked with Musical Youth, Gary Langan, Anne Dudley, JJ Jeczalik, George Michael, and Eric B & Rakim
January 30, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Mark Eitzel, full name John Mark Eitzel, born ~ Best known as lead singer of American Music Club. Active since the 1980s, having worked with the Cowboys, the Naked Skinnies, the Toiling Midgets, and the Undertow Orchestra. As a solo artist known for his 1997 West album on which all songs were co-written by REM-guitarist Peter Buck, and for its 1998 follow-up Caught In A Trap And I Can't Back Out Cause I Love You Too Much Baby which featured Sonic Youth-drummer Steve Shelley and Yo La Tengo-bassist James McNew
January 30, 1956 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Blue Suede Shoes at RCA/Victor Studios, New York, New York, USA ~ One of the first songs RCA-Victor wanted him to record Presley recorded this Carl Perkins-penned tune with Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass and DJ Fontana on drums. Being a good friend of Perkins, who had just released his single, Presley asked the label to hold back the release. The single, featuring Tutti Frutti on the B-side, would be released the next September. Nevertheless, the Presley version became the bigger hit and a signature song for the singer. It would be re-recorded in stereo for the 1960 Elvis-film GI Blues
January 30, 1951 ~ Rock, progressive rock, space rock, gothic rock, post-punk, punk rock drummer Andy Anderson born ~ Best known for his associations with Steve Hillage and the Cure, present on the latter's The Top and Concert albums as well as on the singles The Love Cats and Caterpillar. Briefly played with Hawkwind. Has also worked with the Techno Twins, Mother Gong, the Gun Club, Edwyn Collins, Peter Gabriel, Iggy Pop, Mike Oldfield, Pink Flamingos, and Midge Ure ~ Anderson passed away in 2019
January 30, 1951 ~ Drummer, singer Phil Collins, full name Philip David Charles Collins, born in Chiswick, UK ~ Influenced by Ringo Starr, Buddy Rich and by the Action-drummer Roger Powell. Rose to fame in the 1970s as drummer and lead singer of Genesis. Debuted as a solo artist in the early-1980s, critically acclaimed for first two solo albums, Face Value and Hello I Must Be Going, and reaching superstar fame with 1985's No Jacket Required. Known for hits such as In The Air Tonight, You Can't Hurry :pve, Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), Easy Lover with Philip Bailey, One More Night, A Groovy Kind Of Love and Another Day In Paradise. Has collaborated with Marilyn Martin, David Crosby, and Lil' Kim
January 30, 1949 ~ Funk, R&B, soul, pop trumpeter, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer, songwriter William King, full name William Atwell King, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, USA ~ Founding and constant member of the Commodores, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting with Machine Gun in 1974. King co-wrote several of the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 top hits Brick House and Lady You Bring Me Up, the latter co-written with Harold Hudson and his then-wife Shirley Hanna-King. The band scored close to a dozen top 10 hits including Sweet Love, Easy, Sail On, Still, and Nightshift. Besides playing several instruments, King also serves as the band's choreographer
January 30, 1947 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Steve Marriott, full name Stephen Peter Marriott, born in Plashet, UK ~ Became a popular mod style icon in Britain. Member of the Small Faces from 1965 through 1968, and again from 1975 through 1978. Member of Humble Pie from 1969 through 1975, and again from 1979 through 1983. In his later life Marriott would grow disillusioned with the music industry and turn away from mahor record labels, returning to relative obscurity playing in pubs and clubs around London and Essex ~ Marriott passed away in 1991
January 30, 1944 ~ Drummer Roger Humphries born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Began playing drums at 4. Went professional at 14. Led ensemble at Carnegie Hall at 16. Played with Stanley Turrentine, Horace Silver, including on the quintessential LP Song For My Father, and with Ray Charles. Released some albums under his own name. Sideman, session musician for the likes Lee Morgan, Grant Green, Billy Taylor, Bill Doggett, Benny Green, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Barry Harris, Clark Terry, JJ Johnson, Billy Preston, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Jack McDuff, Gene Harris, George Harris, George Benson, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Johnny Griffin, Herbie Mann, Randy Brecker, Joe Williams, Milt Jackson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Hubert Laws, Dwayne Dolphin, the Isley Brothers, and Illinois Jacquet
January 30, 1942 ~ Singer Martyn Jerel Buchwald, commonly known as Marty Balin, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Co-founding member, co-lead singer of the Jefferson Airplane. Notable co-writing credits include Comin' Back To Me, Today and Volunteers. Co-wrote and guested on Airplane spinoff group Jefferson Starship's power ballad Caroline. Has also worked with the Town Criers, Bodaccious DF, the KBC Band. As a solo artist scored a 1981 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with Hearts ~ Balin passed away in 2018
January 30, 1941 ~ Edlin Terry, commonly known as jazz alto, tenor saxophonist Buddy Terry, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Recorded for about a decade in the 1960s through the 1970s. A handful of albums under his own name for Prestige Records and Mainstream Records as a leader. As sideman for Art Blakey, Billy Hawks, Richard Groove Holmes, Harold Mabern, Joe Morello, Alphonse Mouzon, and for Freddie Roach. Terry was also a member of Swingadelic from 2000 to 2010
January 30, 1940 ~ Electronic composer, flutist David C Johnson born in Batavia, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Karlheinz Stockhausen, starting as assistant producer for the 1967 Hymnen. In following years Johnson would also be involved in premieres of several of Stockhausen's or Stockhausen-directed works. Has collaborated with Holger Czukay, Irmin Schmidt, Michael Karoli and Jaki Liebezeit in what was to become Can, but departed the group in 1969 disappointed at their growing influences. Member of cooperative the Oeldorf Group ~ Johnson passed away in 2021
January 30, 1939 ~ Folk, pop, Latin jazz singer, percussionist, songwriter Norma Tanega, full name Norma Cecilia Tanega, born in Vallejo, California, USA ~ Best known for Walkin' My Cat Named Dog, an international hit in 1966 nearing the top 20 in America and Britain and reaching top 10 in Canada. Wrote or co-wrote a number of songs recorded by Dusty Springfield including No Stranger Am I, The Colour Of Your Eyes, Earthbound Gypsy and Midnight Sounds. Has collaborated with Hybridvigor, the Latin Lizards, John Zeretzke, Brian Ransom, Baboonz, and Steve Rushingwind Ruiz ~ Tanega passed away in 2019
January 30, 1936 ~ Andres Holten, commonly known as singer, songwriter Dries Holten, born in Cimahi, Dutch East Indies ~ Half of Sandra & Andres, the other half being Sandra Reemer. The duo would reach 4th place at the 1972 Eurovision Songfestival, representing the Netherlands, with their performance of Als Het Om De Liefde Gaat. Holten would later team up with Rosy Pereira forming the duo Rosy & Andres ~ Holten passed away in 2020
January 30, 1936 ~ Pianist, composer Horst Jankowski born in Berlin, Germany ~ Classically trained pianist best known for his easy listening music, starting with the 1965 global hit Walk In The Black Forest followed by a string of successful albums throughout the 1970s consisting mostly of easy listening covers of pop and rock hits ~ Jankowski passed away in 1998
January 30, 1935 ~ Edward Brian Hayes, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, flutist, vibraphonist Tubby Hayes, born in St Pancras, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Ronnie Scott, Jimmy Deuchar, the Jazz Couriers, Kenny Baker, Bert Ambrose, Kurt Edelhagen, Paul Gonsalves, Dave Brubeck, Johnny Dankworth, James Moody, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Jack Costanzo, Victor Feldman, Dizzy Reece, and Stan Tracey ~ Hayes passed away in 1973
January 30, 1930 ~ Charles Montgomery, commonly known as jazz vibraphonist, pianist Buddy Montgomery, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Baby brother of guitarist Wes Montgomery and bassist Monk Montgomery. Member of the Mastersounds with Monk and of the Montgomery Brothers with both of his brothers. Also worked with Big Joe Turner, Slide Hampton, Alonzo Johnson, Miles Davis, George Shearing, Roy Harte, Milt Holland, Johnny Griffin, Charlie Rouse, Bobby Hutcherson, David Fathead Newman, and Clifford Jordan ~ Montgomery passed away in 2009
January 30, 1928 ~ Classical timpanist Elayne Jones, full name Elayne Viola Jones, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Broke racial barriers in classical music. Closely associated with the New York City Opera, playing with the orchestra for about a decade starting in the late-1940s. Has also worked with the New York Metropolitan, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and notably as principal cellist with the San Francisco Symphony under the direction of Leopold Stokowski starting in 1972, the latter making her the first African-American to achieve such a position with a major orchestra ~ Jones passed away in 2022
January 30, 1921 ~ Jazz pianist Bernie Leighton born in West Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Active since the late-1930s. Leader and sideman. Worked with Bud Freeman, Leo Reisman, Raymond Scott, Benny Goodman, Dave Tough, Billie Holiday, Neal Hefti, Artie Shaw, John Serry Sr, James Moody, Bob Wilber, Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Mark Murphy, Charlie Parker, Jack Teagarden, and Cal Tjader ~ Leighton passed away in 1994
January 30, 1911 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Joe Darion born in New York, New York, USA ~ Musical theater lyricist best known for the 1965 musical Man Of La Mancha. Co-wrote Changing Partners, a 1954 No.3 Billboard hit for Patti Page, with Larry Coleman. Versions by Bing Crosby, Kay Starr and Dinah Shore would also reach the top 20. A notable cover can also be found on pop singer Elvis Costello's 2009 Secret Profane & Sugarcane, serving as the album's closing track ~ Darion passed away in 2001
January 30, 1911 ~ Trumpeter Roy Eldridge, full name David Roy Eldridge, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Noted for his sophisticated use of harmony and his virtuosic solos. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the swing era. Has worked with Gene Krupa, Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Ike Quebec, Cecil Payne, Wilbur de Paris, Helen Ward, Zoot Sims, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Jo Jones, Big Joe Turner, Harry Sweets Edison, Count Basie, Coleman Hawkins, Johnny Hodges, Illinois Jacquet, Buddy Tate, Lester Young, and Ben Webster ~ Eldridge passed away in 1989