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, Conway Twitty, and others ~ 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, Blue Murder, and others ~ 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, 2021 ~ Michael Turner, commonly known as singer, MC, DJ, turntablist, producer Double K, passed away ~ Formed the acclaimed hip-hop duo People Under The Stairs with Thes One, best known for their 2000 We'll Be There single. Released his sole solo album, Clinophobia (While You Were Sleeping), in 2017 ~ Turner was born in 1977
January 30, 2021 ~ Sophie Xeon, mononymously known as dance-pop, avant-pop, experimental pop singer, producer, DJ, songwriter Sophie, passed away in Athens, Greece ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Bipp and Lemonade. Has produced for Charli XCX, Vince Staples, Kim Petras, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Namie Amuro ~ Xeon was born in 1986
January 30, 2018 ~ Singer, actor Mark Salling passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his role as Noach Puck Puckerman on the musical TV series Glee. Salling committed suicide one month before a scheduled sentencing date for child pornography charges ~ Salling was born in 1982
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, Leon Russell, and others ~ 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, Sal Salvador, and others 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, 2013 ~ Singer Patty Andrews, full name Patricia Marie Andrews, passed away in Los Angeles, California, 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 was born in 1918
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, Les Vandyke, and others ~ Prendergast was born in 1933
January 30, 2009 ~ Michele Francesco Puccioni, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Mike Francis, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Proficient in many genres ranging from smooth jazz to pop and from blue-eyed soul to Italo disco. Outside Italy best known for his 1984 hit Survivor and for his association with disco singer Amii Stewart ~ Puccioni was born in 1961
January 30, 2004 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger Frank Mantooth passed away in Garden City, Kansas, USA ~ Worked with Phil Wilson, Ashley Alexander, Kirtsten Gustafson. Wrote for Louie Bellson, Art Farmer, and Carla Helmbrecht ~ Mantooth was born in 1947
January 30, 1996 ~ Producer Bob Thiele passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Teresa Brewer. Founded Signature Recors 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, flautist George Jame passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Charlie Creath, Johnny Neal, Jimmie Noone, Sammy Stewart, Ida Marples, Jabbo Smith, Bert Hall, Louis Armstrong, the Savoy Bearcats, Charles Turner, Fats Waller, James P Johnson, Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Lucky Millinder, Claude Hopkins, Noble Sissle, Clyde Bernhardt, and others ~ James was born in 1906
January 30, 1994 ~ Ernestine Carroll Davis, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, singer Tiny Davis, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of the International Sweethearts Of Rhythm, one of the first all-female big bands ~ Davis was born ca.1910
January 30, 1992 ~ Joel Fletcher Allan, commonly known as electro house DJ, producer Joel Fletcher, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Opened for Avicii. Best known for the early 2010s singles Swing featuring Savage, and Loco featuring Seany B
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, Luther Dickinson, and others
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, Steve Aoki, and others
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, 1984 ~ Onder Dogan, commonly known as hip-hop rapper, actor Murda, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known for his 2019 single Rompe featuring Priceless & Frenna
January 30, 1983 ~ Post-hardcore, emo, alternative rock drummer Derek Bloom born in South Pasadena, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of From First To Last from 2002 through 2010, rejoining in later years. Formed the Color Of Violence with Travis Richter
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, 1980 ~ Heavy metal, black metal drummer Dariusz Brzozowski born in Nowy Dwór, Poland ~ In-demand drummer in the black metal, heavy metal scene. Has worked with numerous acts including Vader, Pyorrhoea, Neolithic, Black River, Masachist, Hunter, Jelonek, Nerve, Arysta, Dimmu Borgir, Azareth, Vesania and others
January 30, 1980 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Josh Kelley, full name Joshua Bishop Kelley Sr, born in Evans, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted in 2003 with the FGor The Ride Home album. Best known for songs such as Amazing, Only You and perhaps his best-known Georgia Clay, the latter reaching the Billboard Country top 20 in 2010
January 30, 1980 ~ Henry Roeland Byrd, commonly known as blues, R&B, boogie-woogie pianist, singer Professor Longhair, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Cited as influence by Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, and Dr John. Known for New Orleans classics such as Bald Head, Tipitina, Go To The Mardi Gras and Big Chief ~ Byrd was born in 1918
January 30, 1980 ~ Rockabilly, country singer Warren Smith passed away ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Best known for a number of early 1960s singles, most notably I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today and Odds And Ends (Bits And Pieces) ~ Smith was born in 1932
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, Ben Kweller, and others
January 30, 1976 ~ Beau de Glen Lipscomb, commonly known as guitarist Mance Lipscomb passed away in Navasota, Texas, USA ~ Discovered by Mack McCormick and Chris Strachwitz in 1960 during a revival of country blues. Straddles blues, ragtime, folk. Known for his renditions of Sugar Babe, Shine On Harvest Moon and It's A Long Way To Tipperary ~ Lipscomb was born in 1895
January 30, 1975 ~ Power pop, pop punk, dance rock singer, guitarist, pianist Yumi Yoshimura born in Osaka, Japan ~ Half of PUFFY, the other half being Ami Onuki
January 30, 1974 ~ Psychedelic rock, indie rock guitarist, singer Carl Broemel born in Indiana, USA ~ Best known as member of My Morning Jacket, joining the band in 2004 and first appearing on the 2005 Z album. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with Lose What's Left released in 2004, and worked with Old Pike and Silvercrush
January 30, 1974 ~ Carlos Alberto Sanchez, commonly known as salsa, bachata, bolero singer, guitarist Charlie Zaa, born in Girardot, Columbia ~ Member of Grupo Niche and Guayacan before venturing out on his own by the mid-1990s. Best known for albums such as Sentimientos, De Un Solo Sentimiento and De Bohemia
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 ~ Multi-instrumentalist, 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 written and produced for Erykah Badu, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, Common, Anthony Hamilton, d'Angelo, Keyshia Cole, Estelle, Corinne Bailey Rae, Eric Benét, Musiq Soulchild, Jaheim, Ruben Studdard, and others. Has also worked with Jay-Z, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Ziggy Marley, Macy Gray, Femi Kuti, Roy Hargrove, and others
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, 1964 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Marcel Jacob, full name Marcus Jacobsson, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Founding member, bassist, primary songwriter of Talisman. Briefly played with Europe in 1981. Also worked with Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Human Clay, Humanimal, Last Autumn's Dream, and others ~ Jacob passed away in 2009
January 30, 1964 ~ Country singer, songwriter Patricia Conroy born in Montreal, Canada ~ Best known for a number of 1990s country hits, most notably Somebody's Leavin' and What Else Can I Do
January 30, 1963 ~ Composer, pianist Francis Poulenc, full name Francis Jean Marcel Poulenc, passed away in Paris, France ~ Composed for solo piano, chamber music, choral pieces, operas, ballets. Well-known works include Trois Mouvememnt Perpetuels, Les Biches, and Dialogues Des Carmelites ~ Poulenc was born in 1899
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 ~ Rock & roll, pop 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, 1959 ~ Dixieland, jazz saxophonist Boyce Brown passed away ~ 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 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. Also known for songs such as Some Kind Of Lover, Real Love, Everything. Has also worked with Musical Youth, Gary Langan, Anne Dudley, JJ Jeczalik, George Michael, Eric B & Rakim, and others
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, the Undertow Orchestra, and others. 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, 1958 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Bjorn Klakegg born in Slien, Norway ~ Has collaborated with artists such as Nils Petter Molvær, Sverre Gjørvad, Ernst-Wiggo Sandbakk, Frode Alnæs, Knut Værnes, Knut Reiersrud, Hanne Hukkelberg, Tove Karoline Knutsen, Terje Gewelt, Tore Brunborg, and others
January 30, 1958 ~ Singer Karen Carroll born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Carey Bell, Professor Eddie Lusk, Lurrie Bell, Rudy Rotta, Otis Grand, Angela Brown, Billy Branch, Melvin Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Lonnie Brooks, Alvin Lee, Byther Smith, Sugar Blue, and others. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Had My Fun in 1995 and has recorded steadily since ~ Carroll passed away in 2016
January 30, 1957 ~ Blues, soul, Americana singer, songwriter Janiva Magness born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Sang backup for Kid Ramos and RL Burnside. Debuted as a solo artist with the album More Than Live, independently released in 1991. Has been steadily recording to critical acclaim since
January 30, 1956 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Blue Suede Shoes in 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 would becme the bigger hit and become one of Presley's signature songs. It would be re-recorded in stereo for the 1960 Elvis-film GI Blues
January 30, 1956 ~ Pop, pop rock singer, guitarist, author, actor Hugo Matthysen born in Ekeren, Belgium ~ Best known for his association with Bart Peeters in the bands Beri Beri, the Yéh-Yéhs (The 7 Kings Of Rock & Roll) and CPeX, going by the monniker Clement Peerens in the latter band
January 30, 1954 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alides Hidding born in Schoonoord, the Netherlands ~ Founding member, lead singer of disco-funk band Time Bandits, known best for I'm Specialized In You
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, Midge Ure, and others ~ 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 roovy Kind Of Love and Another Day In Paradise. Has collaborated with Marilyn Martin, David Crosby, Lil' Kim, and others
January 30, 1949 ~ Funk, R&B, soul, pop trumpeter, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer, songwriter William King born in Tuskegee, Alabama, USA ~ Founding member of the Commodores, known for songs such as Sweet Love, Easy, Brick House, Three Times A Lady, Oh No and Nightshift
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, 1946 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Tutti Frutti at RCA Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Dorothy LaBostrie and Little Richard, the latter scoring an original hit in 1955. Elvis would include the track on his 1956 Elvis Presley debut album, as well as use the song for the B-side of Blue Suede Shoes
January 30, 1946 ~ Bluegrass mandolinist, banjoist, singer Sandy Rothman born in Miami, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Jerry Garcia, Bill Monroe, Earl Taylor, Red Allen, Jimmie Skinner, Larry Spark, the Kentucky Colonels, Country Joe McDonald, Kathy Kallick, Clarence White, and others
January 30, 1944 ~ Cellist Lynn Harrell born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of baritone singer Mack Harrell and violinist Marjorie Fulton. Debuted with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at age 17 ~ Harrell passed away in 2020
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, 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, Steve Rushingwind Ruiz, and others ~ Tanega passed away in 2019
January 30, 1938 ~ Norma Jean Beasler, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Norma Jean, born in Wilston, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known as a member of The Porter Wagoner Show from 1961 through 1967. As a solo artist has some 20-odd albums to her name. Best known for songs such as Let's Go All The Way, Go Cat Go and Heaven Help The Working Girl
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, Stan Tracey, and others ~ Hayes passed away in 1973
January 30, 1935 ~ Classical cellist Wolfgang Boettcher born in Berlin, Germany ~ Principal cellist with the Berlin Philharmonic. Also known as founding member of the 12 Cellists Of The Berlin Philharmonic. Served as artistic director of the Somerlich Musiktage Festival chamber music festival from 1986 through 1992 ~ Boettcher passed away in 2021
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, 1927 ~ Jazz organist Hank Marr born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Known for two minor hit singles, 1964's Greasy Spoon and 1965's Silver Spoon. Worked with Rusty Bryant, James Blood Ulmer, Freddie King, Wilbert Longmire, Floyd Smith, and others ~ Marr passed away in 2004
January 30, 1926 ~ Betty Ethel Holton, commonly known as soprano singer, stage actress Lizbeth Webb, born in Reading, UK ~ Best remembered for her recording of This Is My Lovely Day. Dance band singer entertaining British troops during World War II. Starred in West End musicals after the war ~ Holton passed away in 2013
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, Cal Tjader, and others ~ Leighton passed away in 1994
January 30, 1920 ~ Singer Tito Gómez, full name José Antonio Tenreiro Gómez, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Worked with the Sevilla Biltmore Orquesta, the Orquesta Riverside, and with the Orquesta Jorrin ~ Gómez passed away in 2000
January 30, 1911 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader Frank Weir born in London, UK ~ Worked with Vera Lynn on her 1954 UK No.1 My Son My Son ~ Weir passed away in 1981
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, Ben Webster, and others ~ Eldridge passed away in 1989
January 30, 1902 ~ Jazz bassist, tubist Jim Lanigan born in USA ~ Worked with the Austin High School Gang, Husk O'Hare, the Mound City Blowers, Art Kassel, the Chicago Rhythm Kings, the Jungle Kings, Red McKenzie, Eddie Condon, Ted Fio Rito, Jimmy McPartland, Bud Jacobson, Bud Freeman, Danny Alvin, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Lanigan passed away in 1983