January 31, 2023 ~ Singer Charlie Thomas passed away ~ When music manager George Treadwell fired his group in 1958, the entire line-up of the the Five Crowns including Thomas would be hired to constitute the new line-up of the Drifters. Sang lead on Sweets For My Sweet and When My Little Girl Is Smiling ~ Thomas was born in 1937
January 31, 2022 ~ James Earl Thompson, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Jimmy Johnson, passed away ~ Brother of blues, soul singer Syl Johnson and bassist Mack Thompson. Influenced by Buddy Guy and Otis Rush. Worked with Freddie King, Albert King, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Eddy Clearwater, Otis Clay, Denise Lasalle, Garland Green, Jimmy Dawkins, and others ~ Johnson was born in 1928
January 31, 2021 ~ Greenwood Mkandawire, commonly known as jazz, gospel, soul, world music singer, guitarist Wambali Mkandawire, passed away in Lilongwe, Malawi ~ Influenced by Congolese rhythms, South African music and Western pop. Lead singer of Sounds Pentagon, merging Malawian music with Western influences. Sang gospel with New Song in the mid-1980s. Active as a solo artist since the late 1980s. Best known for the album Zani Muwone, released in 2002 ~ Mkandawire was born in 1952
January 31, 2019 ~ John van Leeuwarden, commonly known as singer Johnny Lion, passed away in Breda, the Netherlands ~ Fronted the Jumping Jewels, scoring a 1961 Dutch No.1 hit with Wheels. Best known as solo artist, remembered for songs such as Tjingeling, Sophietje and Alleen In Dallas ~ Van Leeuwarden was born in 1941
January 31, 2018 ~ Ardella V Delker, commonly known as singer Del Delker, passed away in Porterville, California, USA ~ Sacred music contralto singer with over 40 albums to her name. Best known for her association with the the Voice Of Prophecy radio ministry starting in 1947 ~ Delker was born in 1924
January 31, 2018 ~ Leah Labelle Vladowski, commonly known as singer Leah Labelle, passed away in Studio City, California, USA ~ Sang in the Total Experience Gospel Choir during childhood. Finalist in third season of American Idol in 2004. Backup singer for Keri Hilson. Robin Thicke, Jordin Sparks, the Jonas Brothers, Britney Spears, Eric Benét, and others. Released a sole solo album, Pharrel Williams & Jermain Dupri Present Leah Labelle, in 2012 ~ Vladowski was born in 1986
January 31, 2017 ~ Roger Arnold Leonard, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Deke Leonard, passed away ~ Took his stage name from Deke Rivers, the character played by Elvis Presley in his 1957 Loving You film. Member of the Bystanders. Joined and left progressive rock group Man several times. Formed, fronted, disbanded, reformed his own Iceberg several times ~ Leonard was born in 1944
January 31, 2017 ~ Rock, progressive rock, hard rock, pop rock singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter John Wetton, full name John Kenneth Wetton, passed away in Bournemouth, UK ~ Best known for his work with King Crimson, UK, and especially Asia, serving as one of the latter's main songwriters often in partnership with Geoff Downes. In-demand sideman and collaborator. Has worked with the Family, Roxy Music (Viva), Uriah Heep, Brian Eno (Here Come The Warm Jets), Wishbone Ash, Phil Manzanera, Bryan Ferry, Mogul Thrash, Gordon Haskell, Peter Sinfield, Steve Hackett, Phenomena, Icon, Ayreon, Renaissance, and others ~ Wetton was born in 1949
January 31, 2016 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger Janusz Muniak passed away ~ One of the pioneers of free jazz in Europe. One of the first Polish jazz musicians to work with rockers, including artists such as Dzamble and Czeslaw Niemen. Has also collaborated with Ronnie Burage, James Gammack, Don Cherry, Ted Curson, Art Farmer, Eddie Gladden, Dexter Gordon, Eddie Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Jones, Rusty Jones, Nigel Kennedy, Branislav Lala Kovacev, Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis, Hank Mobley, Takeo Moriyama, Joe Newman, Sal Nistico, Jasper van 't Hof, Aladar Pege, Rufus Reid, Akira Sakata, Archie Shepp, Charlie Ventura, Yosuke Yamashita, Tomasz Stańko, Zbigniew Namyslowski, Adam Makowicz, Wojclecj Karolak, Krzysztof Komeda, Andrzej Kurylewicz, Andrzej Trzaskowksi, Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski, Jarek Smietana, Jan Jarczyk, Wlodek Pawlik, Leszek Mozdzer, Michal Urbaniak, and others ~ Muniak was born in 1941
January 31, 2016 ~ Hardcore punk, post-hardcore, emo, indie rock, rock singer, songwriter Jon Bunch, full name Jonathan James Esbern Bunch, passed away in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Best known for fronting post-hardcore outfit Sense Field and rock band Further Seems Forever. Has also worked with War Generation, Lucky Scars, Reason To Believe (Save Yourself), Fields Forever, and others ~ Bunch was born in 1970
January 31, 2015 ~ Donald James Randolph, commonly known as R&B, rock & roll, soul, pop singer, songwriter Don Covay, passed away in Franklin Square, New York, USA ~ Songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Chubby Checker, the Rolling Stones (Mercy Mercy), Booker T Jones, Steve Cropper, Etta James, Otis Redding, Little Richard (I Don't Known What You Got But It's Got Me), Gene Vincent, Wanda Jackson, Solomon Burke (I'm Hanging Up My Heart For You), Connie Francis, Steppenwolf, Bobby Womack, Gladys Knight (Letter Full Of Tears), Wilson Pickett, the Small Faces, Grant Green, Aretha Franklin (Chain Of Fools), Peter Wolf, and others ~ Covay was born in 1936
January 31, 2012 ~ Winston Sparkes, commonly known as reggae DJ, singer King Stitt, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Pioneering reggae DJ known for songs such as Lee Van Cleef, Herbsman Shuffle, King Of Kings, Vigorton 2, Dance Beat and perhaps his best known Fire Corner ~ Sparkes was born in 1940
January 31, 2011 ~ Andrew John Smik Jr, commonly known as country singer, bandleader Doc Williams, passed away in Wheeling, West Virginia, USA ~ Married to singer Chickie Williams, with whom he also worked leading his band the Border Riders, a popular radio orchestra from the mid-1930s forwards ~ Smik was born in 1914
January 31, 2009 ~ Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff, commonly known as drummer Dewey Martin, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Buffalo Springfield, known best for their Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit For What It's Worth. Has previously sessioned for artists such as Carl Perkins, the Everly Brothers, Patsy Cline, Charlie Rich, Faron Young, Roy Orbison. Also worked with Sir Raleigh & the Coupons, Holy Mackerel, the Standells, the Modern Folk Quartet, the Dillards, and others ~ Midkiff was born in 1940
January 31, 2007 ~ Kirill Babitzin, commonly known as rock, hard rock, pop singer Kirka, passed away in Helsinki, Finland ~ One of the most popular Finnish rock, pop singers with a career spanning four decades starting in the late 1960s. Has worked with the Creatures, the Islanders (Hetki Iyo), the Blues Section, Mosaic, Sarcofagus, and others. His 1988 Surun Pyyhit Silmistani solo album would become one of the best-selling albums in Finnish pop, rock history. Outside Scandinavia perhaps best known for representing Finland at the 1984 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 9th place with the song Henaillaan ~ Babitzin was born in 1950
January 31, 2006 ~ Punk rock, hardcore punk, skate punk singer Jason Sears, full name Jason Kemper Sears, dies ~ Best known as co-founding member of Rich Kids On LSD, a band initially associated with the nardcore scene yet over time expanding to West Coast hardcore drawing from rock and heavy metal. The band is well known for their 1987 Rock 'n Roll Nightmare album ~ Sears was born in 1968
January 31, 1999 ~ Songwriter, film composer Gabriel Ruiz, full name Gabriel Ruiz Galindo, passed away ~ Best known for composing Amor, covered in both Spanish and English, perhaps most notably by Ben E King in 1961. Others who have recorded the song include Dale Evans, Rod McKuen, and Julio Iglesias ~ Ruiz was born in 1908
January 31, 1985 ~ Barbara Claire Russell, commonly known as singer Barbara Cowsill, passed away ~ Member, matriarch of sibling outfit the Cowsills, best known for The Rain The Park & Other Things, Indian Lake and a live version of Hair, all of which reached the Billboard top 10 in the late 1960s ~ Russell was born in 1928
January 31, 1985 ~ Robert Dustin Waring, commonly known as progressive metal guitarist Dustie Waring, born ~ Rhythm guitarist for Between The Buried And Me joining the band in 2005 as replacement for Shane Blay and first appearing on the Alaska album. Waring is also a member of deathcore outfit Glass Casket since 2001
January 31, 1982 ~ Singer Helena Paparizou born in Vastergotland, Sweden ~ Internationally known for her Eurovision Songfestival entries. Reached 3rd place in the 2001 edition as member of Antique with the song I Would Die For You. As a solo artist again represented Greece in the 2005 edition with the song My Number One, taking the win
January 31, 1981 ~ Singer, songwriter Justin Timberlake born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Most successful singer to emerge from boyband NSYNC's line-up. Released his Justified solo debut album in 2002 and has consistently reached the higher echelons of the charts since. Known for songs such as Cry Me A River, Rock Your Body, SexyBack featuring Timbaland, My Love featuring TI, What Goes Around Comes Around, Suit And Tie featuring Jay-Z, Mirrors, Can't Stop The Feeling and Say Something featuring Chris Stapleton. Has also collaborated with Reba McEntire (The Only Promise That Remains), Beyoncé, Esmée Denters, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent (Ayo Technology), Madonna, Ciara, Black Eyed Peas, Meek Mill, and others
January 31, 1981 ~ Country singer, songwriter Scotty Wiseman, full name Scott Greene Wiseman, passed away in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ Formed the duo Lulu Belle & Scotty with his wife Lulu Belle, one of the most popular country acts of the 1930s and 1940s. The duo lovingly dubbed “the Sweethearts of Country Music” are best known for Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, written by Wiseman and recorded by well over 150 artists including Tex Ritter, Bing Crosby, Eddie Cochran, Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, Patti Page, Willie Nelson, Ringo Starr, Roger Whittaker, and others ~ Wiseman was born in 1909
January 31, 1981 ~ Singer, actress, TV presenter Yulia Nachalova, full name Yulia Viktorivna Nachalova, born in Voronezh, Russia ~ About half a dozen albums to her name since the mid-1990s. Married to singer Dmitry Lanskoy from 2001 to 2004, with whom she collaborated on the Russian hit Lyubov Raketa. Best known for her signature song Geroy Moego Romano ~ Nachalova passed away in 2019
January 31, 1979 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Grant Green passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Father of Grant Green Jr. Green Senior was influenced by Charlie Christian, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Jimmy Raney. Has recorded extensively, both as a leader and as a sideman. Made his first recordings in 1959 backing Jimmy Forrest with Elvin Jones on drums (the LPs All The Gin Is Gone and Black Forrest). Has also backed artists such as Sam Lazar, Willie Dixon, Brother Jack McDuff, Baby Face Willette, Hank Mobley, Stanley Turrentine, Lou Donaldson, Ike Quebec, Horace Parlan, Jimmy Smith, Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, Wild Bill Davis, Reuben Wilson, Houston Person, and others. As a leader Green has recorded since the early 1960s, mostly for Blue Note Records, up to his death ~ Green was born in 1935
January 31, 1978 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Gregory Herbert passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Active since the early-1960s. Played with Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Harold Danko, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Chuck Israels, Blood Sweat & Tears, Chet Baker, Johnny Coles, and others ~ Herbert was born in 1947
January 31, 1977 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Per Zanussi born in Oslo, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Zanussi Five, Hamid Drake, Louis Moholo, Paal Nilssen-Love, Bobby Bradford, Sabir Mateen, Franklin Kiermeyer, Stephen O'Malley, Axel Dörner, Peter Wettre, Fred Lonberg Holm, Bugge Wesseltoft, Mats Gustafsson, Kjetil Moster, Kevin Norton, Ivar Grydeland, Ernesto Rodriguez, Tetuzi Akiyama, Havard Wilk, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Frode Gjerstad, the Jazzmob, Jon Eberson, Marilyn Crispell, Mette Henriette, and others
January 31, 1976 ~ Blues, R&B singer Buster Brown passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for the self-penned Fannie Mae, which topped the R&B charts in 1959. Also co-wrote JT Brown's Doctor Brown, later notably covered by Fleetwood Mac on their 1968 Mr Wonderful album ~ Brown was born in 1911
January 31, 1976 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, author Evert Taube, full name Axel Evert Taube, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Considered Sweden's premier troubadour carrying the torch of the Swedish ballad tradition in the 20th century. Known for songs such as Calle Schewens Vals, Brevet Från Lillan, Änglamark, Sjösala Vals and Så Långe Skutan Kan Gå. Artists such as Roger Whittaker, Sven-Bertil Taube, Martin Best and Emily Melcher have recorded English versions of his songs ~ Taube was born in 1890
January 31, 1976 ~ Garrick Demond Husbands, commonly known as rapper Numskull, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Formed the rap duo Luniz with Yukmouth, best known for their 1995 Billboard top 10 hit I Got 5 On It featuring Michael Marshall. Released a sole solo album, Numworld, in 2007
January 31, 1970 ~ Amelia Fiona Driver, commonly known as actress, singer, songwriter Minnie Driver, born in Marylebone, UK ~ Best known as an actress for film and TV. As a singer was a member of the Milo Roth Band, sang backup on Bomb The Bass's 1994 Clear album and has released a number of solo recordings, most notably 2007's Seastones featuring guests such as Ryan Adams, the Cardinals and Liz Phair
January 31, 1970 ~ James Isaac More, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Slim Harpo, passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Leading exponent of the swamp blues. Influenced by Jimmy Reed. Best known for songs such as I'm A King Bee, Raining In My Heart, Scratch My Back, Shake Your Hips, and I Got Love If You Want It. Much covered by many of the British Invasion acts early in their career, including the Rolling Stones, the Pretty Things, the Yardbirds, the Kinks, Pink Floyd, and Them ~ Moore was born in 1924
January 31, 1967 ~ Michael John Burkett, commonly known as Fat Mike, born in Los Angeles, USA ~ Best known as bassist, lead singer of punk rock outfit NOFX. Also member of supergroup Me First & the Gimme Gimme's
January 31, 1967 ~ Victor Macoggi, commonly known as roots rock, alternative rock, blues harpist, guitarist, singer Little Victor, born in Rome, Italy ~ Best known for his association with Louisiana Red, collaborating on the albums Back To The Black Bayou and Memphis Mojo. Also worked with Alex Chilton, Hubert Sumlin, Harpdog Brown, Charlie White, Rusty Zinn, Carl Sonny Leyland, Kim Wilson, the Panther Burns, the Mighty Lo-Fi Kings, and others. As a solo artist best known for his acclaimed Deluxe Lo-Fi album, released in 2018
January 31, 1965 ~ Guitarist, singer Christian Nesmith, full name Christian DuVCal Nesmith, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of Michael Nesmith. Released a solo album, An Aaxe To Grind, in 2006. Worked with Michael Sherwood, Doug Pinnick, Cindy Alexander, Chodie's Trunk, Air Supply, and others
January 31, 1964 ~ Heavy metal, singer Jeff Hanneman, full name Jeffrey John Hanneman, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Founding member, co-lead guitarist of thrash metal outfit Slayer. Influenced by Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Minor Threat and the Dead Kennedys. Wrote songs for every Slayer album until his death in 2013 at age 49 ~ Hanneman passed away in 2013
January 31, 1962 ~ Glam metal guitarist Jeff Warner born ~ Best known as rhythm guitarist of Black 'n Blue, joining the band in 1982 as replacement for Virgil Ripper. Present on the band's best-known single, Hold On To 18 of their 1984 eponymous Black 'n Blues debut album
January 31, 1961 ~ Singer, songwriter Lloyd Cole born in Buxton, UK ~ Fronted Lloyd Cole & the Commotions from 1984 through 1989, best known for songs such as Rattlesnakes, Brand New Friend and Lost Weekend
January 31, 1961 ~ Jazz, funk, soul, pop trumpeter, composer, arranger Rüdiger Baldauf born in Bensberg, Germany ~ Classically trained. In-demand session, touring musician and collaborator. Member of the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble from 1999 through 2002. Has also worked with James Brown, Liza Minnelli, Seal, Shirley Bassey, Michael Bublé, Maceo Parker, Joe Zawinul, Udo Jürgens, Bernard Pretty Purdie. Released his Own Style solo debut album in 2010
January 31, 1960 ~ Violinist Susie Honeyman born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known for her longtime association with the Mekons, joining the band in 1983. Has also worked with the Fire Engines, Rip Rig & Panic, the Higsons, Mari Wilson, Vivian Stanshall, Nuru Kane, Echo City, Giles Perring, Little Sparta, Pere Ubu, and others
January 31, 1959 ~ Rock, jazz fusion drummer Jeff Sipe, full name Jeffery Lee Sipe, born in Berlin, West Germany ~ Founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit. Also closely associated with Leftover Salmon and the Zambiland Orchestra. Has collaborated with Trey Anastasio, Jeff Coffin, Jimmy Herring, Warren Haynes, Keller Williams, Jonas Hellborg, Susan Tedeschi, Bruce Hampton, Drew Emmitt, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Jazz Is Dead, and others
January 31, 1959 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Mickey Simmonds, full name Michael John Simmonds, born in Chesterfield, UK ~ Session musician, arranger, composer best known for his association with Mike Oldfield, Renaissance, Camel, Fish. Has also worked with Joan Armatrading, Paul Young, the Rutles, Art Garfunkel, Kiki Dee, Mastermind, Elkie Brooks, Judie Tzuke, Bucks Fizz, Jennifer Rush, the Bonzo Dog Band, and others
January 31, 1956 ~ John Lydon, commonly known as singer, songwriter Johnny Rotten born in Finsbury, UK ~ Lead singer of pivotal punk group the Sex Pistols, known for their landmark Never Mind The Bollocks (Here's The Sex Pistols) album. Subsequently fronted Public Image Ltd, scoring the UK top 20 hits Public Image, Death Disco, This Is Not A Love Song and Rise. Guested on Time Zone's 1984 single World Destruction, an early example of rap rock also featuring Afrika Bambaataa and Bill Laswell
January 31, 1955 ~ Ford Lee Washington, commonly known as vaudevillian, pianist, singer Buck Washington, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the duo Buck & Bubbles with John W Bubbles, reportedly becoming the first black artists to appear on TV anywhere in the world performing at the Alexandra Palace in November 1936 aired by the BBC. Washington is also known for backng artists such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith and Coleman Hawkins ~ Washington was born in 1903
January 31, 1954 ~ Adriaan van den Berg, commonly known as guitarist Adrian Vandenberg, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Member of Whitesnake from 1987 through 1990 and again from 1994 through 1997, present on some of the band's best known including the albums Whitesnake and Slip Of The Tongue. Frontman and eponym of Vandenberg, formed in 1981
January 31, 1953 ~ Sarah Streeter, commonly known as blues singer Big Time Sarah, born in Coldwater, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Magic Slim, Buddy Guy, the Aces, Junior Wells, Johnny Bernard, Erwin Helfer, and Sunnyland Slim. Also closey associated with Zora Young and Bonnie Lee, touring under the moniker Blues With The Girls. Ventured out on her own in the early 1980s, releasing her Undecided debut album in 1985. ~ Streeter passed away in 2015
January 31, 1952 ~ Guitarist, conductor, arranger, film composer Steve Bartek born in Garfield Heights, Ohio, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Oingo Bongo, merging rock, ska, pop and world music. The band also included film composer Danny Elfman and is best known for their 1985 single Weird Science, used as the theme of the movie of the same name
January 31, 1951 ~ Charles Blake Cochran, commonly known as theatrical manager, impresario Charles B Cochran, passed away in London, UK ~ Manager, agent, producer responsible for some of the most successful revues and musicals of the 1920s and 1930s, manager of the renowned the Royal Albert Hall. Introduced or promoted talents such as Beatrice Lillie, Gertrude Lawrence, Noël Coward, Jessie Matthews, Yvonne Printemps, Lizbeth Webb, Anna Neagle, Florence Desmond, and the Dolly Sisters ~ Cochran was born in 1872
January 31, 1951 ~ Efren Eugene Benita, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Dave Benton, born in Oranjestad, Aruba ~ Internationally best known for winning the 2001 Eurovision Songfestival representing his adopted homeland of Estonia together with Tanel Padar and 2XL with the song Everybody
January 31, 1951 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Harry Wayne Casey born in Hialeah, Florida, USA ~ Pioneered the disco genre in the 1970s as founder and frontman of KC & the Sunshine Band, known for hits such as Get Down Tonight, That's The Way I Like It, Shake Shake Shake Shake Your Booty, I'm Your Boogie Man and Please Don't Go, all of which would top the Billboard Hot 100
January 31, 1951 ~ Phillip Geoffrey Target-Adams, commonly known as art-rock, experiment rock, jazz fusion, art pop, pop rock guitarist, songwriter Phil Manzanera born in London, UK ~ Well known as lead guitarist for Roxy Music, 801, and Quiet Sun. As a solo artist well over a dozen albums to his name since the mid-1970s, including collaborations with John Wetton, Andy Mackay, Sérgio Dias and Tania Libertad. In-demand session musician, present on recording by Nico, Godley & Creme, Yukihiro Takahashi, David Gilmour. Has also served as producer for the likes of John Cale, Split Enz, Nina Hagen (Revolution Ballroom), Fito Paez, Monica Naranjo, Enrique Bunbury, and others
January 31, 1950 ~ Rock, blues, folk guitarist Jimmy Faulkner born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Active since the 1960s. Member of the Jangle Dangle Band. Member of the Freak Show. Member of the Fleadh Cowboys. Has also worked with the Floating Dublin Blues Band, Christy Moore, Dónal Lunny, Mary Coughlan, Paul Brady, Luka Bloom, and others ~ Faulkner passed away in 2008
January 31, 1948 ~ Joyce Silveira Moreno, mononymously known as jazz, bossa nova singer, guitarist, arranger Joyce, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Actively recording since the late 1960s. Has collaborated with Vinicius de Moraes, Toninho Horta, João Donato, Dori Caymmi, Nana Vasconcelos, Kenny Werner, Elis Regina, Yoko Kanno, and others
January 31, 1947 ~ Jazz, art-music pianist Takashi Kako born in Osaka, Japan ~ Worked with Kent Carter, Oliver Johnson, Noah Howard, Masahiko Togashi, Steve Lacy, and others
January 31, 1946 ~ Guitarist, singer Terry Kath, full name Terry Alan Kath, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by the Ventures, Dick Dale, Howard Robert, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Mike Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix. Founding member of Chicago, considered integral to the band's early sound. Wrote songs such as Introduction, Free Form Guitar, Beginnings, Once Or Twice and Mississippi Delta Blues. Sang lead on I'm A Man, Make Me Smile, Free, Wishing You Were Here and Brand New Love Affair ~ Kath passed away in 1978
January 31, 1944 ~ Blues harpist Charlie Musselwhite, full name Charles Douglas Musselwhite, born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, USA ~ Came to prominence in the 1960s as one of the pioneering “white bluesmen” alongside artists such as Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield. Reportedly served as inspiration for Elwood Blues, the character from the Blues Brothers film. Has over 20 albums to his name, starting with 1967's Stand Back (Here Comes Charley Musselwhite's Soutside Band), and is an in-demand collaborator for guests such as Bonnie Raitt, the Blind Boys Of Alabama, Tom Waits, Hot Tuna, Ben Harper, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Elvin Bishop, and others
January 31, 1940 ~ Sandy Deanne, commonly known as keyboardist, producer Sandy Yaguda, born ~ Co-founded Jay & the Americans, remaining with the band until their initial disbandement in 1973. The band is known best for 1960s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as She Cried, Come A Little Bit Closer and Cara Mia
January 31, 1937 ~ Composer, pianist Philip Glass born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Written operas, concertos, string quartets, chamber music and film scores. Glass describes himself as a composer of “music with repetitive structures”, yet a classicist rooted in harmony and counterpoint. To pop and rock audiences best known for his collaborations with artists such as Brian Eno. Has also worked with Paul Simon, Suzanne Vega, Mick Jagger, Leonard Cohen, David Byrne, Natalie Merchant, and others
January 31, 1937 ~ Pianist, songwriter Pierre Papadiamandis born in Nogent-sur-Marne, France ~ Best known for his association with Eddy Mitchell starting in the mid-1960s, initially as backing pianist and starting with 1966 J'Ai Oublié De L'Oublier serving as Mitchell's primary songwriter. Papadiamandis has written or co-written over 200 songs for Mitchell. Others who have recorded his songs include Ray Charles, Céline Dion, Grace Jones (I Need A Man), Michel Delpech, Johnny Hallyday, Françoise Hardy, and others ~ Papadiamandis passed away in 2022
January 31, 1936 ~ Jazz trombonist Garnett Brown born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Worked with the Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton, Chico Hamilton, Charles Lloyd, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Art Blakey, Duke Pearson, Booker Ervin, Hubert Laws, Lou Donaldson, Stanley Turrentine, Frank Foster, Eddie Harris, George Benson, Ray Bryant, Houston Person, Charles Tolliver, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Gil Evans, Muddy Waters, Joe Thomas, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Airto Moreira, Ronnie Foster, Dakota Staton, Reuben Wilson, Richard Groove Holmes, Yusef Lateef, Charles Earland, Don Sebesky, Jack McDuff, Bo Diddley, Les McCann, Billy Cobham, Arif Mardin, Horace Silver, Ahmad Jamal, and others
January 31, 1936 ~ Ska, reggae trumpeter, saxophonist Lester Sterling born ~ Brother of keyboardist Keith Sterling. Co-founding member of seminal ska outfit the Skatalites, remaining with the band through its initial disbandement in 1965 and involved in several its later reunions. The band is known for a number of early to mid-1960s recordings, notably Guns Of Navarone, and was an in-demand studio band for a wide array of Jamaican artists including Bob Marley. Following the band's disbandement Sterling has recorded as a solo artist, and worked with Byron Lee's unit the Dragonaires, and the Third World All-Stars ~ Sterling passed away in 2023
January 31, 1936 ~ Baritone singer Marvin Junior, full name Marvin Curtis Junior, born in Harrell, Arkansas, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Dells, known best for their 1956 single Oh What A Night which became a staple of R&B, a signature tune and would be rerecorded several times during the band's lengthy career ~ Junior passed away in 2013
January 31, 1933 ~ Percussionist, singer Pete El Condo Rodriguez born in Ponce, Puerto Rico ~ Member of the Fania All-Stars from its inception in 1964 through 1974, and again from 1983 through 1989. Released his solo debut album, El Conde, in 1974 ~ Rodriguez passed away in 2000
January 31, 1932 ~ Peter Mooney, commonly known as folk singer, songwriter Pete St John, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Best known for penning The Fields Of Athenry, first recorded by Danny Doyle in 1979 and notably covered by Paddy Reilly. Other songs penned by Mooney include Rare Ould Times and The Ferryman, both originally recorded by the Dublin City Ramblers and covered by a number of artists, the former by Flogging Molly and Ciarán Sheehan, the latter by Johnny McEvoy and the Dubliners ~ Mooney passed away in 2022
January 31, 1932 ~ Producer, songwriter, music publisher Rick Hall born ~ Best known as owner of Fame Studios, located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Dubbed the Father of Muscle Shoals Music ~ Hall passed away in 2018
January 31, 1930 ~ Pop, rock, surf, country keyboardist, producer Al De Lory, full name Alfred V De Lory, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as producer and arranger for a string of 1960s hits by Glen Campbell, including Gentle On My Mind, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, and Galveston. As a session musician De Lory had played keyboards for various Phil Spector-productions, including He's A Rebel by the Crystals, and notably guested on the Beach Boys landmark 1966 Pet Sounds album ~ De Lory passed away in 2012
January 31, 1929 ~ Actress, singer Jean Simmons, full name Jean Merilyn Simmons, born in London, UK ~ Rose to fame in Britain after being cast in the 1946 Great Expectations. Would work in Hollywood from the 1950s onwards. Played both dramatic roles and in musical comedies such as a 1955 production of Guys And Dolls. Also a stage actress and singer, notably touring the USA and England with a production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music during the 1970s ~ Simmons passed away in 2010
January 31, 1928 ~ Tabla player Keshav Sathe born in Bombay, India ~ Pivotal to Indo-jazz fusion. Collaborated with the Asian Music Circle, Joe Harriott, John Mayer, Irene Schweizer, Barney Wilen, Manfred Schoof, John Renbourn, Danny Thompson, Julie Felix, Bhaskar Chandavarkar, Larry Adler, Tony Roberts, Alisha Sufit, Suns Of Arqa, and others ~ Sathe passed away in 2012
January 31, 1926 ~ Harold Willis, commonly known as R&B, rock & roll singer, songwriter Chuck Willis, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of the Stroll” for his performance of the 1950s dance the stroll. Known best for his late 1950s hits CC Rider and What Am I Living For. Other well known songs include It's Too Late, Juanita, Love Me Cherry, My Story, Don't Deceive Me, and others. Had his songs covered by Ruth Brown, Little Richard, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, James Brown, Otis Redding, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Freddie King, Elvis Presley, Delaney & Bonnie, Conway Twitty, and others ~ Willis passed away in 1958
January 31, 1921 ~ Actress, singer, dancer, comedian Carol Channing was born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Best known as an actress in Broadway and film musicals, also making appearances in feature films and TV series. Received numourous awards and nominations, notably a number of Tony's (including for the lead role of Dolly in 1949's Broadway performance of Hello Dolly) and a 1968 Oscar-nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Thoroughly Modern Millie ~ Channing passed away in 2019
January 31, 1921 ~ Jazz trumpeter John Anderson born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Worked with Count Basie, Buddy Collette, Chico Hamilton, Stan Kenton, and others ~ Anderson passed away in 1974
January 31, 1915 ~ Jazz trumpeter, cornetist, guitarist Bobby Hackett, full name Robert Leo Hackett, born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Worked with Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Vic Schoen, the Andrews Sisters, Tony Bennett, Teresa Brewer, and others ~ Hackett passed away in 1976
January 31, 1913 ~ Pedri Nolasco Justix Nolasco, commonly known as son, bolero, mambo, descarga, jazz pianist, conductor, bandleader, arranger, composer Peruchín, born in Banes, Cuba ~ Studied piano and saxophone but had to give up the latter due to his asthma. Considered one of the most important figures in 1950s descarga music and one of the most influential 20th-century Cuban pianists. Alongside Lilí Martínez, Noro Morales and Rubén González defined modern Cuban piano playing. Remained at the forefront of Cuban jazz through the 1960s. Influenced Charlie Palmieri, George Shearing, Papo Lucca, Chucho Valdes. Mentored Bebo Valdes. Father of guitarist Peruchín Jr ~ Justiz passed away in 1977
January 31, 1908 ~ Hector Roberto Chavero Aramburu, commonly known as payada, trova singer, guitarist, songwriter Atahualpa Yupanqui, born in Pergamino Partido, Argentina ~ Regarded by some as one of the most influential Argentine folk musicians. Married to pianist, songwriter Paula Nenette Pepin. Found widespread acclaim in the 1960s, his songs recorded by Facundo Cabral, Mercedes Sosa, Jorge Cafrune. Known for songs such as El Arriero, Los Hermanos, La Pobrecita ~ Aramburu passed away in 1992
January 31, 1907 ~ Swing trombonist Benny Morton born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Teddy Wilson, Wild Bill Davison, Herb Hall, Claude Hopkins, Arvell Shaw, Buzzy Drootin, Herman Autrey, Sonny Drootin, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Billie Holiday, Ray Bryant, Buck Clayton, Rex Stewart, Dickey Wells, and others ~ Morton passed away in 1985
January 31, 1907 ~ Jazz banjoist Emanuel Sayles born ~ Worked with William Ridgely, Fate Marable, AJ Piron, Sidney Desvigne, Jones & Collins Astoria Hot Eight, Roosevelt Sykes, George Lewis, Sweet Emma Barrett, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Peter Bocage, Kid Thomas Valentine, Earl Hines, Louis Cottrell Jr and others ~ Sayles passed away in 1986
January 31, 1906 ~ Blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer, songwriter Roosevelt Sykes born in Elmar, Kansas, USA ~ Known best for Driving Wheel, Night Time Is The Right Time and perhaps his best-known 44 Blues, the latter becoming a signature song and a blues standard. Worked with Big Joe Williams, St Louis Jimmy Oden, Homesick James, Charlie Specks McFadden, and others ~ Sykes passed away in 1983
January 31, 1898 ~ Bandleader Fred Rich born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Active from the 1920s through the 1950s. Known for songs such as I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, So Beats My Heart For You, A Peach Of A Pair, Cheerful Little Earful, and I'm Tickled Pink With A Blue Eyed Baby. Employed sidemen and vocalists such as Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Joe Venuti, Bunny Berigan, Benny Goodman, Elmer Feldkamp, Eddie Lang, and others ~ Rich passed away in 1956
January 31, 1894 ~ Bandleader, songwriter Isham Jones, full name Isham Edgar Jones, was born in Coalton, Ohio, USA ~ One of the most popular dance bandleaders of the 1920 and 1930s. Known for songs such as Wabash Blues, It Had To Be You, and I'll See You In My Dreams. Employed sidemen such as Louis Panico, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Walt Yoder, Roy Bargy, Al Gallodoro, and others ~ Jones passed away in 1956
January 31, 1892 ~ Isidor Itzkowitz, commonly known as comedian, dancer, singer, actor, songwriter Eddie Cantor, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as Makin' Whoopee, Ida Sweet As Apple Cider, If You Knew Susie, Mandy, My Baby Just Cares For Me, Margie, and others ~ Itzkowitz passed away in 1964
January 31, 1882 ~ Bass-baritone singer, songwriter Peter Dawson, full name Peter Smith Dawson, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Renowned for song recitals and best-selling recordings of operatic arias, oratorio solos and ballads over a career spanning nearly six decades ~ Dawson passed away in 1961