January 4, 2024 ~ Richard David Solberg, commonly known as actor, singer David Soul, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as an actor, appearing in TV shows such as Here Comes The Bride, Magnum Force, and perhaps most notably Starsky & Hutch, portraying the role of Hutch. Solberg has also recorded as a singer, enjoying popularity during the mid-1970s especially in the UK. Well-known songs include Going In With My Eyes Open, Silver Lady, Let's Have A Quiet Night In, and Don't Give Up On Us, the latter also reaching No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Solberg was born in 1943
January 4, 2022 ~ Rock, hard rock guitarist Andrzej Nowak passed away ~ Founded hard rock, metal band TSA in 1979, known for songs such as Zwierzenia Kontestatora and Marsz Wilkow. The former would be used in the 1984 documentary Behind The Iron Curtain which documents the first visit of Iron Maiden to Poland ~ Nowak was born ca.1959
January 4, 2022 ~ R&B singer Jessie Lee Daniels passed away ~ Member of family outfit the Force MD's, known best for their Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Tender Love written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, lead single of their 1985 Chillin' sophomore album. The band regulary reached the top 10 of the Billboard R&B charts throughout the 1980s, well known songs including Tears, Love Is A House, and Touch & Go ~ Daniels was born ca.1964
January 4, 2018 ~ Flutist, songwriter Ray Thomas passed away in Surrey, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Moody Blues. Especially remembered for his flute solo on the band's Nights In White Satin. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including Legend Of A Mind, Procession, Dreamer, For My Lady, and Never Blame The Rainbows For The Rain ~ Thomas was born in 1941
January 4, 2016 ~ Music manager, impresario, producer, film producer Robert Stigwood, full name Robert Colin Stigwood, passed away in London, UK ~ Active since the early 1960. Almost went bankrupt organizing and promoting UK tours for Chuck Berry and PJ Proby. Perhaps best known as manager for seminal 1960s blues, rock band Cream. Would merge his agency with the Beatles-manager Brian Epstein's in 1967, after which Stigwood would manage acts such as the Bee Gees and Andy Gibb, and play key roles in theatrical productions of the musicals Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar and as film producer or co-producer for Saturday Night Fever, Grease. Fame, Staying Alive, and Evita featuring Madonna ~ Stigwood was born in 1934
January 4, 2015 ~ Giuseppe Daniele, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Pino Daniele, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Once dubbed his music “tarumbo” indicating a mix of tarantello, blues and rumba. Prolific guitarist known for his wide influences and social commentary. Best known for his debut, 1977 Terra Mia and his 1980 album Nero A Metà, the latter being noted by critics as the rebirth of Neapolitan song. Opened for Bob Marley. Befriended Eric Clapton. Had his songs covered by artists as diverse as Sarah Jane Morris, Randy Crawford (It's Raining (Quanno Chiove)), Patricia Marx, Marisa Monte, and Issac Delgado. Collaborated with James Senese, Enzo Avitabile, Tullio de Piscopo, Tony Esposito, Alphonso Johnson, Wayne Shorter, Richie Havens, Pat Metheny, Joe Bonamassa, and others ~ Daniele was born in 1955
January 4, 2012 ~ Theodor Christian Frolich Bergh, commonly known as saxophonist Totti Bergh, passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with the Kjell Karlsen Sextet, Rowland Greenberg, Einar Schanke, Per Borthen, his wife Laila Dalseth, Al Cohn, Per Husby, Plas Johnson, Harry Allen, George Masso, Terje Venaas, and others ~ Bergh was born in 1935
January 4, 2011 ~ Gerald Rafferty, commonly known as folk rock, soft rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist, songwriter Gerry Rafferty, passed away in Stroud, UK ~ Influenced by the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Member of folk-pop outfit the Humblebums, with whom he recorded the albums The New Humblebums and Open Up The Door at the tail end of the 1960s. Rose to fame as a member of Stealers Wheel, co-founded with school friend Joe Egan. The group would score two major hits in the early 1970s with Stuck In The Middle With You, which reached top 10 on both sides of the pond, and the somewhat underrated deliciously gentle Star, which still cracked the top 30 both in America and their native England. Following the band's disbandement in 1975, Rafferty resumed his solo career, and has recorded over half a dozen albums well into the 2000s. As a solo artist, Rafferty is best known for Baker Street, again a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Its parent album City To City, released in 1978, topped the American Billboard Hot 200 album charts ~ Rafferty was born in 1947
January 4, 2011 ~ Andonis Michaelides, commonly known as bassist, singer Mick Karn, passed away in London, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of new wave outfit Japan. The band is best known for Ghosts, a UK No.5 hit off Tin Drum, the band's fifth and final album released in 1981. Other well known songs include Quiet Life, Visions Of China, Cantonese Boy, Life In Tokyo, and Nightporter. A decade after the band folded, the original line-up reunited under the monniker Rain Tree Crow to record the eponymous Rain Tree Crow album which cracked the UK top 40. Karn has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with the likes of Gary Numan, playing bass and saxophone on Numan's UK top 10 hit She's Got Claws, Masami Tsuchiya, Akiko Yano, Dali's Car, Midge Ure, Kate Bush, David Torn, and Joan Armatrading ~ Karn was born in 1958
January 4, 2010 ~ Roberto Sánchez-Ocampo, commonly known as singer Sandro de América, passed away in Mendoza, Argentina ~ Considered a pioneer of Argentine rock for being one of the first rock artists to sing in Spanish. Has recorded well over 40 albums since the mid-1940s. Well-known songs include Dame Fuego, Penumbras, Mi Amigo El Puma, Tengo, Una Muchacha Y Una Guitarra, and perhaps his biggest hit Rosa Rosa, the latter selling two million copies. At the height of his popularity, Sánchez-Ocampo would be critically compared to Elvis Presley in his native Argentina ~ Sánchez-Ocampo was born in 1945
January 4, 2010 ~ Bassist, arranger, engineer, producer Tony Clarke, full name Anthony Ralph Clarke, passed away in Brighton, UK ~ Active since the early 1960s, Clarke served as bassist and session musician for a succession of bands, though to little commercial success. Clarke would, however, become well known as a producer, starting with Mirror Mirror, a 1966 UK top 10 hit for Pinkerton's Assorted Colours. Clarke is most closely associated with the Moody Blues, producing over half a dozen of the band's albums starting with Days Of Future Passed in 1967, as well as several of the band members' solo albums including Justin Hayward's Songwriter and John Lodge's Natural Avenue, both released in 1977. Clarke is also noted for engineering Tea For The Tillerman, arguably Cat Stevens's best known album, and has produced albums for Mahogany, Gonzalez, Camel (Nude), Clannad (Pastpresent), and Spiritualized ~ Clarke was born in 1941
January 4, 2008 ~ Jazz bassist Earl May, full name Earl Charles Barrington May, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most prolific jazz bassists of the postwar era, known for his rich, round sound. Active on the New York club circuit since the early-1950s, backing artists such as Lester Young, Billy Taylor, Gloria Lynne, and Charles Mingus, to become one of the busiests bassists by the end of the decade. Notably present on key albums by Chet Baker, John Coltrane (Lush Life), and Buddy Rich (Driver). Ventured into soul-jazz by the 1960s, gracing albums by Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott, and Lou Donaldson. May continued to perform well into the 2000s, passing away at age 80 of a heart attack just days after his last performance ~ May was born in 1927
January 4, 2008 ~ Jazz singer Irene Reid passed away ~ Tried for an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater and won the competition for five straight weeks. This led a a two-year stint at the Savoy Ballroom under the direction of Dick Vance, from 1948 to 1950. Sang with the Count Basie Orchestra in the early-1960s. Recorded her solo debut album in 1965, Room For One More, with arrangements and conducting by Oliver Nelson and backed by an all-star cast featuring Charlie Mariano, Jerome Richardson, Phil Woods, Jerry Dodgion, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Jimmy Cleveland, Urbie Green, JJ Johnson, Kenny Burrell, Bob Cranshaw, Roger Kellaway, and Grady Tate. Reid would continue to perform and record well into the 2000s, ranging from a Broadway production of the musical Broadway Wiz to collaborations with Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, and BB King ~ Reid was born in 1930
January 4, 2008 ~ Rock, indie rock, folk metal drummer Keith Baxter passed away ~ Co-founded thrash metal Aphasia while still in his teens. Perhaps best known as member of folk metal pioneers Skyclad from 1990 through 1995, first appearing on the 1991 The Wayward Sons Of Mother Earth album. Subsequently worked with 3 Colours Red until its disbandement in 1999. Formed Elevation with bandmate Pete Vuckovic. Has also briefly worked with Therapy and with Baby Judas ~ Baxter was born in 1971
January 4, 2008 ~ Jazz, dixieland trumpeter Keith Smith, full name Keith John Smith, passed away in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the mid-1950s, mostly in traditional jazz and dixieland revival bands. As a leader perhaps best known for founding and leading Hefty Jazz for over a decade starting in 1975, which at times included George Chisholm, Mick Pyne, Peanuts Hucko, Nat Pierce, Johnny Mince, Barrett Deems. Has also worked with Norrie Cox, the New Teao Brass Band, Pops Foster, Jimmy Archey, Alvin Alcorn, and others ~ Smith was born in 1940
January 4, 2004 ~ Southern gospel singer Jake Hess, full name William Jake Hess, passed away in Opelika, Alabama, USA ~ Lead singer with the Statesmen Quartet from 1948 through 1963. After his departure from the band founded the Imperials. Major influence on Elvis Presley, who was so impressed with Hess' singing that he tried to emulate the vocal style and phrasing for the remainder of his life. Hess has sung backup on several Elvis albums and performed at Presley's funeral ~ Hess was born in 1927
January 4, 2001 ~ Conductor, cellist Lawrence Leonard passed away ~ Started as cellist with the London Symphony Orchestra at age 16. Would go on to become a renowned conductor, noted for conducting the UK premiere of West Side Story at the request of composer Leonard Bernstein. Has worked with the BBC Northern Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. To pop audiences, Leonard is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Procol Harum recording the Procol Harum Live (In Concert With The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) album released in 1972 ~ Leonard was born in 1923
January 4, 2001 ~ Jazz, swing, big band, traditional pop bandleader Les Brown, full name Lester Raymond Brown, passed away in Pacific Palisades, California, USA ~ Popular bandleader with a career spanning nearly seven decades from the late-1930s until shortly before his death. Known for bringing Doris Day to prominence with the 1945 recording of Sentimental Journey. Has also worked with Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Connee Boswell, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and others ~ Brown was born in 1912
January 4, 2000 ~ Jazz trumpeter Lou Mucci, full name Louis Raphael Mucci, passed away ~ Active since his early teens, initially playing baritone horn before switching to trumpet. Has worked with the likes of Mildred Bailey, Red Norvo, Glenn Miller, Helen Merrill, Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, Miles Davis (Miles Ahead), and Kenny Burrell ~ Mucci was born in 1909
January 4, 1998 ~ Actress, singer, songwriter Coco Jones born in Columbia, South Carolina, USA ~ Rose to fame as an actress for several Disney production, notably the 2012 film Let It Shine. As a singer performed on several soundtracks and has released a number of EPs, starting with the 2010 eponymous Coco Jones EP released shortly after reaching second place in Radio Disney's The Next Big Thing radio singing competition. Cites Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Céline Dion, Etta James, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, CeCe Winans and Mary J Blige as some of her biggest musical influences
January 4, 1997 ~ R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimmy Hughes passed away in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ Cousin of Percy Sledge. Member of gospel quartet the Singing Clouds. Member of the Darling Buds. As a solo artist best known for his 1964 self-penned single Steal Away, a recording that helped define Muscle Shoals sound. His career would wane with his label turning their attention to the Beatles and the Four Seasons but reemerged at the end of the decade. Other well known songs include Try Me, Neighbour Neighbour, I Worship The Ground You Walk On, Why Not Tonight and I Like Everything About You ~ Hughes was born in 1938
January 4, 1992 ~ Stella Gloria Crowson, commonly known as jazz singer Teddy Grace, passed away in La Mirada, California, USA ~ Radio singer working with big bands led by Bob Crosby, Paul Whiteman, Al Katz, Tommy Christian, and Mal Hallett for most of the 1930s. Recorded for Decca Records from 1937 to 1940 working with sidemen such as Bobby Hackett, Jack Teagarden, Charlie Shavers, Buster Bailey, Pee Wee Russell, and Bud Freeman. Joined the Women's Army Corps in 1940, sang at war bond rallies, lost her voice and was unable to speak for years, never again sang ~ Crowson was born in 1905
January 4, 1991 ~ Alto saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Leo Wright passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Sideman and leader. Active from late-1950s through late-1970s. Worked with Charles Mingus, Kenny Burrell, Johnny Coles, Blue Mitchell, Dizzy Gillespie. Also aided artists such as Kenny Burrell, Gloria Coleman, Tadd Dameron, Red Garland, Gildo Mahones, Jack McDuff, Blue Mitchell, Oliver Nelson, David Pike, Lalo Schifrin, Richard Williams, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Antônio Carlos Jobim ~ Wright was born in 1933
January 4, 1989 ~ Timothy Lee McKenzie, commonly known as pop, R&B, hip-hop, electronica singer, rapper, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist, producer, songwriter Labrinth born in London, UK ~ First gained attention featured on Tinie Tempah's 2010 single Pass Out. Released his full-length solo debut album Electronic Earth in 2012. Known for songs such as Let The Sun Shine, Last Time, Beneath Your Beautiful featuring Emeli Sandé, Jealous, and others. Member of supergroup LSD with Sia and Diplo. In-demand collaborator and songwriter including with artists such as Beyoncé, Kanye West, the Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran, and Noah Cyrus
January 4, 1989 ~ Folk, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Zachary Lucky born in Saskatoon, Canada ~ Prior to releasing Come And Gone debut album in 2010 earned a reputation as one of the hardest working singers to come out of Saskatchewan through relentless touring. Has recorded consistently since, best known for songs such as Coming Back Home, Leaves Are Falling, Sunday Morning At The Drag Strip, and Hang Me Oh Hang Me
January 4, 1984 ~ Abraham Olshewitz, commonly known as songwriter, music publisher Abe Olman, passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Down Among The Sheltering Palms (the Lyric Quartet, Sammy Kaye, the Chordettes), I'm Waiting For Ships That Never Come In (Nick Lucas, Bing Crosby, Ernest Tubb), Oh Johnny Oh Johnny (the Premier Quartet, the Andrews Sisters, Dottie Dillard), and Noah's Wife (Lived A Wonderful Life) (Eddie Cantor, the Hoosier Hot Shots, Tiny Hill) ~ Olshewitz was born in 1887
January 4, 1983 ~ Pop, synth-pop, new wave duo Eurythmics release their Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) sophomore album ~ The duo had release their In The Garden debut album in 1981, which didn't chart. Their Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) sophomore effort, however, would be their breakout album. After a slow start the album's title track would reach No.1 Billboard Hot 100, and two of the album's singles, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) and Love Is A Stranger, reached top 10 in their native UK. The album itself reached top 10 across Europe, top 20 in the USA. The duo would go on to become one of the most recognisable and successful British acts of the 1980s, sell over 75 million records globally, and launch the solo careers of singer Annie Lennox and producer, multi-instrumentalist Dave Stewart
January 4, 1982 ~ Christian rock bassist, keyboardist Alyssa Barlow, full name Alyssa Katherine Nicole Barlow, born ~ One third of Christian girl group BarlowGirl, formed with her siblings guitarist Rebecca Barlow and drummer Lauren Barlow. Initially a backing band for their father Vince Barlow, the trio would become a popular festival act, and aided by a tribute song titled Barlow Girls by fellow Christian rockers Superchick, rose to fame prior to releasing their eponymous 2004 BarlowGirl debut album. They are best known for the singles Never Alone and I Need You To Love Me. They recorded about half a dozen albums, most acclaimed for their 2009 Love & War album, before disbanding the band in the early-2000s
January 4, 1981 ~ Jazz pianist, songwriter Ruth Lowe passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Served as pianist in Ina Ray Hutton's all-female ensemble the Melodears, prior to marrying Chicago music publicist Harold Cohen. Sadly, Cohen would die about a year into the marriage after which Lowe returned to her native Toronto where in grief she penned I'll Never Smile Again. The song would become a jazz standard first recorded by Ray Eberle in 1940 with backing from Glenn Miller's orchestra. Later the same year it would become Frank Sinatra's first major hit. Others who have recorded the song include Sarah Vaughan, Ferlin Husky, the Platters, Billie Holiday, and Eddy Arnold. Other notable songs co-written by Lowe include My First Love, first recorded by Jimmy Dorsey, Put Your Dreams Away, recorded by Sinatra, and Take Your Sins Away, recorded by the Travellers ~ Lowe was born in 1914
January 4, 1977 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer Solon Bixler born in Fresno, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist of the Great Northern. Married to Northern bandmate singer, keyboardist Rachel Stolte. Has previously worked with Thirty Seconds To Mars, All Smiles, Earlimart, Sea Wolf, and others
January 4, 1977 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Tim Wheeler, full name Timothy James Arthur Wheeler, born in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland ~ Best known as member and primary songwriter of Ash, writing a vast amount of the band's material including Oh Yeah, Shining Light, Girl From Mars and Goldfinger. Has also frequently collaborated with Emmy The Great and released his solo debut album, Lost Domain, in 2014
January 4, 1974 ~ Jazz trumpeter Sjur Miljeteig born in Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Appears on over 50 albums. Worked with Havard Wilk, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Peder Kjellsby, Jagga Jazzist, Aslak Hartberg, Solveig Slettahjell, Tord Gustavsen, Morten Qvenild, Friko, Bugge Wesseltoft, Markus Midré, the Shining, and others
January 4, 1974 ~ Christopher Alan Stewart, commonly known as R&B, hip-hop producer, songwriter Tricky Stewart, born in Markham, Illinois, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of The-Dream. Has produced and written for artists such as JT Money, Sole, Tamar Braxton, Beyoncé (Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)), J Holiday, Gym Class Heroes, Rihanna (Umbrella), Jamie Foxx, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Justin Bieber (Baby), Britney Spears, Mary J Blige (Just Fine), Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey (Obsessed), Ciara, Céline Dion, Mya (Case Of The Ex), Christina Aguilera, Karina Pasian, Maroon 5, Nicole Scherzinger, Usher, Janet Jackson, Sisqó, Avant, and others
January 4, 1970 ~ Country fiddler Clayton McMichen passed away in Battletown, Kentucky, USA ~ Founded the Home Town Boys. Worked with the Skillet Lickers, which also included Gid Tanner, one of the nation's most successful country acts of the 1920. As a solo artist known for recordings such as Sweet Bunch Of Roses and My Carolina Home. Wrote Peach Pickin' Time, a hit for Jimmie Rodgers ~ McMichen was born in 1900
January 4, 1970 ~ Henry Macgregor Woods, commonly known as songwriter, pianist Harry M Woods, passed away in Glendale, Arizona, USA ~ Best known for contributing to a number of Hollywood musicals including notably The Vagabond Lover, A Lady's Morals, and Road House. Collaborated with songwriters such as Mort Dixon, Al Sherman, Arthur Freed, Rube Bloom, and Gus Kahn. Songs written or co-written by Woods include I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover (Nick Lucas, Ben Bernie, Jean Goldkette), When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain (Kate Smith), What A Little Moonlight Can Do (Violet Loraine, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine), and Try A Little Tenderness (Ray Noble, Bing Crosby, Otis Redding) ~ Woods was born in 1896
January 4, 1969 ~ Pop, rock singer Martin Buitenhuis born in Den Helder, the Netherlands ~ Frontman, lead singer of Van Dik Hout, best known for their 1994 hit Stil In Mij. The band has also collaborated with Acda & De Munnik using the moniker de Poema's, resulting in the 2001 hit Zij Maakt Het Verschil
January 4, 1969 ~ Bassist Paul Chambers, full name Paul Laurence Dunbar Chambers Jr, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Ray Brown, George Duvivier. One of the most revered bass players of the hard bop era. About a dozen albums as a leader, present on over an estimated 100 more as a sideman. Closely associated with Miles Davis, appearing on albums such as Round About Midnight, Miles Ahead, Kind Of Blue, and Sketches Of Spain. Other notable collaborations include Bennie Green, Johnny Griffin (A Blowin' Session), Jackie McLean, Thelonious Monk (Brilliant Corners), Clifford Jordan, Benny Golson (New York Scene), Art Taylor, Abbey Lincoln, Milt Jackson (Bags' Opus), Wayne Shorter, Gil Evans, John Coltrane (Giant Steps), Freddie Hubbard (Open Sesame), King Curtis, Oliver Nelson (The Blues And The Abstract Truth), Elvin Jones, Hank Mobley, and Ike Quebec (Blue & Sentimental). Chambers is tributed in several songs, notably Five For Paul by Max Roach and Paul Chambers by Barenaked Ladies ~ Chambers was born in 1935
January 4, 1967 ~ Indie rock, country rock singer, guitarist, songwriter David Berman, full name David Craig Berman, born in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA ~ Sole constant member of the indie rock outfit Silver Jews, which he co-founded with Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. Has also worked with Ectoslavia, with Purple Mountains, and guested on recordings by the Royal Trux, Will Oldham, the Dexateens, and others ~ Berman passed away in 2019
January 4, 1965 ~ Caitlin O'Riordan, commonly known as folk rock, folk punk, Celtic rock bassist, singer Cait O'Riordan born in Lagos, Nigeria ~ Member of the Pogues from 1983 through 1986, present on the band's first two albums Red Roses For Me and Rum Sodomy & The Lash. Also worked with Elvis Costello to whom she was married from 1986 to 2002
January 4, 1964 ~ Hard rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Hasse Fröberg born ~ Best known as member of progressive rock outfit the Flower Kings. Has also worked with Spellbound, Solid Blue, Barrelhouse, the Highway Stars, and others
January 4, 1963 ~ Singer Roy Orbison records In Dreams ~ Self-penned and produced by Fred Foster. It would be released as a single the next month, paired with Shahdaroba on the flip side
January 4, 1962 ~ Heavy metal, thrash metal guitarist John Marshall born ~ Best known as longtime member of the Metal Church starting in 1986, present on some of the band's best known including the acclaimed 1991 The Human Factor album. Briefly played with progressive thrash metal band Blind Illusion alongside Les Claypool and Larry Lalonde. Served as guitar tech for Metallica's Kirk Hammett and has on two occasions performed with the band, filling in for James Hetfield on rhythm guitar when Hetfield's wrist was broken
January 4, 1962 ~ Petrus Thomas Ratajczyk, commonly known as gothic metal singer, bassist, songwriter Peter Steele, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by the Beatles and Black Sabbath. Best known as frontman of gothic metal outfit Type-O Negative. Previously worked with metal band Fallout and thrash band Carnivore ~ Ratajczyk passed away in 2010
January 4, 1962 ~ Punk bassist Pierre Kezdy born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of the Effigies-frontman John Kezdy. Pierre is best known for co-founding 1980s punk outfit Strike Under, which evolved into Trial By Fire after the departure of lead singer Steve Bjorklund. Has also worked with Naked Raygun, Pegboy, the Rainbow Girls, the Interceptors, the Arsenal, and others ~ Kezdy passed away in 2020
January 4, 1962 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer Robin Guthrie, full name Robin Andrew Guthrie born in Grangemouth, UK ~ Co-founded the Cocteau Twins, a band drawing from synth-pop, gothic rock and dream pop and known for 1980s, 1990s singles such as Pearly Dewdrops' Drops, Evangeline and Bluebeard. The band would be critically acclaimed for their 1990 Heaven Or Las Vegas album. Following the band's disbandement in 1998 Guthrie has recorded as a solo artist, starting with 2003's Imperial, and collaborated with Harold Budd, Violet Indiana, Mark Gardener, John Foxx, Eraldo Bernocchi, and others. Has served as producer for Felt, the Gun Club, and Lush
January 4, 1961 ~ Heavy metal singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist David DeFeis born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Classically trained pianist. Influenced by Jimmy Page, Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant, David Coverdale, Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan. Best known as frontman, primary songwriter of Virgin Steele. Also known for writing or co-writing a number of metal operas, starting with Klytaimnestra based on Greek mythology and premiered in 1999
January 4, 1960 ~ Rock, glam rock, pop rock guitarist, singer Gerry Laffy born in Hoxton, UK ~ Co-founding member of short-lived yet influential rock outfit Girl, known for their 1980 Sheer Greed album and its follow-up Wasted Youth. Has also worked with the London Cowboys, Sheer Greed, Ultravox, Chris Chesney, and otherss
January 4, 1960 ~ Alternative rock singer, songwriter Michael Stipe, full name John Michael Stipe, born in Decatur, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced Kurt Cobain, Thom Yorke, Bono. Lead singer, lyricist of REM, known for songs such as The One I Love, Stand, Losing My Religion, Shiny Happy People, Man On The Moon, Everybody Hurts, and What's The Frequency Kenneth. Has also worked with Natalie Merchant, the Golden Palominos, the Indigo Girls, the Blue Aeroplanes, Robyn Hitchcock, Billy Bragg, Neneh Cherry, Kristin Hersh, Patti Smith, Grant Lee Buffalo, and Big Red Machine
January 4, 1959 ~ Joseph Alia Incagnoli Jr, commonly known as producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Joe Harvard, born in East Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ As a producer helped lay the foundation for bands such as the Pixies, the Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr, Buffalo Tom, and Throwing Muses ~ Incagnoli passed away in 2019
January 4, 1959 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records Only Sixteen at Rex Productions, Los Angeles, California ~ Originally intended for singer, actor Steve Rowland who asked Cooke to write him a song. Inspired by the sixteenth birthday of Lou Rawls' stepsister, Eunice, Cooke came up with Only Sixteen. When Rowlands rejected it, on account of his manager disliking the song, Cooke kept it, releasing it as a single, paired with Let's Go Steady Again on the flip side in May 1959. It would reach top 30 Billboard Hot 100, top 20 Billboard R&B. The song would be covered by a number of artists, most notably the Supremes on their 1965 commemmorative We Remember Sam Cooke album and Dr Hook as a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single of the 1975 Bankrupt album
January 4, 1959 ~ Denise Katrina Matthews, commonly known as singer Vanity, born in Niagara Falls, Canada ~ Lead singer of Vanity 6, best known for their 1982 hit Nasty Girl. Released two solo albums, 1984's Wild Animal and 1986's Skin On Skin. Scored modest hits such as Pretty Mess, Mechanical Emotion, Undress, and Under The Influence ~ Matthews passed away in 2016
January 4, 1958 ~ R&B, soul singer Little Willie John records Talk To Me ~ Written by Joe Seneca. Released as a single later the same month, b/w Spasms, which would reach top 5 Billboard R&B and top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Covered by Aretha Franklin for her Soul '69 album, though the track did not make the cut. Also notably covered by singer Mickey Gilley in 1982, earning him a top 20 spot on the Billboard Country charts
January 4, 1957 ~ Patricia Lee Ramey, commonly known as country, neotraditional country singer Patty Loveless born in Pikeville, Kentucky, USA ~ Blends honky-tonk and country rock with an emotional ballad style while remaining true to country's traditions. Married to producer Terry Lovelace from 1976 to 1988, from whom she derives her stage name. Married to producer Emory Gordy Jr since 1989. Over a dozen albums to her name, starting with the 1986 eponymous Patty Loveless album, and known for hits such as Timber I'm Falling In Love, Chains, Blame It On Your Heart, You Can Feel Bad and Lonely Too Long
January 4, 1956 ~ Twin brothers drummer Alex Cline and guitarist Nels Cline born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Both brothers would at times collaborate, such as in Quartet Music. Alex would also work with Gregg Bendian's Interzone and Cloud Plate. Nels, the more famous brother, would work with Banyan, Black Gang, Nels Cline Singers, Scott Amendola Band and perhaps most notably Wilco
January 4, 1956 ~ Rock, post-punk, new wave, synth-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Bernard Sumner born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member of influential post-punk outfit Joy Division, best known for their 1980 single Love Will Tear Us Apart. After the suicide of frontman Ian Curtis the remaining threesome would form New Order, going on to score UK top hits such as Blue Monday, Confusion, Thieves Like Us, Fine Time, and Regret. Sumner also co-founded Electronic with Johnny Marr and Neil Tennant in the early-1990s. Co-founded the more rock-oriented Bad Lieutenant in 2007
January 4, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, producer Clive Gregson, full name Clige James Gregson, born in Ashton-under-Lyne, UK ~ As a songwriter had his work recorded by artists such as Kim Carnes, Norma Waterson, Fairport Convention, Smokie, and Nanci Griffith. As a performer has worked with Any Trouble, Richard Thompson, Christine Collister, Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Mark Griffiths, Andy Roberts, and others
January 4, 1954 ~ Pianist, composer Jacques Demierre born in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Worked with Dorothe Schurch, Radu Malfatti, Hans Koch, Martial Solal, Han Bennink, Joëlle Léandre, Carlos Zingaro, Ikue Mori, Lucas Niggli, Barry Guy, Urs Leimgruber, Barre Phillips, Sylvie Courvoisier, Malcolm Braff, Michel Wintsch, and others
January 4, 1954 ~ Pop singer, guitarist Waldemar Bastos, full name Waldemar dos Santos Alonse de Almeida Bastos, born in Sao Salvador do Congo, Angola ~ Drew from Afropop, fado and Brazilian influences. Emigrated to Portugal in the early-1980s to escape the civil war in his native Angola. Especially known for his 1982 Estamos Juntos album ~ Bastos passed away in 2020
January 4, 1950 ~ Pop, rock guitarist, bouzouki player Wout Pennings born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands ~ Best known for his association with singer, songwriter Frank Boeijen. Founded 1970s country-rock outfit Country Road. Also worked with Lenny Kuhr, Kaz Lux, Rob de Nijs, Auto Da Fé, de Boem Boem Bluesband, Kali Tichi, Nels Busch, Henk Wanders, and Emanuel Pessanha ~ Pennings passed away in 2014
January 4, 1947 ~ Avant-rock, experimental rock drummer, percussionist Chris Cutler born in Washington DC, USA ~ Best known as member of Henry Cow from 1971 until its disbandement in 1978. In-demand sideman and collaborator, appearing on over an estimated 100 albums. Has worked with Art Bears, Cassiber, News From Babel, Pere Ubu, Gong, Mother Gong, Fred Frith, Lindsay Cooper, Zeena Parkins, Peter Blegvad, Lutz Glandien, (EC) Nudes, the Science Group, Telectu, the Residents, Tom Cora, Aksak Maboul, Brainville, the Orckestra, Vril, John Greaves, and others
January 4, 1947 ~ Bernard Patrick Neeson, commonly known as guitarist, bassist, singer Doc Neeson born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Frontman of Australian hard rock outfit the Angels from its inception in 1976 through its initial disbandement in 1999, known for songs such as No Secrets, Into The Heat, Fashion And Fame, Stand Up, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place and Dogs Are Talking ~ Neeson passed away in 2014
January 4, 1946 ~ Singer Arthur Conley born in McIntosh County, Georgia, USA ~ Protégé of Otis Redding. Member of the Epsilons. Forever remembered for the soul classic Sweet Soul Music ~ Conley passed away in 2003
January 4, 1945 ~ Steel guitarist JayDee Maness born in Loma Linda, California, USA ~ Founding member of the Desert Rose Band. Has also worked with Gram Parsons, the International Submarine Band, the Byrds (The Sweethearts Of The Rodeo), Buck Owens, Ray Stevens, Vince Gill, Barbra Streisand, Michael Nesmith, Eric Clapton (notably on the 1992 hit Tears In Heaven), and others
January 4, 1945 ~ Renán Patricio Sánchez Gajardo, commonly known as pop, pop rock singer, balladeer Patricio Renán, born in Concepcion, Chile ~ Emerged in the mid-1960s, soon recognized as on one of the Nueva Ola stars. Has recorded close to a dozen albums over the course of his career. Best known for songs such as Por Amor, Son Recuerdos and Soy Culpable ~ Sánchez passed away in 2022
January 4, 1945 ~ Pop, jazz singer Priscilla Paris born ~ One third of sibling outfit the Paris Sisters, alongside her older sisters Albeth Paris and Sherrell Paris. Sang lead on I Love How You Love Me. Also recorded a number of solo records, starting with Priscilla Sings Herself released in 1967 ~ Paris passed away in 2004
January 4, 1944 ~ Merseybeat singer, songwriter Jimmy Campbell born in Liverpool, UK ~ Lead singer, co-founding member of the Kirkbys, known for the 1966 It's A Crime single. The band would eventually be renamed to 23rd Turnoff, though fail to chart. In later years Campbell would be recognized as “the era's lost songwriter” especially acclaimed for the band's 1967 Michael Angelo single ~ Campbell passed away in 2007
January 4, 1942 ~ Guitarist John McLaughlin born in Doncaster, UK ~ Pioneering jazz fusion guitar virtuoso. Cited as an influence by Steve Morse, Scott Henderson, Omar Rodríguez-López, Paul Masvidal, Ben Weinman. Gave guitar lessons to Jimmy Page. Draws from a variety of genres including jazz, rock, world music, classical, flamenco and blues. Present on the groundbreaking Miles Davis albums In A Silent Way, Bitches Brew, Jack Johnson and On The Corner. Known best for founding and fronting the Mahavishnu Orchestra, acclaimed for the early-1970s albums The Inner Mounting Flame and Birds Of Fire. Has also worked with Pearls Before Swine, Georgie Fame, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter (Super Nova), Joe Farrell, Miroslav Vitous, Jack Bruce, Don Sebesky, Stanley Clarke, Fuse One, and Santana
January 4, 1941 ~ David Lee Jr, commonly known as jazz drummer, composer David Lee, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Got his start in music in the late-1960s, backing Dizzy Gillespie. Closely associated with Sonny Rollins, appearing on several of the tenor saxophonist's albums including Next Album and The Cutting Edge. Has also guested on recordings by Joe Zawinul (Concerto Retitled), Leon Thomas, Albert Dailey (The Day After The Dawn), Lonnie Liston Smith, Charlie Rouse, Richard Wyands (Then Here And Now), Professor Longhair, Earl Tubinton, Ron Levy, Snooks Eaglin (Out Of Nowhere), Lowell Fulson, Grady Gaines, and Ellis Marsalis ~ Lee passed away in 2021
January 4, 1940 ~ Christopher Morris, commonly known as pop singer, pianist Lance Fortune, born in Birkenhead, UK ~ Classicaly trained pianist. Enjoyed local succes while still in school with his rock & roll group the Firecrests. Discovered by impresario Larry Parnes who gave him the stage name Fortune, a name he had earlier considered for Georgie Fame. Best known for two 1960s UK hits, Be Mine and This Love I Have You, the latter reaching top 10
January 4, 1939 ~ Composer Jon Appleton, full name Jon Howard Appleton, born ~ Pioneer in electro-acoustic music, known for compositions such as Chef D'Oeuvre and Newark Airport Rock
January 4, 1938 ~ R&B, funk, soul drummer Greg Webster born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA ~ Although he departed the band slightly before their rise to fame, Webster was a key member of funk outfit the Ohio Players. Webster led the band from its inception in 1964 until 1974, appearing on the albums Observations In Time, Pain, and Pleasure. The latter would spawn the band's first major hit, Funky Worm, which reached No.15 Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard R&B charts. Although Webster did not remain with the band for its most successful run, he is considered pivotal in helping create the band's distinctive sound, and is acknowledged as a pioneer drummer whose drumming style and beats have been emulated by many, including in the hip hop community ~ Webster passed away in 2022
January 4, 1937 ~ Pianist, songwriter Gaynel Hodge born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Earth Angel, a 1954 hit for the Penguins. Founding member of the Platters, the Turks, the Hollywood Flames. Has also worked with artists such as Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Guitar Watson, Dr John, Ted Taylor, Richard Berry, Dick Dale, the Chamber Brothers, the Rivingtons, Duane Eddy, and others ~ Hodge passed away in 2020
January 4, 1937 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry, full name Grace Ann Melzia Bumbry, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leading mezzo-soprano, soprano. Paved the way for later African-American opera singers. Closely associated with the Basel Opera. Has also performed with the Paris Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and sang at Ronald Reagan's 1981 Presidential inauguration ~ Bumbry passed away in 2023
January 4, 1937 ~ Singer, trombonist, hornist, actor John Gorman born in Birkenhead, UK ~ Founded comedy music group the Scaffold, known for their 1967 Lily The Pink hit single. Also played with its successor Grimms
January 4, 1937 ~ William Stevenson, commonly known as songwriter, producer William Mickey Stevenson, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Closely associated with the Motown label and its subsidiaries, serving as A&R executive, songwriter, and producer from its inception in 1959 until 1967. Organized and established the house band the Funk Brothers. Well-known songs co-written by Stevenson include Beechwood 4-5789 for the Marvelettes, Pride & Joy for Marvin Gaye, Dancing In the Street for Martha & the Vandellas, and Nothing's Too Good For My Baby for Stevie Wonder
January 4, 1926 ~ Harry Levy, commonly known as music manager, agent, label executive Don Arden, born in Manchester, UK ~ Father of Sharon Osbourne. Dubbed “the Yiddish Godfather” for his aggressive and sometimes illegal business tactics. Represented artists such as Air Supply, the Small Faces, the Move, Black Sabbath and the Electric Light Orchestra ~ Levy passed away in 2007
January 4, 1924 ~ Pianist, composer Alfred Grünfeld passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Became the most popular salon pianist in Vienna. Frequently worked with Arnold Rosé, the Hellmesberger Quartet, and with his brother Heinrich Grünfeld. One of the first pianists of note to make commercial recordings, starting in the late 1880s. Also known for his transcriptions of close friend Johann Straus II ~ Grünfeld was born in 1852
January 4, 1922 ~ Jazz saxophonist, trumpeter, composer Arvid Gram Paulsen born in Kristiana, Norway ~ Worked with Rowland Greenberg, Lulle Kristofferson, Pete Brown, Svein Overgaard, Willie Vieth, Jens Book-Jenssen, Alf Sogaard, and Kari Diesen ~ Paulsen passed away in 1963
January 4, 1922 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Frank Wess, full name Frank Wellington Wess, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Protégé of Lester Young. Best known for his time with Count Basie, backing the pianist for a little over a decade including on The Atomic Mr Basie and Basie At Birdland. Well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially noted for 1955's Flutes And Reeds, and his 1959 masterpiece Opus De Jazz. Member of the New York Jazz Quintet, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums in the 1970s and early-1980s. Other notable associations include Sonny Stitt, Eddie Bert, Milt Jackson, Big Joe Turner (The Boss Of The Blues), Lee Konitz, Dinah Washington, Thad Jones (The Fabulous Thad Jones), Sarah Vaughan, Dorothy Ashby (Hip Harp), Tal Farlow, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Quincy Jones, Joe Newman (Jive At Five), Etta Jones, Gene Ammons, Elvin Jones, Pee Wee Russell (Spirit Of '67), Aretha Franklin (Lady Soul), Freddie King, Roberta Flack (First Take), King Curtis, Dakota Staton, and Yusef Lateef ~ Wess passed away in 2013
January 4, 1918 ~ Norman Dale Baker, commonly known as composer Buddy Baker, born in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ Known as composer who scored Disney films such as Apple Dumpling Gang, The Shaggy DA, The Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh and The Fox And Hound. Married to singer Betty Jane Baker from 1950 to 1957 ~ Baker passed away in 2002
January 4, 1911 ~ Norosbaldo Morales, commonly known as pianist, bandleader Noro Morales, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Led the Brothers Morales Orchestra, which also included his siblings Humberto Morales and Esy Morales, known for their 1939 hit Serenata Ritmica. Worked with Rafael Muñoz, Alberto Socarrás, Augusto Cohen, Tito Rodriguez, José Luis Moneró, Chano Pozo, Willie Rosario, and Tito Puente ~ Morales passed away in 1964
January 4, 1907 ~ Jazz, dixieland, swing clarinetist, bandleader, songwriter Joe Marsala, full name Joseph Francis Marsala, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Considered an excellent clarinetist, Marsala got his start in music in the late-1920s freelancing for the likes of Wingy Manone and Ben Pollack, before venturing out on his own. Marsala led several groups through the late-1940s, notably being one of the first to employ then-future superstar drummer Buddy Rich. Others who have passed through the ranks of his ensembles include his wife Adele Girard, as well as Red Allen, Eddie Condon, Joe Bushkin, Dave Tough, Shelly Manne, Max Kaminsky, and his younger brother trumpeter Marty Marsala. By the end of the 1940s, Marsala retired from performing to focus on a career as a songwriter and music publisher. Marsala wrote Don't Cry Joe (Let Her Go Let Her Go Let Her Go), best known as recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1949, and co-wrote And So To Sleep Again with Sunny Skylar, recorded by Patti Page in 1951 ~ Marsala passed away in 1978
January 4, 1906 ~ Jazz trumpeter Frankie Newton, full name William Frank Newton, born ~ Worked with Sam Wooding, Chick Webb, Charlie Barnet, Andy Kirk, Charlie Fess Johnson, Lucky Millinder, Pete Brown, James P Johnson, Art Tatum, Sid Catlett, Edmond Hall, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday (including on the 1939 original of Strange Fruit), Ulysses Livingston, Elmer Snowden, Sonny White, and others ~ Newton passed away in 1954
January 4, 1905 ~ Delta blues singer, guitarist Tommy McClennan born in Durant, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for recordings such as Bottle It Up And Go, New Highway 51, Shake 'Em On Down, Whiskey Head Woman, My Baby's Gone, Cross Cut Saw Blues. The latter two would be carried forward to younger generations covered by respectively Moon Mullican and Albert King ~ McClennan passed away in 1961
January 4, 1903 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Carroll Gibbons, full name Carroll Richard Gibbons, born in Clinton, Massachusetts, USA ~ American-born bandleader rose to fame during the British dance band era. Co-led the Savoy Orpheans. Led the New Mayfair Orchestra. Briefly returned to the USA to work as a film composer for MGM in the early-1930s. As a composer best known for A Garden In The Rain, Bubbling Over, Moonbeam Dance and On The Air ~ Gibbons passed away in 1954
January 4, 1874 ~ Violinist, composer Josef Suk born in Krecovice, Bohemia ~ Student of Antonín Dvorák, whose daughter Otylie he would eventually marry. Considered one of the leading composers in Czech Modernism, alongside Vítezslav Novák and Otakar Ostrcil. As a composer admired by Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler and Alban Berg, and best known for orchestral music such as his Serenade For Strings Op.6, published in 1892 ~ Suk passed away in 1935