January 8, 2024 ~ Singer, songwriter Guy Bonnet passed away in Montpellier, France ~ Internationally best known for several Eurovision Songfestival entries. Co-wrote La Source for Isabelle Aubret, the French entry for the 1968 edition, which reached 3rd place. As a singer, Bonnet also represented his native France twice, reaching 4th place in 1970 with Marie-Blanche, and participating again in 1983, reaching 8th place with Vivre. Songs written or-co-written by Bonnet have also been recorded by Mireille Mathieu, Sylvia Vartan, Franck Fernandel, and Massilia Sound System ~ Bonnet was born in 1945
January 8, 2022 ~ Marilyn Katz, commonly known as songwriter Marilyn Bergman, passed away ~ Married to Alan Bergman since 1958. Together the Bergmans wrote lyrics to some of the best known songs of American pop, stage, film and musicals, including Dean Martin's Sleep Warm, Frank Sinatra's Nice And Easy, Ray Charles's In The Heat Of The Night, and Noel Harrison's The Windmills Of Your Mind as featured in The Thomas Crown Affair, the latter earning the pair an Academy Award for Best Song ~ Bergman was born in 1928
January 8, 2022 ~ Concert promoter, organizer Michael Lang passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Best known as co-organizer of the famed Woodstock festival, fully named the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, held over three days in 1969 drawing over 400,000 visitors. The event is considered a pivotal moment in pop, rock history. Lang is also known as executive and owner of Just Sunshine Records, which released albums by Karen Dalton, Betty Davis, and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Lang also served as artist manager for Joe Cocker, Rickie Lee Jones, and Willy DeVille ~ Lang was born in 1944
January 8, 2021 ~ Jazz, new-age cellist, composer David Darling passed away ~ Over a dozen albums to his name, drawing from classical, jazz, Brazilian, African, and Indian music. Darling is also known as a film composer, notably scoring the soundtracks to Child's Play, Heat, and Notre Musique, and as an in-demand collaborator, having worked with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Paul Winter, Ralph Towner, Spyro Gyra, Ketil Bjørnstad, Terje Rypdal, and Pierre Favre ~ Darling was born in 1941
January 8, 2021 ~ Country, outlaw country, urban country singer, songwriter, actor Ed Bruce, full name William Edwin Bruce Jr, passed away in Clarkscille, Tennessee, USA ~ Notably known for penning and first recording See The Big Man Cry, later covered by Charlie Louvin, as well as Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, later made famous by Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings. As a singer enjoyed his biggest commercial success in the 1980s with Billboard Country top 10 hits such as You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had, Ever Never Lovin' You, After All, You Turn Me On (Like A Radio) and Nights ~ Bruce was born in 1939
January 8, 2021 ~ Rock, blues keyboardist, organist Michael Fonfara passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Classically trained pianist, known for his association with the short-lived and underrated the Electric Flag, including on the acclaimed A Long Time Comin' album, Rhinoceros, with whom he recorded three albums, and as a sideman for Lou Reed for most of the 1970s including on the albums Coney Island Baby and The Bells, generally considered two of Reed's best. A versatile and in-demand sideman throughout his career, Fonfara has also appeared on albums by the likes of David Ackles, Alan Gerber, Foreigner (Records), Amos Garrett, Andrew Odom (Goin' To California), the Downchild Blues Band, Snooky Pryor, Willie Big Eyes Smith, and Fathead ~ Fonfara was born in 1946
January 8, 2021 ~ Alt-pop, power pop singer Olivia Rodrigo releases Driver's License, lifted off her Sour debut album ~ Rodrigo had risen to fame as a child actress, starring in several Disney TV series including High School Musical (The Musical) for which she had recorded several songs. Her debut single as a solo singer, however, would be the self-penned Driver's License which debuted at No.1 Billboard Hot 100. Rodrigo had written the raw lyrics after breaking up with her boyfriend. The two used to talk about Rodrigo getting her driver's license, and being able to drive to his home whenever she wanted to. Rodrigo did end up getting her license, but as they had broken up, she now rides the streets aimlessly, longing for her ex. Three more singles lifted off the same Sour album would also reach top 10 including Good 4 U, her second number 1. The album also did very well, reaching the top spot in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, and the young singer's native America
January 8, 2020 ~ Edward Byrne Breitenberger, commonly known as actor, singer Edd Byrnes, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, notably in the late-1950s, early-1960s TV series 77 Sunset Strip and as Vince Fontaine in the 1978 Grease musical film. As a singer best known for his 1959 hit Kookie Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb) which also featured singer Connie Stevens ~ Breitenberger was born in 1932
January 8, 2017 ~ Louis Isidore Bregman, commonly known as arranger, conductor Buddy Bregman, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention arranging the Cheers' Bazoom I Need Your Lovin', the first major hit for songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Would go on to become orchestra leader for CBS Radio and by age 25 head Verve's A&R department. Has arranged and conducted for Rosemary Clooney, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Toni Harper, Jane Powell, Ricky Nelson, Fred Astaire, and Gogi Grant ~ Bregman was born in 1930
January 8, 2017 ~ Folk pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Peter Sarstedt, full name Peter Eardley Sarstedt, passed away in Sussex, UK ~ Brother of Eden Kane and Clive Sarstedt, with whom he formed the Sarstedt Brothers. As a solo artist best known for his 1969 self-penned hit Where Do You Go To (My Lovely), a UK No.1 hit and a staple of radio till this day. Sarstedt would continue to record and perform well into the 2000s but was unable to reach the same level of chart succes ~ Sarstedt was born in 1941
January 8, 2016 ~ Gospel, R&B singer Otis Clay passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sang in a number of gospel groups, including the Golden Jubilaires, the Famous Blue Jay Singers, the Holy Wonders, and the Pilgrim Harmonizers, before turning to secular music. As a solo artist known for songs such as That's How It Is When You're In Love, Lasting Love, She's About A Mover, Hard Working Woman, Is It Over, Trying To Live My Life Without You, If I Could Reach Out, and All Because Of Your Love ~ Clay was born in 1942
January 8, 2016 ~ Joe Cecil Simpson, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, mandolinist, keyboardist, songwriter Red Simpson, passed away in Bakersfield, California, USA ~ Known for his trucking themed songs, notably Roll Truck Roll, Highway Patrol, and Diesel Smoke (Dangerous Curves) during the 1960s. His I'm A Truck released in 1971 reached Billboard Country top 10. Also known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by Merle Haggard, Bobby Durham, and especially Buck Owens, the latter recording over a dozen songs penned by Simpson including Close Up The Honky Tonks ~ Simpson was born in 1934
January 8, 2013 ~ Songwriter, producer Tandyn Almer, full name Tandyn Douglas Almer, passed away in McLean, Virginia, USA ~ Initially aiming to become a jazz pianist, his interest in music sparked by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Ahmad Jamal, Almer would become best known as a songwriter in the 1960s West Coast pop scene. He is best remembered for writing Along Comes Mary, originally a 1966 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for the Association, later covered by some two dozen artists including the Manhattan Transfer, the Bloodhound Gang, and Plainsong. Other songs written or co-written by Almer include the Garden Club's Little Girl Lost And Found, the Lownly Crowde's Shadows And Reflections, and the Beach Boys' Sail On Sailor ~ Almer was born in 1942
January 8, 2012 ~ David Alexander Elam, commonly known as blues,jazz pianist, singer Dave Alexander passed away in Marshall, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist known best for a handful of early-1970s albums, including The Rattler and The Dirt On The Ground. Alexander would re-emerge in the 1990s, by now having changed his moniker to Omar Sharriff, and record several more. The self-taught pianist had actually been active since the late-1950s, and had backed artists such as Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy Witherspoon, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Albert Collins. Alexander was also known as an articulate writer, and contributed several articles to Living Blues magazine. Alexander passed away at age 73 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound ~ Elam was born in 1938
January 8, 2011 ~ In its thirteenth week on the charts, Grenade by Bruno Mars hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Inspired by a similarly-themed unreleased song his friend Benny Blanco had played him, Grenade tells of the singer's unrequited love, willing to do just about anything for the object of his affection, including catching a grenade for her. Mars would later explain: “It's a heartbreaking, heartbreak song, and I think everyone can relate to that. You're so in love with this woman and you don't understand, ‘What am I doing wrong?’” Issued as the second single off his Doo-wops & Hooligans debut album, it would be a major hit topping the charts in over a dozen countries, including reaching No.1 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Grenade would be nominated for three Grammy Awards, yet lose all to British singer Adele
January 8, 2002 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter David McWilliams, full name David Samuel McWilliams, passed away in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland ~ Best known for his 1967 song The Days Of Pearly Spencer, originally released as the B-side to Harlem Lady. Despite warm critical reception and ample airplay on pirate radio stations, the song failed to become a hit in either Ireland or the UK, yet would do well in several European countries, including reaching top 10 in the Netherlands and the No.1 spot in France. The song is noted for its dreaminess and phoned-in chorus, creating a low-tech effect by McWilliams singing the lines through a telephone line. Over two decades after its release, The Days Of Pearly Spencer would be notably covered by Marc Almond, the Almond cover did actually reach top 10 in both Ireland and the UK, peaking at No.8 and No.4 respectively. In the Netherlands, however, the biggest hit remains the McWilliams original ~ McWilliams was born in 1945
January 8, 2000 ~ Singer, actress Noah Cyrus, full name Noah Lindsey Cyrus, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. Her siblings Trace Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus and Miley Cyrus all are also professional singers. Debuted in 2016 with the single Make Me Cry featuring Labrinth. Has also worked with Marshmello, Jake Bugg, Alan Walker, Lil Skies, and others
January 8, 1999 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Damiano David born in Rome, Italy ~ Frontman of rock band Måneskin. The band is best known for representing Italy at the 2021 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 1st place with Zitti E Buoni
January 8, 1998 ~ Composer Michael Tippett, full name Michael Kemp Tippett, passed away in London, UK ~ Along with Benjamin Britten ranked as one of the leading British composers of the early 20th century. Known for works such as Child Of Our Time, Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli, A Midsummer Marriage ~ Tippett was born in 1905
January 8, 1991 ~ Hard rock, glam metal, heavy metal guitarist Steve Clark, full name Stephen Maynard Clark, passed away in London, UK ~ Member of Def Leppard from 1978 until his death of alcohol poisoning in 1991. Present on most of the band's best known including the acclaimed albums Pyromania and Hysteria. Co-wrote songs such as Bringing On The Heartbreak, Photograph, Love Bites, and Pour Some Sugar On Me ~ Clark was born in 1960
January 8, 1990 ~ Singer Sinéad O'Connor releases Nothing Compares 2 U, lifted off her I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got album ~ Written by Prince, who would give it to the Family. However, when the Irish O'Connor covered the track for her sophomore album it became a global hit, topping the charts in over a dozen countries including the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, and America, catapulting O'Connor to international stardom. The success and attention had some deleterious effects on the singer, as she hated the fame and struggled with the commercialization of her art. Nothing Compares 2 U earned Sinéad O'Connor a Grammy Award, but she rejected all awards and refused to perform at the ceremony in protest of the music industry's materialism. Although a follow-up single, The Emperor's New Clothes, would be a minor hit in America, O'Connor has since not appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 charts
January 8, 1988 ~ Drummer Ray Bauduc passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Son of cornetist Jules Bauduc. Best known for his association with Bob Crosby and as a member of the Bobcats, the latter consisting of a subset of Crosby's orchestra. Co-wrote Big Noise From Winnetka, first recorded by the Bobcats it would become a jazz standard recorded by Gene Krupa, Jack Teagarden, Kenny Ball, Cozy Cole, Chico Hamilton, and Bette Midler. Bauduc has also worked with the Riverboat Five, Johnny Bayersdorffer, Joe Venuti, and the Original Memphis Five ~ Bauduc was born in 1906
January 8, 1986 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Grady Watts passed away in Vero Beach, Florida, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Casa Loma Orchestra from 1931 through 1942, for whom he also penned or co-penned a number of songs including Rhythm Man, You Ain't Been Livin' Right, I Remember, and Touch And Go ~ Watts was born in 1908
January 8, 1986 ~ Jamie Alexander Treays, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jamie T, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Released his debut album, Panic Prevention, in 2007. Known for songs such as Sheila, If You Got The Money, Clam Down Dearest and Sticks 'n Stones, all of which would reach the UK top 20
January 8, 1985 ~ Christian singer, songwriter Rachael Lampa, full name Rachael Maureen Lampa, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA ~ Rose to fame with her critically acclaimed debut album Live For You, released at age 15, which would spawn the hit single Blessed. Has recorded to critical acclaim since
January 8, 1983 ~ Actor, singer, songwriter Felipe Colombo, full name Felipe Colombo Eguia, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Formed pop rock band Erreway with TV series Rebelde Way's co-stars Camila Bordonaba, Luisana Lopilato and Benjamín Rojas, known for songs such as Sweet Baby, Resistire, Sera Porque Te Quiero, Para Cosas Buenas, and Memoria
January 8, 1982 ~ Jazz, classical pianist, composer Dan Tepfer born in Paris, France ~ Best known for his 2011 Goldberg Variations/Variations album. Frequent collaborator of Lee Konitz. Has also collaborated with Richie Barshay, Ben Wendel, Nate Wood, Billy Hart, and others
January 8, 1982 ~ Punk, rock, post-hardcore singer, songwriter Wil Francis, full name William Roy Francis, born in Kent, Washington, USA ~ Best known as lead singer, primary songwriter of horror punk band Aiden. Has released solo recordings using the moniker William Control and serves as producer for bands such as Fearless Vampire Killers, A Midnight Tragedy and Ashestoangels
January 8, 1979 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist Maya Ford, full name Maya Ann Ford, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known as bassist of all-female outfit the Donnas, initially gaining a following in the punk scene and later mixing punk, metal and classic rock and best known for their early-2000s singles Take It Off and Fall Behind Me
January 8, 1979 ~ Sara Elizabeth Dougherty, commonly known as country guitarist, singer Sara Carter, passed away in Lodi, California, USA ~ Married to AP Carter until 1936. Member of the Carter Family, singing lead on most of the band's 1920s and 1930s recordings, the family act considered one of the earliest and most influential acts in the history of country music. Carter wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs, including My Foothills Home, The Dying Soldier, Lonesome Pine Special, Farther On, and Railroading The Great Divide ~ Dougherty was born in 1898
January 8, 1979 ~ Torrance Heather Castellano, commonly known as rock drummer Torry Castellano, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Founding member of all-female rock outfit the Donnas, known best for the singles Take It Off and Fall Behind Me. Retired from music in 2010 for medical reasons
January 8, 1977 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, power pop drummer Billy Brimblecom Jr born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Joined rock band Stick in 1995. Formed power pop outfit Creature Comforts in 1997 with songwriter Christopher Tolle. Worked with the Blackpool Lights from 2004 through 2006, present on the albums Blackpool Lights and This Town's Disaster
January 8, 1977 ~ Jazz singer Torun Eriksen born in Lunde, Norway ~ Known for albums such as 2003's Glittercard, 2010's Passage and 2013's Visits, the latter featuring keyboardist David Wallumrød, bassist Audun Erlien and drummer Ola Hultgren
January 8, 1975 ~ Jef Martens, commonly known as DJ, producer Basto, born in Hoogstraten, Belgium ~ Internationally best known for co-producing Scream & Shout featuring Britney Spears. Also a member of the dance act Lasgo alongside producer Peter Luts and singer Jelle van Dael
January 8, 1975 ~ Ernesto Shaw, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B rapper, DJ, producer, remixer DJ Clue, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Released his solo debut album, The Professional, the first of a trilogy series, in 1998. Has collaborated with Memphis Bleek, DMX, Missy Elliott, Mary J Blige, Jadakiss, Nicki Minaj, Future, Juelz Santana, French Montana, Plies, Lil' Wayne, and others
January 8, 1975 ~ Country folk, alternative country singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Tift Merritt, full name Catherine Tift Merritt, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Debuted in 2002 with the Bramble Rose album. Best known for the single Good Hearted Man of her 2004 Grammy Award-nominated sophomore Tambourine album. Has collaborated with Chatham County Lines, John Eddie, Chris Stamey, Sally Spring, Teddy Thompson, Andrew Bird, and others
January 8, 1974 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Mr Natural at Command Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb. The band's first single produced by Arif Mardin. Released later the same year as single of their Mr Natural album, paired with It Doesn't Matter Much To Me on the flip side
January 8, 1974 ~ Producer, songwriter, arranger John Eriksson born ~ One third of Peter Bjorn & John, the other two being Peter Moren and Bjorn Yttling. Founded percussion quartet Peaux, has also worked with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchesta, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Myung-whun Chung, Herbert Blomstedt, Yevgeny Svetlanov, Hortlax Cobra, Holiday For Strings, Lykke Li, the Teddybears, Magnus Granberg, Sahara Hotnights, the Deportees, Nicolai Dunger, Folke, and others
January 8, 1974 ~ Steven William King, commonly known as alternative rock, indie rock bassist Stove King, born in Ellesmore Port, UK ~ Co-founded Mansun with Paul Draper, remaining with the band through 2002 leaving halfway through the recording sessions for Kleptomania, the band's fourth and final album. The band is best known for songs such as She Makes My Nose Bleed, Legacy, and I Can Only Disappoint U
January 8, 1973 ~ Eurodance singer Lutricia McNeal born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ First gained attention as lead singer with Swedish dance act Rob-n-Raz, known for their 1993 hit In Command. Debuted as a solo artist with her 1996 single Ain't That Just The Way, a dance cover of a 1975 song by Barbi Benton
January 8, 1973 ~ Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques, commonly known as singer Sean Paul, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a solo artist best known for the singles Get Busy and Temperature. In-demand collaborator including for artists such as Busta Rhymes, Beyoncé (Baby Boy), Blu Cantrell, Santana, Rihanna, Eve, Estelle, the Saturdays (What About Us), Major Lazer, Enrique Iglesias, Sia (Cheap Thrills), Magic, Clean Bandit (Rockabye), and Enrique Iglesias
January 8, 1968 ~ Gilles Lagrandeur, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Gil Grand born in Sudbury, Canada ~ Known for a handful of late-1990s country hits, including Let's Start Livin', I Already Fell and his best known Famous First Words, all of which would reach top 20 of the Canadian country charts
January 8, 1968 ~ Shortly after his death (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding is released ~ Although the singer had been a regular appearance on the Billboard R&B charts, he had yet to score that one major hit. Sadly though, while he was on the verge of breaking through to mainstream audiences, Redding and several of his entourage perished in a plane crash while on tour. Released shortly after his death, with the final touches completed by regular collaborator Steve Cropper, (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay would be that major hit, and the first posthumously released single in chart history to reach No.1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Though Redding would be acknowledged during his lifetime by critics and R&B aficionados, it wasn't until after his death that he became a household name, widely recognized as one of the all-time greatest R&B singers. Since his death, (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay has been regularly included on all-time bests lists and covered by hundreds of artists
January 8, 1967 ~ Robert Sylvester Kelly, commonly known R&B, pop soul singer, songwriter, producer R Kelly, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ One of the most successful artists of the 1990s, selling over 75 million records. Known for songs such as I Believe I Can Fly, Bump 'n Grind, Your Body's Callin', Gotham City, If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time, The World's Greatest. Briefly married to singer Aaliyah, the marriage annulled within a year. Produced or co-produced artists such as Michael Jackson (You Are Not Alone), the Isley Brothers, Toni Braxton, Changing Faces, Sparkle, Blaque (808), Public Announcement, K-Ci & JoJo, Maxwell, Kelly Price, Syleena Johnson, B2K (Bump Bump Bump), Ginuwine, Jennifer Hudson, and others. Arrested in 2019 on federal charges alleging sex crimes and obstruction of justice, currently awaiting trial
January 8, 1966 ~ Alternative rock, grunge, glam punk singer, keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Andrew Wood, full name Andrew Patrick Wood, born in Columbus, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for his work with two bands pivotal to the birth of grunge music, founding Malfunkshun in 1980 and Mother Love Bone in 1988. Wood would die of a heroin overdose just weeks before the release of the latter's debut album, Apple ~ Wood passed away in 1990
January 8, 1966 ~ Heavy metal, hardcore punk singer, guitarist Dale Henderson born in Venice, California, USA ~ Frontman, primary songwriter, sole constant member of crossover thrash band Beowülf. Has also worked with 1980s punk band Black Sheep and 1990 rock outfit Kool Whip
January 8, 1966 ~ Heavy metal, Christian metal guitarist Glenn Rogers born ~ Active since the mid-1980s, starting with Dissenter. Would go on to work with Vengeance Rising, Hero, Deliverance, Steel Vengeance, Hirax, Lambs Among Wolves, Heretic, Once Dead, Primal, and others
January 8, 1965 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Help Me Rhonda for their The Beach Boys Today album ~ Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the former also credited as producer. The band would re-record the song the following month with a different arrangement and slightly altered lyrics. The later version would become the band's second Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, after I Get Around the previous year, and be included on their Summer Days (And Summer Nights) album. According to Wilson, the song was not based on a real person. Of the lyrics, co-writer Love would later joke: “There are a lot of people, a lot of girls named Rhonda out there who have gotten remarks related to that song all their lives.”
January 8, 1964 ~ Singer, songwriter Ron Sexsmith, full name Ronald Eldon Sexsmith, born in St Catharines, Canada ~ Released his full-length debut album, Grand Opera Lane, in 1991 and has been recording to critical acclaim since. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Elvis Costello, Feis, Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, Michael Bublé, kd Lang, and others
January 8, 1960 ~ Pop, rock & roll singer Billy Fury records Colette at Decca Studios, London ~ Self-penned. Produced by Jack Good. Released later the same month, Baby How I Cried featured on the flip side, it would reach UK top 10
January 8, 1960 ~ Drummer Dave Weckl born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Active since the early-1980s. Closely associated with Chick Corea, playing with the Chick Corea Electric Band from 1985 through 1991. Has also worked with Paul Simon, George Benson, Michel Camilo, Robert Plant, Anthony Jackson, Chuck Loeb, the GRP All-Star Big Band. Released his solo debut, Master Plan, in 1990. Recording with the Dave Weckl Band since 1998
January 8, 1959 ~ Drummer Paul Hester, full name Paul Newell Hester, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Briefly a member of Split Enz. Co-founding member of Crowded House, remaining with the band through 1994 and present on the band's best known including Don't Dream It's Over, Better Be Home Soon, Chocolate Cake, Fall At Your Feet, and Weather With You. Has also worked with John Clifforth, Sophie Koh, the Largest Living Things, and others ~ Hester passed away in 2005
January 8, 1958 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Frank Lee Sprague born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ Wrote both songs and concert pieces, totalling over a 1,000 works including string quartet, symphonies, chamber music and opera. To pop audiences best known for his 2004 Merseybeat album, an album of rock & roll songs featuring guest appearances from Big Jay McNeely and the Knack's Doug Fieger. Also formed the rock & roll duo the Sprague Brothers with his brother Chris Sprague ~ Sprague passed away in 2018
January 8, 1956 ~ Alternative rock, world music, roots singer, guitarist, songwriter Archie Roach, full name Archibald William Roach, born in Mooroopna, Australia ~ Avid campaigner for the rights of indigenous Australians. Husband and musical partner of singer Ruby Hunter. Released his debut album, Charcoal Lane, in 1990 and has recorded steadily since to a devoted fanbase and admiration from peers. Has opened for international stars such as Joan Armatrading, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, and Suzanne Vega ~ Roach passed away in 2022
January 8, 1955 ~ Joseph Michael Rynoski, commonly known as singer Mike Reno, born ~ Lead singer of Loverboy, known for the arena rock staples Turn Me Loose and Working For The Weekend. Also worked with Moxy, Hammersmith, Just-If-I, and others. Duetted with Ann Wilson on Almost Paradise from the 1984 Footloose soundtrack
January 8, 1954 ~ Saxophonist, singer Jerry Vivino born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Basic Cable Band, the house band for the late night show Conan. His brother Jimmy Vivino leads the band
January 8, 1953 ~ Helen LaRue Lowe, commonly known as soul, R&B, gospel singer Helen Baylor born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ While still in her teens has opened for Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, BB King. Played in the 1970 production of Hair. Sessioned with Captain & Tennille, Les McCann, Rufus. As a solo artist known for R&B songs such as The Richest Girl and What About Me Boy in the 1960s, and for gospel songs such as Oasis and Sold Out in the 1970s. Also a member of Side Effect, notably on Always There
January 8, 1951 ~ Progressive rock singer, songwriter Claudio Rocchi born in Milan, Italy ~ Bassist of Stormy Six from 1968 through 1970, present on the band's debut album Le Idee Di Oggi Par La Musica Di Domani. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Viaggo. Rose to fame with his 1971 sophomore Volo Magico Numero 1 album and has recorded steadily until semi-retiring from music in the 1980s. Resurged in the 1990s ~ Rocchi passed away in 2013
January 8, 1948 ~ Guitarist Paul King, full name Paul Malcolm King, born in Dagenham, UK ~ Best known as member of Mungo Jerry from 1970 through 1972. occasionally sang lead vocals. Wrote Black Bubonic Plague. Formed the short-lived the King Earl Boogie Band with keyboardist Colin Earl, known for their Trouble At Mill album. Also worked with the Strawbs and with the Skeleton Krew
January 8, 1948 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Tomasz Szukalski born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Leader and sideman. As sideman best known for his work with Tomasz Stańko, Edward Vesala, and Zbigniew Namyslowski. Also collaborated with Janusz Muniak, Michal Urbaniak, Arild Andersen, Palle Mikkelborg, Terje Rypdal, Antti Hytti, Janusz Stefanski, Pawel Jarzebeski, Józef Skrzek, Jan Patyn Wróblewski, Artur Dutkiewicz, Alain Brunet, Tadeusz Nalepa, Apostolis Anthimos, Janus Skowron, Karin Krog, and others ~ Szukalski passed away in 2012
January 8, 1947 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter David Bowie born in Brixton, UK ~ Hugely influential singer, songwriter. Embraced a wide variety of stage personas during his career. Known for songs such as Space Oddity, Starman, Jean Genie, Life On Mars, Rebel Rebel, Wild Is The Wind, Fame, Heroes, Ashes To Ashes, Let's Dance, and others ~ Bowie passed away in 2016
January 8, 1946 ~ Guitarist Robby Krieger born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Cites Wes Montgomery, Albert King, Larry Carlton as main influences. Guitarist, co-founding member of the Doors. Wrote or co-wrote some of the band's best known including Light My Fire, Love Me Two Times, Touch Me and Love Her Madly. Sang lead on Running Blue. Founded the Butts Band with John Densmore. Recorded a number of solo albums, focusing mostly on jazz fusion, starting with Robby Krieger & Friends in 1977
January 8, 1943 ~ Singer Marcus Hutson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of R&B group the Whispers, best known for the late-1970s, early-1980s hits And The Beat Goes On and It's A Love Thing. Hutson remained with the group from its inception in 1963 until 1992, leaving the group for health reasons ~ Hutson passed away in 2000
January 8, 1942 ~ Jazz drummer Bill Goodwin born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Mike Melvoin, Art Pepper, Paul Horn, Frank Rosolino, Phil Woods, Bud Shank, George Shearing, Gábor Szabó, Bill Evans, Dexter Gordon, Jim Hall, Bobby Hutcherson, June Christy, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Mose Allison, the Manhattan Transfer, the WC Handy Jazz All-Stars, Mundell Lowe, Tom Wolfe, Johnny O'Neal, Ray Reach, Chuck Redd, Tom Waits, the Jefferson Airplane, Gary Burton, and Paul Horn
January 8, 1942 ~ Soul, R&B singer David Oliver, full name David Lee Oliver, born in Orange County, Florida, USA ~ Recorded four albums, all produced by the Crusaders's Wayne Henderson, starting with Jamerican Man released in 1977. Best known for the songs Ms and Friends & Strangers, the latter later notably covered by Ronnie Laws. Also was the first to record the Cecil Womack and Gip Noble Jr-penned Love TKO in 1980, a Billboard R&B top 10 hit for Teddy Pendergrass later the same year ~ Oliver passed away in 1982
January 8, 1942 ~ Soul, deep soul, gospel singer Spencer Wiggins born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Formed the R&B group the Four Stars fresh out of high school, which also included a then-unknown David Porter. Enjoyed regional popularity as a solo artist throughout the early-1970s, known for recordings such as Lovers' Crime, Uptight Good Woman, I Never Loved A Woman (The Way I Love You) which featured Duane Allman on guitar, and Double Lovin'. Since the mid-1970s Wiggins has served as deacon and choir director, releasing gospel recordings throughout the 2000s ~ Wiggins passed away in 2023
January 8, 1941 ~ Comedian Graham Chapman born in Leicester, UK ~ Member of comedy troupe Monty Python, known for the TV series and a number of films. The group has also reached the charts with a number of songs from their shows, notably Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, Sit On My Face and The Lumberjack Song ~ Chapman passed away in 1989
January 8, 1940 ~ Singer Al Contrera born ~ Member of doo-wop outfit the Mystics, known for their 1959 hit Hushabye penned by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman
January 8, 1940 ~ Jerome Anthony Gourdine, commonly known as Little Anthony, born ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Little Anthony & the Imperials, known for songs such as Tears On My Pillow, Two People In The World, Shimmy Shimmy Koko Bop. In 1961 the hit streak ended and Gourdine left to pursue a solo career but returned in 1963. The band would go on to score pop-soul hits until the end of the decade with I'm On The Outside Looking In, Goin' Out Of My Head, Hurt So Bad, Take Me Back, Better Use Your Head and Out Of Sight Out Of Mind
January 8, 1937 ~ Singer Shirley Bassey, full name Shirley Veronica Bassey, born in Tiger Bay, UK ~ Actively recording since the mid-1950s. Known for songs such as The Banana Boat Song, Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me, Love For Sale, As Long As He Needs Me, You'll Never Know, Reach For The Stars, I'l Get By, What Now My Love, I Who Have Nothing, Something, For All We Know and Never Never Never, all of which reached the UK top 10. Internationally best known for singing three James Bond themes, Goldfinger in 1964, Diamonds Are Forever in 1972 and Moonraker in 1979
January 8, 1935 ~ Singer Elvis Presley, full name Elvis Aaron Presley, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA ~ One of the most important cultural icons of the 20th century. Discovered by Sam Phillips. Drew from pop, country, R&B, gospel. Known for songs such as Hound Dog, Don't Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Too Much, All Shook Up, (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, Jailhouse Rock, Don't, Hard Headed Woman, A Big Hunk O' Love, Stuck On You, It's Now Or Never, Suspicious Minds, and others ~ Presley passed away in 1977
January 8, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Ian Bargh, full name Ian Martin Bargh, born in Prestwick, UK ~ After relocating to Canada in the late-1950s, became a fixture on the Toronto jazz scene especially noted for playing George's Spaghetti House, Toronto Alive, and the Toronto Jazz Festival. Has backed numerous visiting musicians including Zoot Sims, Lee Konitz, Dizzy Reece, Chick Corea, Count Basie, Plas Johnson, and George Masso. As a leader, Bargh recorded a sole album, Only Trust Your Heart, released in 2000 ~ Bargh passed away in 2012
January 8, 1926 ~ Evelyn Shulman, commonly known as operatic soprano singer, actress Evelyn Lear, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Known for her versatility. Appeared with every major American opera company as well as several in Europe including the Stadtische Oper Berlin, the Theater an der Wien, the Metropolitan Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, the Munich Nationaltheater, and others ~ Lear passed away in 2012
January 8, 1923 ~ George John Tozzi, commonly known as opera singer Giorgio Tozzi, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera. Also performed in Broadway musicals, dubbed singing parts for film, guest starred on several TV shows including The Odd Couple, Kojak and Knight Rider, and wrote the 1997 The Golem Of The Golden West novel ~ Tozzi passed away in 2011
January 8, 1920 ~ Concert pianist Abbey Simon, full name Abbey Henry Simon, was born in New York, New York, USA ~ Protégé of Josef Hofmann. Worked with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, and the Trenton Symphony Orchestra ~ Simon passed away in 2019
January 8, 1914 ~ Jazz, big band singer Ruby Wright born in Anderson, Indiana, USA ~ Not to ber confused with her namesake country singer Ruby Wright. Mostly unknown in her native America, Wright was best known for a number of UK hits during the 1950s including Bimbo, Three Stars, and Let's Light The Christmas Tree. Wright was married to bandleader Barney Rapp, in whose orchestra she also sang ~ Wright passed away in 2004
January 8, 1904 ~ Hudson Woodbridge, commonly known as Chicago blues guitarist, pianist, singer, songwriter Tampa Red, born in Smithville, Georgia, USA ~ Known for his single-string slide style. Influenced Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Nighthawk, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Mose Allison. Best known for recordings such as Anna Lou Blues, Black Angel Blues, Crying Won't Help You, It Hurts Me Too and Love Her With A Feeling ~ Woodbridge passed away in 1981
January 8, 1900 ~ Blues mandolinist Fiddlin' Joe Martin born in Edwards, Mississippi, USA ~ Played the Delta joints for over five decades starting in his mid-teens. Proficient on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, washboard, and drums. Present on Son House's highly sought after 1941 recordings, which included Levee Camp Blues, Government Fleet Blues, and Walking Blues. Has backed artists such as Willie Brown, Charley Patton, Howlin' Wolf, and perhaps most notably Woodrow Adams, reportedly appearing on all of the latter's recordings ~ Martin passed away in 1975
January 8, 1898 ~ Composer, pianist Alexander Ivanovich Dubuque passed away ~ Known for works such as Ne Brani Menya Rodnaya. Mentor of Mily Balakirev and Nikolai Zverev ~ Dubuque was born in 1812
January 8, 1713 ~ Baroque violinist, composer Arcangelo Corelli passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Influential on Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Marked an epoch in chamber music. Pivotal to the development of moderne genres such as sonata and concerto. ~ Corelli was born in 1653