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, 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 ~ 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 ~ 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), Enrique Iglesias, and others
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, 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, 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 ~ 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 Wroblewski, 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