January 9, 2023 ~ Pop, country-pop singer, songwriter Dick Flood, full name Richard E Flood, passed away in Augusta, Georgia, USA ~ Though a gifted singer in his own right, Flood is best known as a songwriter. His songs have been recorded by Anita Bryant, Wynn Stewart, Billy Grammer, Kathy Linden, the Wilburn Brothers (Trouble's Back In Town), Billy Graves, and George Hamilton IV (I Wanna Go Where Nobody Knows Me). Songs written by Flood were often found on the B-side of popular singles, such as Here Comes That Song Again used by Roy Orbison as the B-side of Only The Lonely, earning Flood the nickname “Flip side Flood” in the music business ~ Flood was born in 1932
January 9, 2022 ~ James Forman, commonly known as jazz, R&B singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, singer, songwriter James Mtume passed away ~ Son of saxophonist Jimmy Heath. First gained attention backing artists such as McCoy Tyner, Art Farmer, Gato Barbieri, Harold Land, Buddy Terry, Lonnie Liston Smith, Freddie Hubbard and notably Miles Davis from 1971 through 1975. Best known as frontman and eponym of Mtume, scoring R&B hits with songs such as You Me & He and Juicy Fruit. Co-wrote Never Knew Love Like This Before, a Grammy Award-winning hit for Stephanie Mills. Has also written or co-written songs recorded by Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, R Kelly, Mary J Blige, Teddy Pendergrass, Inner City, and others ~ Forman was born in 1946
January 9, 2022 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano, soprano singer Maria Ewing, full name Maria Louise Ewing, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Well known for her role as Rosina in The Barber Of Seville, a role she reprised several times including with the Houston Grand Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Also noted for playing Mercedes in Carmen with the San Francisco Opera. Has also worked with the Geneva Opera, the Houston Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, and others ~ Ewing was born in 1950
January 9, 2020 ~ Robert L Comstock, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Bobby Comstock passed away in California, USA ~ Popular late 1950s, early 1960s singer both as a solo artist and with his band Bobby Comstock & the Counts. Best known for The Tennessee Waltz and Let's Stomp ~ Comstock was born in 1941
January 9, 2019 ~ Saxophonist Joseph Jarman passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the earliest member of the jazz collective the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Co-founding member of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago. Well over a dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader starting in the mid-1960s, often in collaboration with Famoudou Don Moye. Has also worked with Anthony Braxton, Equal Interest, Johnny Dyani, Craig Harris, Marilyn Crispell, Myra Melford, and others ~ Jarman was born in 1937
January 9, 2017 ~ Lamar Dupré Calhoun, commonly known as hip-hop producer, DJ Crazy Toones, passed away ~ Member of 1990s rap group WC & the Maad Circle, present on the albums Ain't A Damn Thing Changed and Curb Servin'. As a solo artist released a number of mixtapes, starting with That Nigga's Crazy (Maad Circle Underground Part 1 released in 1996 ~ Calhoun was born in 1971
January 9, 2014 ~ Free jazz, funk, R&B trumpeter Roy Campbell Jr passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Led Other Dimensions In Music and the Pyramid Trio. Has collaborated with Don Cherry, Yo La Tengo, William Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Matthew Shipp, the Nu-Band, the Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra, Woody Shaw, Cecil Taylor, and others ~ Campbell was born in 1952
January 9, 1996 ~ Singer Paris Monroe, full name Paris Quinn Monroe, born in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of girl group the Clique Girlz, known for the singles Then I Woke Up and Smile. The group disbanded in 2009 after the departure of Sara Diamond. Destinee subequently recorded with her sister and Clique-bandmate Destinee Monroe under the moniker Destinee & Paris
January 9, 1991 ~ Justin David Blau, commonly known as progressive house, electro house, deep house producer, DJ 3LAU, born in Syosset, New York, USA ~ Active since the early 2010s. Released his full-length Ultraviolet debut album in 2018. Known for songs such as How You Love Me, Is It Love, On My Mind, and Hot Water. Has remixed for Rihanna, Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes, and Ariana Grande
January 9, 1990 ~ Free jazz guitarist Buschi Niebergall passed away in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany ~ Founding member of the Globe Unity Orchestra. Has also worked with artists such as Gunter Hampel, Manfred Schoof, Peter Brötzmann, Don Cherry, Alfred Harth, Evan Parker, Alexander von Schlippenbach, Irene Schweizer, John Tchicai, Albert Mangelsdorff, and others ~ Niebergall was born in 1938
January 9, 1989 ~ Vienna Rose Dare, commonly known as Christian rap, electronic dance singer, songwriter V Rose, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-2000s. Best known for the albums Forever After and its follow-up Young Dangerous Heart, released respectively in 2014 and 2016. Has guested on recordings by Flame, Trip Lee, and Propaganda
January 9, 1987 ~ Marion Thornburg, commonly known as singer, actress Marion Hutton passed away in Kirkland, Washington, USA ~ Sister of actress, singer Betty Hutton. Discovered by Glenn Miller, staying with the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 1938 to 1942, present on recordings such as Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead, That's Sabotage, The Rhumba Jumps, Say Si Si and I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo ~ Thornburg was born in 1919
January 9, 1987 ~ Pop-rock, blue-eyed soul, soul-rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, Paolo Nutini born in Paisley, UK ~ Debuted in 2006 with the album These Streets and has been recording steadily to an expanding and devoted fanbase since. Known for songs such as Last Request, New Shoes, Pencil Full Of Lead and Let Me Down Easy
January 9, 1986 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock drummer, guitarist Andrew Tolman born in American Fork, Utah, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Imagine Dragons, remaining with the band from 2008 through 2011 and succeeded by Daniel Platzman. Present on several tracks of the band's Night Visions debut album including the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit It's Time. Subsequently worked with cult club band the Moth & the Flame. Briefly toured with singer Josh Ostrander in 2016 and 2017
January 9, 1984 ~ Guitarist, singer, keyboardist, percussionist Drew Brown, full name Andrew John Brown, born in Broomfield, Colorado, USA ~ Member of OneRepublic, known for songs such as Apologize, Good Life, and perhaps their best-known Counting Stars. Also formed the side project the Debate Team in 2011, releasing their debut EP Wins Again EP the same year
January 9, 1982 ~ Death metal, symphonic metal guitarist, bassist, singer Isaac Delahaye born in Ypres, Belgium ~ Member of death metal outfit God Dethroned from 2004, replacing Jens van der Valk, through 2009. Member of Areen and of Epica. Has also worked with Mayan, Down Till Dawn, Panopticum, Edgecrusher, Forcible, and others
January 9, 1982 ~ Vito Gugliermo Musso, commonly known as saxophonist Vido Musso passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Recorded three albums as a leader in the mid-1950s, noted most for his sophomore effort The Swingin'st which featured Maynard Ferguson and Milt Bernhart. Spent most of his career as a sideman. Closely associated with Stan Kenton, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including Kenton In Hi-Fi released in 1956. Other associations include Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Dorsey, Billie Holiday, Martha Tilton, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Carl Fontana ~ Musso was born in 1913
January 9, 1981 ~ William Randolph Cole, commonly known as jazz drummer Cozy Cole, passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for the hits Topsy I and its follow-up Topsy II. Renowned rock drummer Cozy Powell chose his stage name in honor of Cole. Cole worked with Wilbur Sweatman, Jelly Roll Morton, Blanche Calloway, Benny Carter, Willie Bryant, Stuff Smith, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Earl Bostic, Nat King Cole, Shorty Rogers, Wingy Manone, Jimmy McPartland, Rex Stewart, and others ~ Cole was born in 1909
January 9, 1978 ~ Alexander James McLean, commonly known as singer AJ McLean, born in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Member of the Backstreet Boys, with 100 million records sold the all-time best-selling boy band, known for hits such as Quit Playing Games With My Heart, Everybody (Backstreet's Back), Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely, and The Shape Of My Heart
January 9, 1975 ~ Classical, pop, big band, progressive rock percussionist Mattias Olsson born in Hong Kong ~ Worked with Anglagård, White Willow, Pär Lindh, Pineforest Crunch. Has produced recordings by Deadwood Forest, Devi, Clockwork, AK-Momo, Nanook Of The North, Vijaya, and others
January 9, 1975 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Stefan Örn born in Alvaborgs Ian, Sweden ~ Member of Apollo Drive. Best known as a songwriter, noted for his contributions to songs by Eurovision acts including Ell & Nikki's Running Scared, co-written with Sandra Bjurman and Ian James Farquharson, which won the 2011 Eurovision Songfestival for Azerbeijan
January 9, 1971 ~ Daniel Dumile, commonly known as rapper MF Doom, born in London, UK ~ Major figure of underground and alternative hip-hop in the 2000s, known for his intricate wordplay and since the late 1990s his supervillain stage character never performing in public without his signature metal mask somewhat modeled after Marvel Comics character Dr Doom. Has on occasion angered fans by sending a masked substitute. Member of KMD, which also included his brother DJ Subroc. The group would disband after the latter's death in 1993, Doom himself retreating from music altogether for a number of years before reemerging as a solo artist. Has collaborated with artists such as Madlib, MF Grimm, Danger Mouse, Jneiro Jarel, Bishop Nehru, Czarface, Radiohead's Thom Yorke, and others ~ Dumile passed away in 2020
January 9, 1971 ~ Mia Young, commonly known as rapper Mia X, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ First female MC to be signed by No Limit Records. Dubbed “the Mother of Southern Gangsta Rap”. Appears on several seminal albums including Master P's Ice Cream Man and Ghetto D and Silkk The Shocker's Charge It 2 Da Game. As a solo artist best known for her 1998 recording What'cha Wanna Do featuring Charlie Wilson of her Mama Drama album
January 9, 1968 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Giorgos Theofanous born in Larnaca, Cyprus ~ Married to singer Evridiki from 1993 to 2000, with whom he has one son. Has written over 500 songs, mostly in the 1990s and 200s, including for Nana Mouskouri and George Dalaras. Internationally best known for penning a number of Cyprus Eurovision Songfestival entries, notably boy band ONE's Gimme which reached 6th place in the 2002 edition
January 9, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Dave Matthews born in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Lead singer, guitarist of the Dave Matthews Band, coming out of nowhere with their 1994 debut Under The Table And Dreaming and its 1996 follow-up Crash. Every single one of the band's studio albums since has topped the Billboard Hot 200
January 9, 1967 ~ Pop rock, alternative rock, ska punk singer, keyboardist, songwriter Steve Harwell, full name Steve Scott Harwell, born in Santa Clara, California, USA ~ Lead singer of Smash Mouth, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is best known for the hit single All Star of their 1999 Astro Lounge album. Other charting songs include Then The Morning Comes and I'm A Believer. Until his retirement from music in 2021 Harwell and bassist Paul De Lisle were the only two constant members since the band's formation in 1994 ~ Harwell passed away in 2023
January 9, 1965 ~ Bluegrass guitarist Wyatt Rice born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Best known as member of the Tony Rice Unit, led by his brother Tony Rice. Has also worked with Santa Cruz, Ronnie Bowman, Richard Bennett, Dan Menzone, Rob Ickes, Fred Carpenter, Bill Emerson, David Grier, Rickie Simpkins, Melonie Cannon, Jimmy Gaudreau, Donna Hughes, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Junior Sisk, Mike Bentley, and others
January 9, 1963 ~ Pop rock singer, songwriter Andreas Tsoukalas born in Athens, Greece ~ Known for the albums Stous Kairous Tous Ponirous and its follow-up Mia Kainouria Mera. The latter would contain one of his best known, Antio, a translation of Brian Hyland's 1960s hit Sealed With A Kiss ~ Tsoukalas passed away in 2023
January 9, 1963 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, singer Eric Erlandson, full name Eric Theodore Erlandson, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist, co-founding member of Hole. Engages in various side projects including Rodney & the Tube Tops and RRIICCEE. Has also worked with Melissa Auf Der Maur, White Flag, and others
January 9, 1957 ~ Clarence Lofton, commonly known as boogie-woogie pianist, singer Cripple Clarence Lofton, born in Tennessee, USA ~ Born with a limp, from which he derived his stage name, but pursued a career as tap dancer nevertheless. Known for his energetic stage presence. As a singer, pianist known for songs such as Strut That Thing, Monkey Man Blues, I Don't Know and Pitchin' Boogie, recording well into the 1940s before retiring from music. Drew comparisons to Pinetop Smith, Cow Cow Davenport and Jimmy Yancey. Has worked with Big Bill Broonzy, Red Nelson, and others ~ Lofton was born ca.1896
January 9, 1957 ~ Hard rock, glam metal, glam rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Phil Lewis born in London, UK ~ Member of the LA Guns joining the band in 1987 in time for their 1988 eponymous LA Guns debut album. Also worked with Girl, the New Torpedos, the London Cowboys, Tormé, Filthy Lucre, the Liberators, and others
January 9, 1956 ~ Robert B Rivkin, commonly known as R&B, funk, pop drummer, producer Bobby Z, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known as original drummer for Prince, present on albums such as 1999, Purple Rain, and Around The World In A Day. Also served as producer for Wendy & Lisa, and co-wrote the duo's best known Waterfall of their eponymous 1987 Wendy & Lisa debut album
January 9, 1956 ~ Rock, jazz guitarist Jesse Gress born ~ Editor for Guitar Player magazine. Authored about half a dozen books. As a musician has recorded and toured extensively with Todd Rundgren. Has also worked with bassist Tony Levin, notably on the 2001 Pieces Of The Sun album, as well as with Levin's brother keyboardist Pete Levin, Jerry Marotta, and Utopia. Served as music director for the 2008 Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band tribute album It Was 40 Years Ago Today, a collaborative all-star effort which featured Rundgren, Lou Gramm, Christopher Cross, and Denny Laine ~ Gress passed away in 2023
January 9, 1956 ~ Jazz guitarist Rory Stuart born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jerry Granelli, Joe Keel, the Parameters, Steve Potts, Jack McDuff, Geri Allen, Joe Bonner, Cecil Bridgewater, Ronnie Burrage, Jeanie Bryson, Michael Cochrane, Steve Coleman, Larry Coryell, Bill Doggett, Charles Earland, George Garzone, Vinny Golia, Sheila Jordan, Graham Haynes, Sheila Jordan, Ernie Krivda, Errol Parker, Charlie Rouse, Bill Saxton, Dr Lonnie Smith, Cassandra Wilson, Reggie Workman, and others
January 9, 1952 ~ Virginia Louise Williams, commonly known as swing, jazz singer Midge Williams, passed away ~ Best known for fronting the Jazz Jesters with whom she made several well-received 1930s recordings. Worked with Al Jolson, Rudy Vallée, Raymond Scott, Frankie Newton, Buster Bailey, Charlie Shavers, Lil' Armstrong, Bunny Berigan, Harry James, John Kirby, Glenn Miller, Fats Waller, Ben Webster, Teddy Wilson, and others ~ Williams was born in 1915
January 9, 1951 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Andy Qunta, full name Anderson Amos Temba Qunta, born in Warrington, UK ~ Keyboardist and songwriter of Icehouse, known for 1980s hits such as Hey Little Girl, Crazy and Electric Blue. Also worked with the Factory, Hazel O'Connor, and with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel appearring on the single I Can't Even Touch You. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Manfred Mann's Earth Band (Tribal Statistics) and John Farnham (You're The Voice)
January 9, 1951 ~ Brenda Gail Webb, commonly known as country, country pop, soft rock singer Crystal Gayle born in Paintsville, Kentucky, USA ~ Sister of Loretta Lynn. One of the most commercially successful crossover singers of the 1970s and 1980s. Best known for Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, reaching the higher echelons of the charts worldwide, including top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Other well known songs include Wrong Road Again, Somebody Loves You, I'll Get Over You, You Never Miss A Good THing (Till He Says Goodbye), I'll Do It All Over Again, Ready For The Times To Get Better, Half The Way, It's Like We Never Said Goodbye, If You Ever Change Your Mind, Till I Gain Control Again, The Sound Of Goodbye, Cry and Straight To The Heart
January 9, 1950 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor David Johanson, also known as Buster Poindexter, born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Singer of the New York Dolls, known for their two pivotal proto-punk albums 1973's eponymous The New York Dolls and 1974's Too Much Too Soon. Johansen wrote the bulk of the band's material with bandmate, guitarist Johnny Thunders. Also scored an international hit in the 1980s with Hot Hot Hot, using the moniker Buster Poindexter
January 9, 1950 ~ Country singer Hank Williams records Beyond The Sunset ~ Previously recorded by Elton Britt. Written by Blanche Kerr Brock, Virgil P Brock, Rosey Rowsell. Produced by Fred Rose. Released later the same year as a single, b/w The Funeral. It would also be included on the posthumous 1953 Hank Williams As Luke The Drifter album
January 9, 1948 ~ Singer Cassie Gaines, full name Cassie LaRue Gaines, born in Miami, Oklahoma, USA ~ Backing singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1975 until her death in a plane crash in 1977. Present on the albums Gimme Back My Bullets, One More From The Road and Street Survivors ~ Gaines passed away in 1977
January 9, 1948 ~ Guitarist, banjoist, mandolinist Tim Hart born in Lincoln, UK ~ Co-founding member of Steeleye Span. Along with singer Maddy Prior Hart formed the backbone of the band, recording close to a dozen albums with them, before departing in 1982. Present on most of the band's best known, including the acclaimed albums Parcel Of Rogues, Commoner's Crown, and Rocket Cottage. Though the band only charted a few singles, notably 1972's Gaudete and 1975's All Around My Hat both reaching the UK top 20, they are considered extremely influential in bringing traditional-influenced folk-rock to mainstream audiences ~ Hart passed away in 2009
January 9, 1947 ~ Shuzo Kishibe, commonly known as actor, bassist Ittoku Kishibe, born in Kyoto, Japan ~ Bassist for 1960s outfit the Tigers, which also included his baby brother Shiro Kishibe. Best known as an actor, appearing on over an estimated 100 films including the acclaimed 1991 The Sting Of Death film
January 9, 1947 ~ Folk singer, fingerstyle guitarist, fiddler Nic Jones, full name Nicolas Paul Jones, born in London, UK ~ Influenced by Duane Eddy, Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery. Best known for his associations with Halliard, the Bandoggs, Maddy Prior, June Tabor. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with his Ballads & Songs album released in 1970. Has also worked with Shirley Collins, Barbara Dickson, Richard Thompson, Jon Raven, Tony Raven, and others
January 9, 1944 ~ Guitarist Jimmy Page, full name James Patrick Page, born in Heston, UK ~ Widely considered one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time. In-demand session musician from the mid-1960s forward. Member of the Yardbirds from 1966 through the band's disbandement in 1968. Subsequently rose to fame as co-founding member of pivotal rock, hard rock outfit Led Zeppelin, active until 1980. Has since worked with acts such as XYZ, the Firm, Honeydrippers, Coverdale-Page, and others
January 9, 1944 ~ Pianist Roy Hellvin born in Oslo, Norway ~ Musical director, arranger for more than 60 musical productions. Leads his own trio. Has also played with artists such as Bernt Anker Steen, Harald Bergersen, Bjarne Nerem, Erik Andresen, Laila Dalseth, Per Nyhaug, Helge Hurum, and Erling Wicklund
January 9, 1943 ~ Guitarist, pianist, arranger, songwriter, producer Jerry Yester, full name Jerome Alan Yester, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Formed the duo the Yester Brothers with his brother Jim Yester, playing folk in the early 1960s. Member of the New Christy Minstrels and the Modern Folk Quartet. Pianist for Lovin' Spoonful replacing Zal Yanovsky from 1967 until the band's disbandement the following year. Married to singer Judy Henske, with whom he formed Rosebud until shortly before their divorce. Best known as a producer, notably on the Tim Buckley albums Goodbye And Hello and Happy Sad. Other production credits include the Turtles, Pat Boone, Aztec Two-Step, Tom Waits, and others
January 9, 1943 ~ Pop bassist Lennart Hegland born ~ Co-founding member of the Hep Stars, known for songs such as Farmer John, Cadillac and Bald Headed Woman all of which would top the charts in the band's native Sweden. The band would also be noted for including Benny Anderson of future ABBA fame. By the time the band broke up in the early 1970s Hegland was the sole remaining original member ~ Hegland passed away in 2022
January 9, 1943 ~ Noel Scott Engel, commonly known as singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist Scott Walker born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA ~ Rose to fame as frontman of the Walker Brothers, known for songs such as Make It Easy On Yourself (1965) and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore (1966). Has been recording solo albums since 1967's Scott, leaning towards baroque pop and avant-garde. Widely revered and admired by peers. Enjoyed a cult following from his debut onwards. Described as “one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in rock history” by the BBC ~ Engel passed away in 2019
January 9, 1941 ~ Folk, folk rock, country folk singer Joan Baez born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1960 with the eponymous Joan Baez album. Would become a key figure in 1960s folk and counterculture, often touching on issues of social justice. One of the first to cover Bob Dylan's work, helping to popularize his songs. Also known as an interpreter of other artists including the Beatles, Woody Guthrie, the Rolling Stones, Pete Seeger, Paul Simon, and others. Best known for songs such as Diamonds Ands Rust, There But For The Fortune, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Farewell Angelina, Love's Just A Four Letter Word, Sweet Sir Galahad and perhaps her best-known We Shall Overcome
January 9, 1941 ~ Keyboardist Kenny Wally Kelly, full name Kenneth Bernard Kelly, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Manhattans remaining with the group from 1964 through 1990, best known for their 1976 Kiss And Say Goodbye hit single which reached top 10 across the globe including the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Kelly passed away in 2015
January 9, 1941 ~ Blue-eyed soul, rock & roll, rockabilly, pop singer, songwriter Roy Head, full name Roy Kent Head, born in Three Rivers, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his single Treat Her Right, a 1965 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit recorded with his backing unit the Traits and later notably covered by Otis Redding, Jerry Lee Lewis, Barbara Mandrell (Treat Him Right), Jimmy Page, George Thorogood, and performed by Roy's son Sundance Head as a duet with coach Blake Shelton on The Voice talent contest in 2016 ~ Head passed away in 2020
January 9, 1939 ~ Singer, actor Jimmy Boyd, full name Jimmy Devon Boyd, born in Javess, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for his 1952 hit I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Boyd was 13 at the time. Would go on to work with Mitch Miller, Frankie Laine, Rosemary Clooney, Gayla Peevey, Leon Russell, Snuff Garrett, and others ~ Boyd passed away in 2009
January 9, 1931 ~ Jazz double bassist Carson Smith, full name Carson Raymond Smith, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Brother of bassist Putter Smith. Backed Billie Holiday at her November 1956 Carnegie Hall concert on famed performances of Lady Sings The Blues, Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do, and My Man. Also closely associated with Gerry Mulligan, who later acknowledged that Smith's ideas helped shape the style of Mulligan's 1950s group, his most revered line-up. As an in-demand sideman, Smith can also be heard on albums by Clifford Brown, Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Chico Hamilton, Chet Baker (Chet Baker Sings), Russ Freeman, Mavis Rivers (We Remember Mildred Bailey), and Buddy Rich ~ Smith passed away in 1997
January 9, 1928 ~ Pop, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Domenico Modugno born in Polignano-a-Mare, Italy ~ First to record Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu in 1958, also known as Volare, which he co-wrote with Franco Migliacci. The song would win the 1958 edition of the Sanremo Music Festival, sell over 20 million copies worldwide, and over the years be covered by over an estimated 350 artists. It stands as one of the all-time best known Italian songs, perhaps topped only by O Sole Mio first recorded in 1901. Other well known Modugno songs include Lazzarella, Piove, Libero, Io, Addio Addio, and Dio Come Ti Amo. Modugno has also worked as an actor, appearing in over three dozen films, and served as Congressman in the Italian parliament ~ Modugno passed away in 1994
January 9, 1927 ~ Southern gospel singer, pianist, songwriter Henry Slaughter, full name Henry Thaxton Slaughter, born in Roxboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Active since the 1940s. Has worked with acts such as the Stamps-Ozark Quartet, the Weatherford Quartet, the Imperials, Bill Gaither, and as a duo with his wife Hazel Myers. Slaughter is also known for penning If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side, notably covered by Elvis Presley on his 1967 How Great Thou Art gospel album ~ Slaughter passed away in 2020
January 9, 1926 ~ John Paul Pizzarelli, commonly known as jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Carried the torch for traditional jazz and swing well into the 21st century. Influenced by Django Reinhardt, Freddie Green, and George van Eps. Father of guitarist John Pizzarelli and double bassist Martin Pizzarelli, both of whom he has regularly collaborated with. Recorded well over two dozen albums as leader or co-leader, especially noted for April Kisses released in 1999. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Pizzarelli has appeared on albums by Tony Mottola, the Drifters, Gene Ammons, Etta Jones (Hollar), Vi Redd (Lady Soul), Solomon Burke, Walter Wanderley, Yank Lawson, Toots Thielemans, Stan Getz (The Song Is You), Roberta Flack (First Take), Lena Horne, Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music), Joe Venuti, Soprano Summit, Carly Simon (Hotcakes), Gerry Mulligan, Michael Franks, Stéphane Grappelli, Svend Asmussen, Susannah McCorkle, Peter Appleyard, and Carmen McRae ~ Pizzarelli passed away in 2020
January 9, 1926 ~ Jazz trumpeter, singer Roger Guerin born in Saarbrucken, Germany ~ Worked with Aimé Barelli, Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, Hubert Fol, James Moody, Benny Golson, Bernard Peiffer, Fats Sadi, Lucky Thompson, Kenny Clarke, Blossom Dearie, Martial Solal, Michel Legrand, André Hodeir, Double Six, Quincy Jones, Duke Ellington, and others ~ Guérin passed away in 2010
January 9, 1918 ~ Mary Elizabeth Roché, commonly known as jazz, blues, big band singer Betty Roché, born in Wilmington, Delaware, USA ~ Best known for her association with Duke Ellington, notably on Take The A-Train. Roché has also worked with the Savoy Sultans, Lester Young, Hot Lips Page, Thelonious Monk, Kenny Clarke, Earl Hines, Charles Brown, and Clark Terry ~ Roché passed away in 1999
January 9, 1916 ~ Victor Mizzy, commonly known as songwriter, film, TV composer Vic Mizzy, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best known for composing the theme songs for the TV series Green Acres and The Addams Family. Other well known songs written or co-written by Mizzy include My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time (Doris Day), Three Little Sisters (the Andrews Sisters), Take It Easy (Dinah Shore), and The Jones Boy (the Mills Brothers) ~ Mizzy passed away in 2009
January 9, 1914 ~ Drummer Kenny Clarke, full name Kenneth Clarke Spearman, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Major innovator of bebop drumming, shifting the time-keeping rhythm from the bass drum to the ride cymbal. Well over two dozen albums as a leader, noted particularly for his 1955 album Bohemia After Dark, and Change Of Scenes released in 1971. Member of the Modern Jazz Quartet through 1955, with whom he also performed at the very first Newport Jazz Festival in 1954. A revered sideman, Clarke is present on albums by Cal Tjader, Sonny Criss, Milt Jackson (Wizard Of The Vibes), André Hodeir, Thelonious Monk (Genius Of Modern Music Vol.1), Zoot Sims, Bud Powell, Art Farmer, Stan Getz, Eddie Bert, Urbie Green (Blues And Other Shades Of Green), Joe Wilder, Charles Mingus, Phineas Newborn Jr (Here Is Phineas), Carmen McRae, Bud Powell, Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Victor Feldman (Suite Sixteen), Gigi Gryce, Oscar Pettiford, Dexter Gordon (Our Man In Paris), Nathan Davis (The Hip-Walk), and Don Patterson ~ Clarke passed away in 1985
January 9, 1911 ~ Bulee Gaillard, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist, guitarist, vibraphonist, saxophonist, songwriter Slim Gaillard born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1930s as half of Slim & Slam, the other half being Slam Stewart, known for songs such as Flat Foot Floogie With A Floy Floy and Cement Mixer Put-ti Put-ti. Would go on to work with artists such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Dodo Marmarosa, and others ~ Gaillard passed away in 1991
January 9, 1910 ~ Swing bandleader, songwriter Dick Jurgens, full name Richard Henry Jurgens, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Kicked out of his high school orchestra for playing pop music. Enjoyed popularity during the 1930s and early 1940s. Known for originals such as If I Knew Then What I Know Now, Careless, A Million Dreams Ago and probably his best known Elmer's Tune, the latter notably covered by the Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and others. Jurgens retired from music by the mid-1950s, his style becoming out of fashion in the rock & roll era ~ Jurgens passed away in 1995
January 9, 1898 ~ Grace Stansfield, commonly known as singer, actress Gracie Fields, born in Rochdale, UK ~ Star of both cinema and music hall. As a singer best known for Sally, which became a signature song. Other well known songs include Walter Walter and The Biggest Aspidistra In The World ~ Stansfield passed away in 1979
January 9, 1895 ~ Jazz string bass player Ed Garland, full name Edward Bertram Garland, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Started out on drums but best known as a string bassist. Worked with Frankie Duson, the Excelsior Brass Band, Manuel Perez, Lawrence Duhé, King Oliver, Freddie Keppard, the One-Eleven Jazz Band, Mutt Carey, Jimmie Noone, Kid Ory, Bud Scott, Zutty Singleton, Buster Wilson, and others ~ Garland passed away in 1980