January 12, 2024 ~ Bluegrass singer, guitarist, mandolinist Audie Blaylock passed away ~ Spent most of the 1980s backing Jimmy Martin. Would go on to work with Red Allen, Lynn Morris, Harley Allen, Rhonda Vincent, Michael Cleveland, Patrick McAvinue, Michael Martin Murphey, and Bobby Osborne. Released his Trains Are The Only Way To Fly solo debut album in 2001 and has recorded as solo artist and with his backing unit Redline since ~ Blaylock was born in 1962
January 12, 2024 ~ Actor, singer Bill Hayes, full name William Foster Hayes III, passed away ~ To pop audiences known for the single The Ballad Of Davy Crockett which topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1955, and sold over two million copies. Hayes would also star in a Broadway production of the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II penned musical Me & Juliet, and score several minor hits including The Berry Tree, High Noon, and Wringle Wrangle. Hayes would eventually become best known as an actor, known particularly for his role of Doug Williams in the soap opera Days Of Our Lives ~ Hayes was born in 1925
January 12, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Lisa Marie Presley passed away in Calabasas, California, USA ~ Only child of rock & roll icon Elvis Presley. Has recorded a number of albums as a singer, starting with To Whom It May Concern in 2003. Also known for a number of much-publicized romances and marriages to entertainers including Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, John Oszajca, and Michael Lockwood. Joined Scientology in 1977 but left in 2014 and has since voiced discontent with the cult ~ Presley was born in 1968
January 12, 2023 ~ Robin Peter Kendall Bachman, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Robbie Bachman, passed away ~ Brother of guitarists Randy Bachman and Tim Bachman. Member of Brave Belt. Best known for his tenure with Bachman-Turner Overdrive, along with bassist Fred Turner and brothers Randy and Tim. The band has scored a string of 1970s hits, many radio staples to this day. Well known songs include Let It Ride, Takin' Care Of Business, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, and Roll On Down The Highway ~ Bachman was born in 1953
January 12, 2022 ~ Conductor, violinist Everett Lee passed away in Malmo, Sweden ~ Mentored by conductor Artur Rodzinski. First gained attention in 1943, playing violin and oboe in the pit orchestra for the Broadway opera Carmen Jones, an all-black retelling of Georges Bizet's Carmen. Would go on to conduct Leonard Bernstein's production of On The Town, making him the first African-American to regularly conduct a Broadway show. Also noted for guest conducting the Louisville Orchestra, making him the first African-American to conduct a white orchestra in the American South. Founded the interracial orchestra the Cosmopolitan Symphony Orchestra. Also closely associated with the New York City Opera, the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra, and others ~ Lee was born in 1916
January 12, 2022 ~ Veronica Yvette Bennett, commonly known as singer Ronnie Spector, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to producer Phil Spector from 1968 through 1974. Fronted the pivotal 1960s girl group the Ronettes, which served as a template for future girl groups. The band also included Ronnie's sister Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley and is known for quintessential 1960s songs such as Be My Baby, Walking In The Rain, Born To Be Together, Baby I Love You, and The Best Part Of Breaking Up ~ Bennett was born in 1943
January 12, 2019 ~ Bonnie Buckingham, commonly known as singer, songwriter Bonnie Guitar passed away in Soap Lake, Washington, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for her 1957 country-pop hit Dark Moon, one of the first songs by a female country artist to cross over to the pop charts. As co-founder of Dolton Records she was incremental in launching the careers of the Fleetwoods and the Ventures. Later co-owner of Jerden Records ~ Buckingham was born in 1923
January 12, 2019 ~ Sanger D Shafer, commonly known as songwriter, singer Whitey Shafer, passed away ~ Lifelong compadre of Lefty Frizzell, with whom he frequently collaborated. Staff songwriter at famed Acuff/Rose publishers, his songs recorded by George Jones (Tell Me My Lying Eyes Are Wrong), George Strait (Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, All My Ex's Live In Texas), Johnny Russell (The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor), Moe Bandy (Bandy The Rodeo Clowen), Johnny Rodriguez, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley (I Wonder Do You Think Of Me), John Michael Montgomery, Lee Ann Womack, and Kenny Chesney. Shafer has occasionally recorded as a singer, noted for his moderate 1981 You Are A Liar hit single ~ Shafer was born in 1934
January 12, 2018 ~ Country singer Carrie Underwood releases her The Champion single, featuring rapper Ludacris ~ Recorded to serve as an opening theme for the television broadcast of the Super Bowl LII, in which the Philadelphia Eagles would beat the New England Patriots, to win their first Super Bowl. Underwood stated that “the main focus was to celebrate athletes at the top of their game, but we also wanted the song to resonate with people in their everyday life.”
January 12, 2018 ~ Actress, novelist, playwright, songwriter Françoise Dorin, full name Françoise Andrée Renée Dorin, passed away in Haute-de-Sene, France ~ Enjoyed her peak popularity in the 1970s. Authored some 30 plays and over two dozen books. To music audiences best known for co-writing Que C'Est Trist Venise with Charles Aznavour, first recorded by Aznavour in 1964 and covered by Simone, Gigliola Cinquetti, Mario Pelchat, and Julien Clerc. Dorin also co-wrote N'Avoue Jamais, performed by Guy Mardel at the 1965 Eurovision Songfestival reaching third place ~ Dorin was born in 1928
January 12, 2015 ~ Trombonist Clifford Adams, full name Clifford Alanza Adams Jr, passed away ~ Member of Kool & the Gang, joining the band in 1977. Present on some of the band's best-known, notably the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Ladies Night and Too Hot ~ Adams was born ca.1954
January 12, 2015 ~ Mezzo-soprano singer Elena Obraztsova, full name Elena Vasiliyena Obraztsova, passed away in Leipzig, Germany ~ Has served under renowned conductors including Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado, working with the latter in a 1977 La Scala performance of Don Carlos's Eboli. Also noted for performing the title role in a 1976 TV production of Carmen opposite Plácido Domingo. Has also shared stages with Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland and Ingvar Wixell ~ Obraztsova was born in 1939
January 12, 2010 ~ Vivian Jackson, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Yabby You, passed away ~ Best known for his 1972 single Conquering Lion. Has worked with Wayne Wade, Michael Rose, Tommy McCook, Michael Prophet, Big Youth, Trinity, Dillinger, Tapper Zukie, and others ~ Jackson was born in 1946
January 12, 2007 ~ Alice McLeod, commonly known as harpist Alice Coltrane, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Married to saxophonist John Coltrane, with whom she also worked. Debuted in 1967 with the album Monastic Trio. Worked with Terry Gibbs, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, and Charlie Haden ~ Coltrane was born in 1937
January 12, 2003 ~ Singer Maurice Gibb passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Member of the Bee Gees alongside elder brother Barry Gibb and twin brother Robin Gibb. Sang lead on songs such as Lay It On Me, Country Woman, On Time, and Man In The Middle. Maurice has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his debut single Railroad in 1970. A full-length solo album, The Loner, was recorded around the same time but never released ~ Gibb was born in 1949
January 12, 1996 ~ Singer, songwriter Ella Henderson, full name Gabrielle Michelle Henderson, born in Tetney, UK ~ First gained attention as contestant in the 9th series of talent contest The X-Factor in 2012, reaching only 6th place despite being tapped to win. Released her solo debut album, Chapter One, in 2014. It spawned the UK top 20 hits Glow, Yours and perhaps her best known Ghost. Has subsequently collaborated with Sigma (Glitterball), Kygo (Here For You), Jax Jones (This Is Real), and with Sigala (We Got Love)
January 12, 1994 ~ Goran Ivandic, commonly known as rock, progressive rock, hard rock, folk rock, pop rock drummer Ipe Ivandic, passed away in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Member of Jutro which changed their name to Bijelo Dugme in 1974. Present on the band's two most successful albums, 1974's Kad Bi' Bio Bijelo Dugme and its follow-up Sta Bi Dao Si Na Mom Mjestu the next year, before being conscripted to serve in the Army. After his discharge rejoined the band in 1977 ~ Ivandic was born in 1955
January 12, 1993 ~ Doh Kyung-soo, commonly known as K-pop singer, actor DO, born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Member of boy band EXO, known for a string of 2010 hits in their native South Korea including the No.1 hits December 2014 (The Winter's Tale), Love Me Right, Monster, and Ko Ko Bop. Kyung-soo has also ventured into acting for film and TV and released his Empathy solo debut EP in 2021
January 12, 1993 ~ Zain Javadd Malik, commonly known as singer Zayn Malik, born in Bradford, UK ~ Member of boy band One Direction, which went on to become one of the all-time best selling boy bands known for hits such as What Makes You Beautiful, Live While We're Young, and Best Song Ever. Malik was the first to leave the band, departing in 2015. Both his solo debut album, Mind Of Mine, and debut single, Pillowtalk, would debut at the No.1 spot on both sides of the Atlantic. Malik has recorded to commercial success since, including collaborations with Taylor Swift and Sia
January 12, 1991 ~ Victoria Louise Lott, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Pixie Lott, born in London, UK ~ Cites Céline Dion, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as major influences. Lott's debut single, Mama Do Uh-oh Uh-oh, and its follow-up, Boys And Girls, would both make it to top of the British charts. A full-length debut album, Turn It Up, would be released in 2009
January 12, 1983 ~ Indie pop, indie rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Alden Penner born in Loretteville, Canada ~ Formed the duo the Unicorns with Nicholas Thorburn, later expanded to a trio with the addition of drummer Jamie Thompson. Co-founded Clues with Brendan Reed, formerly of Arcade Fire. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing several EPs since the early 2010s with the full-length Exegesis debut album released in 2014
January 12, 1980 ~ Xavier Lamar Dotson, commonly known as trap, hip-hop keyboardist, producer, DJ Zaytoven, born in Frankfurt, West Germany ~ In-house producer for Gucci Mane's 1017 Brick Squad record label. Perhaps best known for co-producing Usher's Raymond v Raymond album released in 2011 which included the modest hit Papers. Dotson has also worked with Future, Young Dolph, Migos, Lil' Yachty, BoB, Waka Flocka Flame, and urban gospel singer Deitrick Haddon
January 12, 1975 ~ Keyboardist Joel Cummins, full name Joel Nathan Cummins, born in La Grange, Illinois, USA ~ Founding member of progressive rock outfit Umphreys McGee. Has previously released solo albums, notably 1995's Suspended In Time. Has also collaborated with artists such as Huey Lewis, Joshua Redman, Mavis Staples, Phil Lesh, Buddy Guy, Robby Krieger, Damian Marley, Warpaint, A$AP Ferg, Koko Taylor, Sinéad O'Connor, Béla Fleck, Victor Wooten, Warren Haynes, Bob Weir, Les Claypool, John Oates, Big Light, Adrian Belew, and others
January 12, 1974 ~ Heavy metal, progressive rock guitarist, banjoist, singer Brent Hinds, full name William Brent Hinds, born in Pelham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as member of metal outfit Mastodon, sharing guitar duties with Bill Kelliher and vocal duties with Troy Sanders and Brann Dailor. Lead guitarist, singer for surfabilly outfit Fiend without a Face. Has also worked with the Blood Vessels, West End Motel, Four Hour Fogger, the Last Of The Blue Eyed Devils, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, and the Legend Of The Seagullmen
January 12, 1973 ~ Smooth jazz, R&B, funk keyboardist, trombonist Brian Culbertson born in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Sting, the Yellowjackets, George Duke, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire. Debuted in 1994 with the album Long Night Out. It failed to chart but later albums would reach the higher echelons of the Billboard jazz charts, such as 2001's Nice & Slow, 2005's It's On Tonight, 2012's Dreams and 2016's Funk!. Has collaborated with artists such as Norman Brown, Kenny Lattimore, Kirk Whalum, Larry Graham, Take 6, Ray Parker Jr, Eric Darius, and others
January 12, 1970 ~ Corey Woods, commonly known as rapper Raekwon, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Cited as pioneer of mafioso rap. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Incarcerated Scarfaces and Glaciers Of Ice. Has worked with Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Dr Dre, Scram Jones, J Dilla, Slick Rick, Jadakiss, Beanie Sigel, Black Thought, Nas, Rick Ross, Maino, Freddie Gibbs, Lyfe Jennings, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Melanie Fiona, OutKast, Davina, Troy Ave, and others
January 12, 1970 ~ Singer, songwriter Zack de la Rocha, full name Zacharias Manuel de la Rocha, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Rose to fame as lead singer for Rage Against The Machine, known best for their 1992 debut single Killing In The Name Of. De la Rocha's militant political activism and passionate vocal delivery would make him one of the best known and most recognizable names in 1990s alternative rock, his political beliefs, opposing corporate America, the military-industrial complex and government oppression, firmly reflected in his songwriting
January 12, 1969 ~ Trumpeter, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Eric Matthews born in Compton, California, USA ~ Classically trained. Formed the duo Cardinal with singer Richard Davies. Although not a commercial success the duo were seen by some as one of the pivotal indie rock acts of the 1990s, acclaimed for their 1994 eponymous Cardinal debut album. Matthews also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his It's Heavy In Here debut in 1995, formed Belt Buckle with Sebadoh's Lou Barlow and Bob Fay, and guested on recordings by Tahiti 80, the Dandy Warhols, Ivy, Man Of The Year, Elliott Smith, Paula Kelley, Pugwash, and others
January 12, 1968 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Keith Anderson born ~ Wrote or co-wrote a number of 2000s country hits including Beer Run (B Double E Double R U-N) recorded by Garth Brooks & George Jones, and Lost In This Moment recorded by Big & Rich. Released a full-length solo debut album, Three Chord Country And American Rock & Roll, in 2005. Known best for songs such as Pickin' Wildflowers and I Still Miss You
January 12, 1966 ~ Guitarist, film composer Heiko Maile born in Sydney, Australia ~ Co-founding member of German synth-pop outfit Camouflage, best known for Love Is A Shield of their 1989 Methods Of Silence sophomore album. Maile is also a prolific film composer, credits including the 2008 socio-political drama film The Wave and the 2010 vampire film We Are The Night
January 12, 1966 ~ Jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen born in North Vancouver, Canada ~ Leader and sidewoman. Has worked with Maria Schneider, Steve Wilson, Jeff Tain-Watts, Dr Lonnie Smith, Bob Berg, Gary Bartz, Terri Lyne Carrington, Geoffrey Keezer, Billy Hart, George Garzone, Chris Connor, Victor Lewis, Clark Terry, Frank Wess, Darcy James Argue, Otto Brandenburg, Dena Derose, Monika Herzig, Anne Mette Iversen, Virginia Mayhew, Sarah McKenzie, Eric Person, Judi Silvano, Ike Sturm, Roseanna Vitro, Dan Wall, and others
January 12, 1966 ~ R&B outfit the Isley Brothers release their This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You) single ~ The group's only hit during their brief tenure at Motown, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland Jr, and Sylvia Moy, originally intended for the Supremes who later also recorded the song. Paired with There's No Love Left on the flip side, the single would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100, top 10 Billboard R&B, and top 10 in the UK two years later. Singer Rod Stewart would record the song in 1975, which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100, and re-record the song in 1989 as a duet with Ronald Isley, who sang lead on the original
January 12, 1966 ~ Robert Bartleh Cummings, commonly known as heavy metal singer Rob Zombie, born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA ~ Founder and frontman of White Zombie, known for songs such as Thunder Kiss '65, Black Sunshine and More Human Than Human. Also known as a solo artist, starting with the 1998 album Hellbilly Deluxe, and as a film director in the horror genre
January 12, 1965 ~ Dance, house, dance-pop, pop producer, remixer, DJ Mark Moore born in London, UK ~ Perhaps best known for founding pioneering dance act S'Express with Pascal Gabriel, their Theme From S'Express debut single said to have started the UK house scene. Also known for his work with William Orbit, the duo working together on remixes such as Batdance, Electric Chair and The Future for Prince and Something's Jumpin' In Your Shirt for Malcolm McLaren
January 12, 1963 ~ Songwriter, producer Guy Chambers, full name Guy Anthony Chambers, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Best known for his association with Robbie Williams, co-writing several of the latter's best known including Rock DJ, Millenium, Let Me Entertain You, Angels, and No Regrets. Also worked artists such as Caro Emerald, Rufus Wainwright, Katy B, Marlon Roudette, Miles Kane, Mark Ronson, John Newman, Kylie Minogue, Example, the Wanted, James Blunt, Melanie C, Katie Melua, Schmidt, Tina Turner, Zak Abel, Beverkey Wright, Christophe Willem, Aqualung, Cathy Dennis, Julian Perretta, Taio Cruz, Tokio Hotel, Armin Van Buuren, Charlene Soraia, the Noisettes, Maverick Sabre, Sophie Hunter, David Archuleta, Eros Ramazzotti, Darren Hayes, Erin Boheme, World Party (1990's Goodbye Jumbo), Bbmak, Texas, Speedway, Andrea Bocelli, Hilary Duff, Tom Jones (1999's Reload), Jamie Cullum, Axelle Red, Rachel Stevens, Jewel, the Waterboys, and others
January 12, 1963 ~ José Fernando Gomes dos Reis, commonly known as rock bassist, singer Nando Reis, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Member of Titas from 1981 through 2002, the band regarded as one of the most popular and influential in Brazilian rock. Lead singer, guitarist, founder of Os Infernais. Also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 12 De Janeiro released in 1995. Served as producer for the likes of Jorge Ben, Vange Leonel, Cassia Eller, and others
January 12, 1962 ~ Tracy Darrell Adkins, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, actor Trace Adkins, born in Sarepta, Louisiana, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, Dreamin' Out Loud, in 1996 and has been recording steadily since. Known for songs such as This Ain't No Thinkin' Thing, I Left Something Turned On At Home, The Rest Of Mine, I'm Tryin', Then They Do, Hot Mama, Honky Tonk Badonkadonk, Ladies Love Country Boys, You're Gonna Miss This, all of which reached the top 10 of Billboard's country charts
January 12, 1961 ~ Free jazz saxophonist Ivo Perelman born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Learned to play guitar, cello, clarinet, trombone and piano, focuses on tenor sax since his late teens. Debuted as a leader in 1989 with Ivo, backed by Peter Erskine, John Patitucci, Airto Moreira, Eliane Elias and Flora Purim. Has recorded extensively since, often delivering numerous albums within a year working with artists such as Dominic Duval, Borah Bergman, Rashied Ali, Jay Rosen, Marilyn Crispell, Matthew Shipp, Paul Bley, Don Pullen, Fred Hopkins, Andrew Cyrille, Joanne Brackeen, Mark Helias, Billy Hart, Mino Cinélu, Nana Vasconcelos, Reggie Workman, William Parker, Louis Sclavis, John Wolf Brennan, Elton Dean, and Joe Morris
January 12, 1959 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Blixa Bargeld born in Berlin, Germany ~ Lead singer, frontman of noise rock, experimental rock outfit Einstürzende Neubauten. Closely associated with Nick Cave, backing Cave on tour and record including on key albums such as Murder Ballads and No More Shall We Part from 1983 until his departure from the Bad Seeds in 2003. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist
January 12, 1957 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records All Shook Up at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Otis Blackwell. Presley is backed by Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on string bass, DJ Fontana on drums and vocal group the Jordanaires as backing singers. It would be released as a single, paired with That's When Your Heartaches Begin on the flip side, the next March. The single would reach No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Country, and Billboard R&B charts
January 12, 1955 ~ Jazz soprano saxophonist, composer Jane Ira Bloom born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the early 1980s. Has also guested on recordings by Sandra Boynton, Jay Clayton, Anthony Davis, Giora Feidman, David Friedman, Jerry Granelli, Frederic Hand, Ron Horton, Daniel Humair, Cleo Laine, Bobby Previte, and others
January 12, 1955 ~ Reggae singer Johnny Clarke born in Whitfield Town, Jamaica ~ Closely associated with producer Bunny Lee. Known for songs such God Made The Sea And The Sun, Everyday Wondering, Julie and Jump Back Baby. Also worked with Clancy Eccles, Ruple Edwards, the Aggrovators, the Mad Professor, King Tubby, Errol Thompson, Prince Jammy, and others
January 12, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Kelly, full name Paul Maurice Kelly, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Emerged from the mid-1970s pub rock scene as one of the most acclaimed songwriters drawing from rock, folk and country. Fronted the Dots, known for their hit Billy Baxter. Fronted the Coloured Girls later renamed the Messengers, scoring hits with Before Too Long, Darling It Hurts, To Her Door and Dumb Things
January 12, 1953 ~ Country singer LaWanda Lindsey born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Scored a number of modest hits since the late 1960s, starting with Partly Bill released at age 16. Best known for Pickin' Wild Berries and Hello Out There, the former a duet with Kenny Vernon
January 12, 1952 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ricky Van Shelton born in Danville, Virginia, USA ~ Debuted in 1987 with the album Wild Eyed Dream and would subsequently reach the higher echelons of the country charts with both originals and covers throughout the early 1990s. Best known for songs such as Somebody Lied, Life Turned Her That Way, I'll Leave This World Loving You, Living Proof, I've Cried My Last Tear For You, I Am A Simple Plan, Keep It Between The Lines, Rockin' Years, the latter a duet with Dolly Parton
January 12, 1951 ~ Motonari Takano, commonly known as anisong singer, drummer Ai Takano, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Nicknamed Motchin. Best known as a solo artist, notably performing the theme songs for Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger, Pettonton and Kyojuu Tokusou Juspion. Drummer for Cama Beats, known best for the Zombies cover Suki Sa Suki Sa Suki Sa originally titled I Love You. Also drummed with the Golden Cups ~ Takano passed away in 2006
January 12, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Bell, full name Christopher Branford Bell, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as early member and along with Alex Chilton co-leader of power pop band Big Star, present on the band's 1972 No.1 Record debut album. Influenced artists such as Beck, REM, Teenage Fanclub, the Pixies, Primal Scream, Afghan Whigs, Wilco, the Replacements, and others ~ Bell passed away in 1978
January 12, 1949 ~ R&B, pop-jazz singer, actor Andrzej Zaucha born in Krakow, Poland ~ Lead singer of jazz fusion outfit Dzamble, present on the band's Wolanie O Sloncie Nad Swiatem. Member of Anawa, present on the eponymous 1973 Anawa album. Active as a solo artist since the early 1980s, notably known for songs such as Wszystkie Stworzenia Duze I Male and Bylas Serca Biciem. Shot and killed in a crime of passion at age 42 ~ Zaucha passed away in 1991
January 12, 1948 ~ Jazz fusion guitarist John Ethridge, full name John Michael Glyn Eth, born in London, UK ~ Best known for his work with Soft Machine, primarily in the mid to late-1970s, and its spin-off Soft Machine Legacy. Influenced by Hank Marvin and Django Reinhardt. Also worked with Rush Release, Warhorse, Darryl Way, Danny Thompson, Nigel Kennedy, Andy Summers, Zappatistas, Icarus, Stéphane Grappelli, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Elton Dean, Fairport Convention, Chris Jagger, Nik Turner, Pye Hastings, and others
January 12, 1947 ~ James A Gold, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Gold, born ~ Frontman of soft rock band Gallery, best known for their Nice To Be With You which reached Billboard top 10 in 1972
January 12, 1946 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter George Duke born in San Rafael, California, USA ~ Known for his solo albums, starting with The George Duke Quartet in 1966, as well as for his many collaborations including with Jean-Luc Ponty, Cannonball Adderley, Frank Zappa, the Mothers Of Invention, Ruth Underwood, and others. Has also produced pop and R&B hits for Taste Of Honey, Jeffrey Osborne, Deniece Williams, Anita Baker, Rachelle Ferrell, Everette Harp, Gladys Knight, Melissa Manchester, Barry Manilow, the Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson, Seawind, and Take 6 ~ Duke passed away in 2013
January 12, 1945 ~ R&B, soul singer Abrim Tilmon born ~ Member of the Detroit Emeralds, known for songs such Show Time, Do Me Right, You Want It You Got It, Baby Let Me Take You In My Arms, and Feel The Need ~ Tilmon passed away in 1982
January 12, 1945 ~ Rock, blues rock singer Maggie Bell born in Glasgow, UK ~ Characterised by some as UK's counterpart to Janis Joplin. Co-founding member, co-lead vocalist of Stone The Crows from 1968 through 1973, known best for their 1971 Teenage Licks album. Has also worked with Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart (Every Picture Tells A Story), Midnight Flyer, the British Blues Quintet, Jon Lord, Denny Laine, Rick Wakeman, and others
January 12, 1944 ~ Singer, trumpeter, hornist Cynthia Robinson born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Co-founding, constant member of Sly & the Family Stone, notably present on hits such as Dance To The Music and I Want To Take You Higher. Cousin of Larry Graham, bandmate in both Family Stone and Graham Central Station. Robinson has also guested on albums by Funkadelic (The Electric Spanking Of War Babies), Flash Cadillac, Dorothy Norwood, Robert Cray, Rose Stone, and Prince. Robinson would be described as “the original hypeman” by Questlove of the Roots ~ Robinson passed away in 2015
January 12, 1941 ~ John William Baldry, commonly known as singer Long John Baldry, born in East Haddon, UK ~ Worked with Rod Stewart, Elton John, Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, Steampacket, Caleb Quaye, and others. Known for songs such as Let The Heartaches Begin and Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie On The King Of Rock & Roll ~ Baldry passed away in 2005
January 12, 1941 ~ Charles Jones III, commonly known as jazz guitarist, cornetist, singer Olu Dara, born in Natchez, Mississippi, USA ~ Father of rapper Nas. Leader and sideman. Formed the Okra Orchestra and the Natchezsippi Dance Band. Worked with Material, David Murray, Henry Threadgill, Hamiet Bluiett, Don Pullen, Charles Brackeen, James Blood Ulmer, Cassandra Wilson, Dr John, Rhys Chatham, Carlos Garnett, Terumasa Hino, Nona Hendryx, Tim Berne, the Be Good Tanyas, and others
January 12, 1939 ~ Vocal jazz group the Ink Spots featuring Bill Kenny record If I Didn't Care ~ Written by Jack Lawrence the initial response from friend would be mostly negative. Recorded by the Spots, released as a single featuring Knock Kneed Sal On The Mourner's Bench on the flip side it would become one of the all-time best-selling singles, selling 19 million copies. Over the years it would be recorded by numerous others, notably Connie Francis, the Platters, and David Cassidy
January 12, 1939 ~ Singer, guitarist Hiroshi Kamayatsu born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Co-founded 1960s rock band the Spiders, best known for their Yuhiganaiteiru hit single. Co-founded Vodka Collins, one of the first Japanese glamrock outfits known best for Sands Of Time released in 1973. Also recorded as a solo artist, notably RTB for the anime series Sentou Yousei Yukikaze, and worked with Sans Filtre ~ Kamayatsu passed away in 2017
January 12, 1939 ~ Country singer William Lee Golden born in Brewton, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as member of the Oak Ridge Boys from 1965 through 1987, rejoining in 1995. Also recorded as a solo artist, starting in 1986 with the album American Vagabond which spawned the modest country hits Love Is The Only Way Out and You Can't Take It With You
January 12, 1935 ~ Operatic lyric soprano Margherita Rinaldi born in Turin, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in her native Italy and abroad during the 1960s and 1970s. Perhaps most acclaimed for her role as Giulietta in Vincenzo Bellini's I Capuletti E I Montecchi at La Scala in 1966 under the direction of Claudio Abbado. Has performed with renowned companies including the Dallas Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, alongside singers such as Alfredo Kraus, Plácido Domingo, and Grace Bumbry. Rinaldi would retire from the stage by the early 1980s yet continue to privately coach young singers ~ Rinaldi passed away in 2023
January 12, 1932 ~ Bebop saxophonist, flutist Hadley Caliman born in Idabel, Oklahoma, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Carlos Santana, Joe Henderson, Earl Hines, Freddie Hubbard, Jon Hendricks, Earl Anderza, Patrice Rushen, Don Ellis, Hampton Hawes, Bobby Hutcherson, Azar Lawrence, Malo, Julian Priester, the Fangs, Gerald Wilson, Thomas Marriott, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, and with Pete Christlieb ~ Caliman passed away in 2010
January 12, 1931 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae saxophonist Roland Alphonso born in Havana, Cuba ~ Co-founding member of pioneering 1960s Jamaican outfit the Skatalites. They are best known for their 1965 recording Guns Of Navarone, produced by Coxsone Dodd and featuring Alphonso as lead singer. A sleeper hit in the UK, reaching top 40 two years after its initial release, the song would over time nevertheless become to be seen as a landmark recording in ska. The song would again be a hit in the UK in 1980, as a mostly instrumental cover by ska revivalists the Specials. Originally the song, written by Dimitri Tiomkin, traces back to 1961, when it was recorded by the Sinfonia Of London as the theme song to the film of the same name ~ Alphonso passed away in 1998
January 12, 1930 ~ Singer, guitarist Glenn Yarbrough, full name Glenn Robertson Yarbrough, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ First gained attention as lead singer of the Limeliters from 1959 through 1963, known for songs such as There's A Meetin' Here Tonight, A Dollar Down, Have Some Madeira M'Dear, and The Lonesome Traveler. As a solo artist best known for his 1965 single Baby The Rain Must Fall. Yarbrough would later rejoin a reformed Limeliters incarnation and play the oldies circuit ~ Yarbrough passed away in 2016
January 12, 1929 ~ Jazz bandleader, composer, arranger Rich Matteson, full name Richmond Albert Matteson, born in Forest Lake, Minnesota, USA ~ Worked with Bob Scobey, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Harvey Phillips, the Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort, Louie Bellson, and others ~ Matteson passed away in 1993
January 12, 1928 ~ Ruth Alston Weston, commonly known as singer Ruth Brown, was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Best known for songs such as So Long, Teardrops From My Eyes and Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean. Worked with Duke Ellington, Rudy Toombs, the Flairs, Count Basie, the Lamp-Lighters, Louis Jordan, Christine Kittrell, Pérez Prado, Thad Jones, and others ~ Brown passed away in 2006
January 12, 1927 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Guy Lafitte born in Saint Gaudens, France ~ Worked with Mezz Mezzrow, Big Bill Broonzy, Lionel Hampton, Emmett Berry, Wild Bill Davis, Bill Coleman, Frank Pourcel, Peanuts Holland, Hank Jones, George Duvivier, JC Heard, Sammy Price, Lucky Thompson, Pierre Boussaguet, and others ~ Lafitte passed away in 1998
January 12, 1926 ~ Composer Morton Feldman born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Pioneer of indeterminate music, a development which also included Christian Wolff, Earle Brown and close friend John Cage. Has composed over 180 works including orchestral music, chamber music, and solo pieces for various instruments ~ Feldman passed away in 1987
January 12, 1926 ~ Country, western swing, traditional pop singer Ray Price, full name Noble Ray Price born in Perryville, Texas, USA ~ Blessed with a warm, smooth baritone voice and influenced by honky tonk and jazz Price is considered one of the best male singers in country history. Known for songs such as Release Me, Crazy Arms, Heartaches By The Number, Invitation To The Blues, For The Good Times, Night Life and You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me. His backing band, the Cherokee Cowboys formed in 1953, at times included musicians such as Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, Darrell McCall, Van Howard, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Bush, Buddy Emmons, Pete Wade, Jan Kurtis, Shorty Lavender, and Buddy Spicher ~ Price passed away in 2013
January 12, 1923 ~ Juan Alberto Ficicchia, commonly known a jazz drummer Tito Alberti, born in Zarate, Argentina ~ Father of Soda Stereo-drummer Charly Alberti. Best known for founding Jazz Casino, fusing Caribbean steel drums with Latin jazz. Has also worked with Xavier Cugat, Dámaso Pérez Prado, and others ~ Ficicchia passed away in 2009
January 12, 1916 ~ James Columbus McShann, commonly known as pianist, bandleader Jay McShann, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Veteran pianist active from the mid-1930s onwards with well over 40 albums to his name as leader or co-leader. Known for leading ensembles that included then-unknown future stars such as Charlie Parker, Ben Webster, Gene Ramey, and Jimmy Witherspoon. Faded from public view by the early 1950s, to resurface by the late 1960s. McShann continued to perform and record well into his eighties ~ McShann passed away in 2006
January 12, 1912 ~ James Young, commonly known as swing trombonist, songwriter Trummy Young, born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Closely associated with Louis Armstrong. Also worked with Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clyde Hart, Buck Clayton, Billy May, Mildred Bailey, Chris Barber, and others. Co-wrote T'Ain't What You Do It's The Way That You Do It, a hit for both Lunceford and Ella Fitzgerald, and Traveling Light which was recorded with Billie Holiday ~ Young passed away in 1984
January 12, 1905 ~ Woodward Maurice Ritter, commonly known as country singer, actor Tex Ritter, born near Murvaul, Texas, USA ~ Popular from the 1930s through the 1960s. Early country pioneer. Known for starring numerous westerns on radio, TV, screen such as the 1936 film Song Of The Gringo. First artist to be signed to Capitol Records. Known for songs such as I'm Wastin' My Tears On You, When You Leave Don't Slam The Door, and I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven ~ Ritter passed away in 1974
January 12, 1904 ~ Hill country blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Mississippi Fred McDowell born in Rossville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as Shake 'Em On Down, Kokomo Blues and You Gotta Move, the latter best known to rock audiences as covered by the Rolling Stones on their quintessential Sticky Fingers album ~ McDowell passed away in 1972
January 12, 1893 ~ Operatic baritone singer Karl Hill passed away in Schwerin, Germany ~ Best known for his roles in Richard Wagner operas, including the role of Alberich in the 1876 premiere of Der Ring Des Nibelungen ~ Hill was born in 1831