February 1, 2022 ~ Rock bassist, talent manager Glenn Wheatley, full name Glenn Dawson Wheatley, passed away ~ First gained attention as member of pop-rock band Masters Apprentices from 1968 through 1972, present on some of the band's best-known songs including Turn Up Your Radio and Because I Love You. As a talent manager best known for managing John Farnham. Wheatley mortgaged his own house to finance Farnham's 1986 comeback album Whispering Jack, the album would spend nearly half a year on the number one spot on the Australian album charts and spawn the international hit single You're The Voice ~ Wheatley was born in 1948
February 1, 2022 ~ Jonathan Zazula, commonly known as label executive Jon Zazula, passed away ~ Owner of New Jersey's Rock'n Roll Heaven record store. Founder of Megaforce Records label. Noted for releasing Metallica's Kill 'Em All debut album. Has also worked with artists such as Disco Biscuits, Warren Haynes, Testament, Overkill, King's X, Frehley's Comet, Ministry, Anthrax, and others ~ Zazula was born ca.1952
February 1, 2022 ~ Classical cellist Leslie Parnas passed away ~ Closely associated with the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, serving as its principal cellist from 1954 through 1962. Close friend and regular collaborator of Pablo Casals, up to and including serving as Casals' palbearer at his funeral. Renowned as a soloist and recitalist, has worked with leading orchestras icluding the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, and others ~ Parnas was born in 1931
February 1, 2020 ~ Classical pianist Peter Serkin, full name Peter Adolf Serkin, passed away in Red Hook, New York, USA ~ Praised for his pristine playing and commitment to contemporary classical music. Has worked with renowned orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell and the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy. Other notable credits include recording Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations no less than five times, the first at age 18. Has worked with Claudio Abbado, James Levine, Yo-Yo Ma, Alexander Schneider, the Budapest Quartet, and others ~ Serkin was born in 1947
February 1, 2018 ~ Composer Alan Stout, full name Alan Burrage Stout, passed away ~ Contemporary classical composer known for his modernist style incorporating elements of 12-tone music as well as experimental styles. Has his compositions performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ~ Stout was born in 1932
February 1, 2018 ~ R&B, soul, psychedelic soul, disco singer Dennis Edwards passed away ~ Member of the Mighty Clouds Of Joy. Member of the Contours. Best known as member of the Temptations from 1968, replacing David Ruffin, through 1977, rejoining on later occassions. Helped transition the band through its psychedelic soul and later still disco era, singing lead on songs such as Cloud Nine, I Can't Get Next To You, Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today), Papa Was A Rollin' Stone and Shakey Ground. As a solo artist known for a number of 1980s recordings, perhaps most notably his 1984 hit duet Don't Look Any Further with Siedah Garrett. Once romantically involved with Aretha Franklin, the latter stating her Daydreaming was inspired by Edwards. Briefly married to the Pointer Sisters-singer Ruth Pointer, with whom he has one daughter ~ Edwards was born in 1943
February 1, 2017 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, bassist, singer Robert Dahlqvist passed away in Bagarmossen, Sweden ~ Best known as a member of the Hellacopters, joining as a permanent member in 1999 and remaining with the band close to a decade. Also worked with the Thunder Express, Dundertåget, Wilmer X, Stefan Sundström, the Diamond Dogs, Solution, Wayne Kramer, Necronaut and others ~ Dahlqvist was born in 1976
February 1, 2016 ~ R&B singer Joe Rivers passed away ~ Formed the duo Johnnie & Joe with Johnnie Louise Richardson, known for late 1950s songs such as Over The Mountain (Across The Sea), I'll Be Spinning and My Baby's Gone On On, all of which reached top 20 Billboard R&B ~ Rivers was born in 1937
February 1, 2013 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, keyboardist, songwriter Cecil Womack, full name Cecil Dale Womack, passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Member of sibling outfit the Valentinos, known for songs such as Lookin' For A Love, It's All Over Now and I Found A True Love. Their songs would be covered by the Rolling Stones, the J Geils Band, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke, and others. Going by the moniker Womack & Womack he and his wife Linda Womack would enjoy popularity in the 1980s in Europe. Songs such as Love Wars, Celebrate The World, and their best-known Teardrops, would all reach top 20 in the UK ~ Womack was born in 1947
February 1, 2009 ~ R&B singer Frankie Ervin, full name Frank Miller Ervin, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Johnny Moore including on the 1953 single Dragnet Blues, and with the Shields including on the 1958 single You Cheated. Also recorded with various other groups and as a solo artist from the early 1950s through the early 1960s, albeit it to lesser chart success ~ Ervin was born in 1926
February 1, 2003 ~ Ramó Santamaria Rodriguez, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader Mongo Santamaria, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. Would focus primarily on salsa and Latin jazz from the 1970s forward. Known for songs such as Para Ti and Watermelon Man, the latter written and originally recorded by Herbie Hancock ~ Santamaria was born in 1917
February 1, 2002 ~ John Richard Ewing, commonly known as jazz trombonist Streamline Ewing, passed away in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Active since the mid-1930s. Has worked with Horace Henderson, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Lunceford, Cab Calloway, Jay McShann, Cootie Williams, Louis Jordan, Earl Bostic, T-Bone Walker, Gerald Wilson, Teddy Buckner, Rex Stewart, the Eagle Brass Band, Johnny Otis, and others. To rock audiences best known for guesting on two Willy DeVille albums, namely 1992's Backstreets Of Desire and 1995's Big Easy Fantasy ~ Ewing was born in 1917
February 1, 2001 ~ Country songwriter John Jarrard passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Had his songs recorded by artists such as Alabama, George Strait (Blue Clear Sky), Don Williams (Nobody But You), John Anderson, John Berry, Blackhawk, Diamond Rio, the Forester Sisters, James House, Tracy Lawrence (Is That A Tear), Neal McCoy, the Pirates Of The Mississippi, Charley Pride (Shouldn't It Be Easier Than This), Collin Raye, John Schneider, Pam Tillis, Rick Trevino, and others ~ Jarrard was born in 1953
February 1, 2001 ~ Vincenzo Bucci, commonly known as jazz bassist Vinnie Burke, passed away ~ Lost the use of a finger and switched from violin and guitar to double bass. Played with Joe Mooney, Tony Scott, Cy Coleman, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Tal Farlow, Marian McPartland, Don Elliott, Vic Dickensen, Gil Melle, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Mehegan, Chris Connor, Eddie Costa, Bobby Hackett, Urbie Green, Joe Puma, Gerry Mulligan, and others ~ Bucci was born in 1921
February 1, 1999 ~ Country singer Brad Paisley releases his Who Needs Pictures debut single ~ Paisley's debut single, lead single off his debut album of the same name, would reach top 20 on the Billboard Country charts and stall in the mid-60s on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Over time, however, Paisley would become country music's most beloved liberal, perform at the White House, sell over 10 million records, chart over a dozen Billboard Country No.1 hits, and regularly cross over to the pop charts, his highest-charting Billboard Hot 100 single being the Carrie Underwood collaboration Remind Me, which reached top 20 in the early 2010s
February 1, 1999 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter David McComb, full name David Richard McComb, passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Fronted the Triffids from 1976 through 1989, known for songs such as Wide Open Road and Bury Me Deep In Love. Subsequently worked with the Blackeyed Susans in the late 1980s and early 1990s. McComb struggled with bouts of alcoholism and substance abuse throughout his career which greatly affected his health, eventually needing a heart transplant in 1996. McComb passed away just two weeks shy of his 37th birthday ~ McComb was born in 1962
February 1, 1999 ~ Vibraphonist, percussionist Julius Wechter passed away in Calabasas, California, USA ~ Best known as member of Herb Alpert's backing unit the Tijuana Brass and leader of its spin-off group the Baja Marimba Band. Wrote Alpert's Spanish Flea, covered by numerous artists including Floyd Cramer, Toots Thielemans, Cyril Stapleton, Liberace, and Xavier Cugat. In-demand session musician for the likes of the Monkees, Sonny & Cher, Phil Spector and perhaps most notably the Beach Boys, noted for his climactic timpana on Do You Wanna Dance and distinctive vibraphone on Let's Go Away For Awhile ~ Wechter was born in 1935
February 1, 1995 ~ Olivier LJ Heldens, commonlyu known as DJ, producer Oliver Heldens, born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Pioneer of future house known for songs such as Gecko (Overdrive) featuring Becky Hill, Last All Night (Koala) featuring Kate Stewart, The Right Song with Tiësto featuring Natalie La Rose, Fire In My Soul featuring Shungudzo, and Turn Me On with Riton featuring Vula
February 1, 1994 ~ Singer Harry Styles, full name Harry Edward Styles, born in Redditch, UK ~ Member of One Direction, one of the all time best-selling boy bands. Released his eponymous Harry Styles solo debut album in 2017. Known for songs such as The Sign Of The Times, Lights Up, Adore You and Watermelon Sugar
February 1, 1994 ~ John Wesley Funchess, commonly known as electric blues slide guitarist John Littlejohn, passsed away ~ Backing musician on the Chicago blues scene from the 1950s through the 1980s. Has cut a number of solo recordings starting in the late 1960s. Has worked with Howlin' Wolf, Carey Bell, Hound Dog Taylor, and others ~ Funchess was born in 1931
February 1, 1989 ~ Michael David Fuller, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Blaze Foley, passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Admired by peers. Had his songs covered by Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson (If I Could Only Fly), Lyle Lovett (Election Day), John Prine (Clay Pigeons), and others. Has been the subject of tribute songs by Townes Van Zandt (Blaze's Blues), Lucinda Williams (Drunken Angel), Gurf Morlix (Music You Mighta Made), and the Kings Of Leon (Reverend) ~ Fuller was born in 1949
February 1, 1988 ~ After a year of touring and recording, new wave, power pop outfit the Cars officially disband, with half a dozen albums under their belt ~ After half a dozen albums, four of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 200, the band call it quits. They are best known for My Best Friend's Girl, Shake It Up, You Might Think, Magic, and their highest-charting single Drive, which reached No.3 Billboard Hot 100. The band would briefly reunite in 2011, sans Benjamin Orr who passed away in 2000, for the album Move Like This and tour, but part ways for good soon after
February 1, 1983 ~ Psychedelic rock, neo-psychedelia, indie pop, progressive rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Andrew VanWyngarden, full name Andrew Wells VanWyngarden, born in Columbia, Missouri, USA ~ Formed MGMT with Benjamin Goldwasser, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The duo is especially acclaimed for their 2010 Congratulations sophomore album. Also worked with Glitter Penis, Accidental Mersh, Blikk Fang, and as a solo artist under the moniker Gentle Dom
February 1, 1981 ~ =Rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Gustaf Norén, full name Erik Gustaf David Norén, born in Borlange, Sweden ~ Named Sweden's sexiest man by Plaza Kvinna in 2016. Perhaps best known as co-leader, alongside Björn Dixgård, of Mando Diao from 1999 through 2015, known best for their 2004 Hurricane Bar breakout album and 2012's Infruset. Has also collaborated with his brother singer, guitarist, percussionist Viktor Norén including in State Of Sound, Caligola, with Eric Saade, and ventured into acting
February 1, 1975 ~ Antwan André Patton, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter, actor Big Boi born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Half of hip-hop duo OutKast, the other half being Dré, known for songs such as Ms Jackson, Hey Ya, The Way You Move and Roses. Released his solo debut album, Sir Lucious Left Foot (The Son Of Chico Dusty), in 2010. As a solo artist best known for Shutterbugg featuring Cutty and All Night featuring Lunchmoney Lewis. Has also worked with Dungeon Family, the Purple Ribbon All-Stars, Raekwon, Mary J Blige, UGK, Kelly Rowland, Goodie Mob, Fantasia, Janelle Monáe, Danger Mouse, and Gorilla Zoe
February 1, 1974 ~ Pop rock outfit the Doobie Brothers release their What Where Once Vices Are Now Habits album ~ The band's previous album, 1973's The Captain And Me, had spawned the hit singles Long Train Runnin' and China Grove which both reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100. When none of the first three singles from What Where Once Vices Are Now Habits reached top 30, Warner Brothers decided to re-release the band's 1971 non-charter Nobody debut single. It would soon be overshadowed by What Where Once Vices Are Now Habits's fourth and final single, Black Water, the band's first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper
February 1, 1974 ~ Metal guitarist, producer Kurt Ballou born in Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as guitarist of hardcore punk outfit Converge. Has also worked with the Huguenots, Blue/Green Heart, Kid Kilowatt, Cave In, Supermachiner, Curl Up And Die, the New Idea Society, Pygmy Lush, and others
February 1, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Sarah McLeod, full name Sarah Yvette McLeod, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Fronted the Superjesus, known best for their 1997 single Down Again. Debuted as a solo artist with the 2005 Beauty Was A Tiger album, which included the Chris Cheney-duet Private School Kid
February 1, 1972 ~ Operatic soprano Taryn Fiebig born in Perth, Australia ~ Principal soprano with the Opera Australia since 2005, known for roles in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's La Clemenzia Di Tito, The Marriage Of Figaro, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute, Henry Purcell's Didi And Aeneas, Gioachino Rossini's La Cenerentola, and Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème. Married baritone Jud Arthur in 2015, previously Fiebig had been married to composer Iain Grandage ~ Fiebig passed away in 2021
February 1, 1971 ~ Hilliard Goldsmith, commonly known as lyricist Bob Hilliard, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Enjoyed his first big success in the mid-1940s co-writing The Coffee Song, recorded by Frank Sinatra. Sinatra also recorded his In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning. Other well known songs co-written by Hilliard include Bouquet Of Roses (Eddy Arnold), Careless Hands (Sammy Kaye), Dear Hearts And Gentle People (Dinah Shore), Please Stay (the Drifters), Any Day Now (Chuck Jackson), and Our Day Will Come (Ruby & the Romantics) ~ Goldsmith was born in 1918
February 1, 1969 ~ Jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Son of saxophonist Dewey Redman, whom he cites as an influence alongside John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Cannonball Adderley as well as artists outside jazz such as the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Prince, the Police and Led Zeppelin. Leader and sideman. Especially acclaimed for his 1993 Wish album. Closely associated with James Farm and the SF Jazz Collective. Along with cellist Yo-Yo Ma immortalized in the animated children's TV show Arthur in 1999, where their characters were rumored to get into a fight. Redman also appeared in the 1998 film Blues Brothers 2000 as member of the fictitious supergroup the Louisiana Gator Boys performing the songs How Blue Can You Get and New Orleans
February 1, 1969 ~ Alternative rock, power pop, pop punk, indie rock, geek rock, emo, pop rock drummer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Patrick Wilson, full name Patrick George Wilson, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Took up the drums after visiting a Van Halen concert at age 15. Best known as co-founding and longtime member of Weezer, for whom he co-wrote songs such as The World Has Turned And Left Me Here, Surf Wax America and My Name Is Jonas and wrote In The Mall and Automatic. Fronts his own band, the Special Goodness, for which he writes songs, sings lead vocals and plays the majority of instruments. Wilson guested on the Rentals debut album The Return Of The Rentals released in 1995
February 1, 1968 ~ Singer, songwriter Lisa Marie Presley born in Memphis, Tennessee, 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 passed away in 2023
February 1, 1967 ~ Psychedelic rock, folk rock outfit the Jefferson Airplane release their Surrealistic Pillow album ~ With new members Grace Slick and drummer Spencer Dryden, the band managed to create the first psychedelic blockbuster album. Showcasing Slick's distinctive voice and what is considered the classic Jefferson line-up, the album would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 200, and spawn the quintessential 1960s hits Somebody To Love and White Rabbit, both of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. To this day the album is considered one of the most important to come out of the 1960s, arguably unmatched in capturing the spirit of the era and San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury counterculture
February 1, 1966 ~ Electronic, house DJ, producer Laurent Garnier born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France ~ Started as club DJ in the late 1980s at the Hacienda, the Rex Club and L'an-Fer before gradually moving into recording. Released his full-length solo album, Shot In The Dark, in 1995. Best known for songs such Crispy Bacon and The Man With The Red Face
February 1, 1965 ~ Twin brothers guitarists, singers Brent Belke and Marc Belke born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Both brothers worked in punk rock outfits such as Live Sex Shows, SNFU, and the Wheat Chiefs. Brent also worked with the Existential Angst Party as well as compose for films. Marc worked with Bing Jesus and Based On A True Story
February 1, 1965 ~ Britpop, indie bassist, guitarist Steve Firth, full name Steven Mark Firth, born in Halifax, UK ~ Member of rock outfit Embrace, known for a string of hits starting in the late 1990s including the UK top 10 hits All You Good People, Come Back To What You Know, My Weakness Is None Of Your Business, Gravity, Nature's Law, and World At Your Feet
February 1, 1965 ~ Rock outfit the Yardbirds record For Your Love at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Graham Gouldman at age 18. The song marked a departure from the band's blues roots in favour of a more commercial pop rock sound. Recorded with Keith Relf and drummer Jim McCarty backed by session musician Ron Prentice on bowed bass, Denny Piercy on bongos, and Brian Auger on harpsichord. Band members Eric Clapton and Chris Dreja perform only during the song's middle break section. Following the session, Auger wondered: “Who, in their right mind, is going to buy a pop single with harpsichord on it?” The single would be the band's first top 10 hit in the UK, and their first top 10 hit in the USA
February 1, 1964 ~ Jazz, nu jazz, electronica pianist, composer, producer Bugge Wesseltoft, full name Jens Christian Bugge Wesseltoft, born in Porsgrunn, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Son of jazz guitarist Erik Wesseltoft. Started in punk and pop bands, gravitated towards jazz under the influence of his father and brought modern techno and dance into jazz in the 1990s. Worked with Et Cetera, the Oslo Groove Company, Knut Riisnæs, Arild Andersen, Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Jon Eberson, Billy Cobham, Sidsel Endresen, Finn Coren, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Jan Eggum, Laurent Garnier, Knut Reiersrud, Øystein Sunde, Vamp, Rick Danko, Hanne Krogh, Susanne Lundeng, Marilyn Mazur, Solveig Slettahjell, Bengt-Arne Wallin, Wax Poetic, Dhafer Youssef, and others
February 1, 1964 ~ Singer Mario Pelchat born in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Canada ~ Performing since the early 1970s. Released his Je Suis Un Chanteur debut album in 1982 and has recorded steadily since. Starred in a number of theatrical productions, including Notre Dame De Paris, The Ten Commandments and Don Juan. Has collaborated with Maurane, Céline Dion, Michel Legrand
February 1, 1962 ~ Norman Fisher-Jones, commonly known as pop-rock, electronica, new wave, post-punk guitarist, bassist Noko, born in Bootle, UK ~ Active since the early 1980s in quite a number of bands starting with the short-lived Alvin the Aardvark & the Fuzzy Ants, championed by John Peel though they never released any material. Subsequently co-founded Dynamo Futurista and Umbrella. Would go on to work with a succession of artists including Pete Shelley, Howard Devoto, Adultery, Luxuria, Apollo 440, Stealth Sonic Soul, Maximum Roach, Magazine, Raw Chimp, Levyathan, SCISM, Am I Dead Yet, the Buzzcocks, and others
February 1, 1958 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Wear My Ring Around Your Neck ~ Written by Bert Carroll and Russell Moody. Produced by Steve Sholes. The recording features guitarist Scotty Moore, drummer DJ Fontana, backing singers the Jordanaires, bass guitarist Bill Black and pianist Dudley Brooks. The single would be released the next April, with Don'tcha Think It's Time on the B-side
February 1, 1958 ~ Thomas Peters, commonly known as singer, guitarist, keyboardist Tommi Stumpff, born in Düsseldorf, West Germany ~ Founded and fronted punk outfit KFC in the late 1970s. Would go on to record about a dozen solo albums as an EBM singer, starting with Zu Spät Ihr Scheisser released in 1982 ~ Peters passed away in 2023
February 1, 1957 ~ Singer Dennis Brown, full name Dennis Emmanuel Brown, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Started recording at age 11. Over 75 albums to his name. Cited by Bob Marley as his favorite singer dubbing him “the Crown Prince of Reggae” Best known for songs such as Money In My Pocket, Love Has Found Its Way, Halfway Up Halfway Down and Senorita ~ Brown passed away in 1999
February 1, 1956 ~ Singer Exene Cervenka born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ One of the most recognisable frontwomen in punk, punk rock. Best known as lead singer of X, especially acclaimed for their 1980 Los Angeles debut album produced by the Doors-keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Has also fronted the Original Sinners. Has provoked controversy for her conspiracy theories, claiming the 2014 Isla Vista shootings were a hoax designed to bring about stricter gun control laws
February 1, 1955 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Nick Magnus born in Emsworth, UK ~ Member of 1970s symphonic rock band the Enid. Has notably worked with Genesis-guitarist Steve Hackett, appearing on half a dozen of Hackett's solo albums. Has also worked with Autumn, scored the music to the horror film Bloody New Year, released several solo albums starting with the 1993 Straight On Till Morning album, and served as producer for Celtic Spirit, Amoure and for Gordon Reid
February 1, 1954 ~ Actor, singer, guitarist, writer Bill Mumy, full name Charles William Mumy Jr, born in San Gabriel, California, USA ~ Former child actor, active since age 6. As a musician plays banjo, bass, guitar, harmonica, keyboards, mandolin, percussion. Has worked with America, toured Shaun Cassidy, played with Rick Springfield in the film Hard To Hold, and recorded as a solo artist. Formed the duo Barnes & Barnes with singer and childhood friend Robert Haimer, adopting the personae of Art & Artie Barnes, twin brothers existing in alternate dimensions, and known for their 1978 novelty recording Fish Heads
February 1, 1954 ~ Gary Arthur McDaniel, commonly known as punk rock bassist Chuck Dukowski, born ~ Best known as co-founding member of Black Flag, remaining with the band from 1977 through 1983. They are one of the first hardcore punk acts and considered pioneers of post-hardcore. Dukowski wrote or co-wrote some of the band's best-known including My War, The Bars, I Love You, and Modern Man. Left the band shortly before the release of the sophomore My War, yet stayed on as band manager. Has also worked with October Faction, SWA, Würm, and with the Chuck Dukowski Sextet, the latter also including his wife Lora Norton and stepson Milo Gonzalez
February 1, 1951 ~ Composer, conductor Michael Jeffrey Shapiro born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Prolific composer wrote in mumerous forms including opera, symphonies, concerti, chamber music and choral music. Has worked with with the Chappaqua Orchestra, the Zurich Opera, Teresa Stratas, José Ferrer, János Starker, Marin Alsop, Sergiu Comissiona, Tim Fain, Alexis Cole, Clamma Dale, the Houston Symphony, the United States Navy Band, the Hawthorne String Quartet, and others
February 1, 1951 ~ Clyde Vernon Landreth, commonly known as slide guitarist, singer Sonny Landreth, born in Carlton, Mississippi, USA ~ Known as “the King of Slydeco” and praised by Eric Clapton and one of the most advanced and under-appreciated guitarists in the world. Strongly influenced by zydeco. First white member to play in Clifton Chenier's backing unit the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Gained serious attention with a string of 1990s albums, notably 1995's South Of I-10. Has worked with Marti Jones, Alain Bashung, Mark Knopfler, Gov't Mule, Buckwheat Zydeco, John Hiatt, Johnny Winter, Eli Cook, and others
February 1, 1950 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Mike Campbell born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Mudcrutch, the band that launched the career of Tom Petty and predecessor to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers of which Campbell also was a key member and co-writer. Petty songs co-written by Campbell include Here Comes My Girl, Refugee, Runnin' Down A Dream and I Don't Wanna Fight. Co-wrote and played on Don Henley's The Boys Of Summer. Guested on most of Stevie Nicks' solo albums. Briefly a member of Fleetwood Mac, replacing Lindsey Buckingham on their 2018-19 world tour. Has recorded sporadically as a solo artist, fronted the side project the Dirty Knobs, and guested on recordings by Dwight Twilley, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Brian Setzer, Randy Newman, Warren Zevon, Bob Seger, Joe Cocker, Jackson Browne, the Wallflowers, the Dixie Chicks, the Dandy Warhols, Chris Stapleton, and others
February 1, 1949 ~ Bassist Klaasje van der Wal born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Co-founded short-lived 1960s garage rock, rock outfit the Kick. Worked with the Davies, known for supporting acts such as the Small Faces and the Who. Best known as co-founding member of Shocking Blue, for whom he came up with the band name, and present on hits such as Send Me A Postcard, Never Marry A Railroad Man and their best-known Venus. Left the band in 1971 to be succeeded by Henk Smitskamp ~ Van der Wal passed away in 2018
February 1, 1948 ~ Singer, oud player, violinist, mandolinist, composer John Bilezikjian born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Considered a masterful oud player, known for his contributions to world music and impressive collaborations. Sings in Armenian, English, Turkish, and Assyrian. As a solo artist best known for his 1998 Dantz Fever. Has played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Cohen (I'm Your Man), Plácido Domingo, Luis Miguel, Prince Diabate, Robert Palmer, the Brothers Of The Baladi (Hope), and Armen Chakmakian ~ Bilezikjian passed away in 2015
February 1, 1948 ~ James Ambrose Johnson Jr, commonly known as singer, producer Rick James, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Went AWOL in the 1960s, fleeing to Canada where he founded the Mynah Birds, which also included Neil Young in its line-up. As a solo artist best known for mixing funk, disco, rock and new wave, starting in the late 1970s. Became a household name with his 1981 Street Songs album, which spawned hits such as Give It To Me Baby and Super Freak. Took Teena Marie under his wing, producing her 1979 Wild & Peaceful debut album ~ James passed away in 2004
February 1, 1946 ~ Singer Chris Clark, full name Christine Elizabeth Clark, born in Santa Cruz, California, USA ~ Best known to soul aficionados for two classic Northern Soul tracks, 1965's Do Right Baby Do Right and 1966's Love's Gone Bad. Also co-wrote the screenplay for the 1972 Lady Sings The Blues film, a biographical film about jazz singer Billie Holiday starring Diana Ross as Holiday
February 1, 1941 ~ Bluegrass bassist, upright bassist Tom Gray born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Regarded as one of the finest bluegrass bassists. Recorded about half a dozen albums with the Country Gentlemen, one of the first progressive bluegrass acts, including the acclaimed 1963 album On The Road. Recorded about a dozen albums with the Seldom Scene during the 1970s and 1980s. Has appeared on numerous albums by the likes of Mike Auldridge, Jaime Brockett, Tony Rice, Bill Keith, John Sterling, Bryan Bowers, John McCutcheon, Bryan Bowers, Gary Ferguson, Bill Emerson, and Linda Ronstadt
February 1, 1940 ~ Jazz drummer James Black, full name James Norbert Black, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Active since late 1950s, started out in New Orleans R&B ensembles to eventualy gravitate towards jazz. Worked with artists such as Nat Perrilliat, Roy Montrell, Ellis Marsalis Jr (notably writing Monkey Puzzle and Dee Wee), Nat Adderley, Cannonball Adderley, Joe Jones, Horace Silver, Lionel Hampton, Yusef Lateef, Freddie Hubbard, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Charles Neville, Earl Tubinton, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Eddie Bo, Cassandra Wilson, Frank Tapani, Wynton Marsalis, Germaine Bazzle, Finger Eleven, and others ~ Black passed away in 1988
February 1, 1939 ~ Pop singer, drummer, songwriter Claude François, full name Claude Antoine Marie François, born in Ismalia, Egypt ~ Known for Comme D'Habitude, co-written with Jacques Revaux, later translated into English as My Way and recorded by Frank Sinatra and numerous others. Sold some 70 million records and said to be “the French equivalent of the Beatles, meaning the great talent of a generation” by former French President Valéry Giscard D'Estaing. Known for songs such as Le Téléphone Pleure, Le Lundi Au Soleil, Magnolias For Ever, Alexandrei Alexandra and Cette Année La. Accidentally electrocuted at age 39 as he was about to embark for America ~ François passed away in 1978
February 1, 1939 ~ Singer, actor Dario Campeotto born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Actively performing since his early teens. Internationally best known for representing his native Denmark at the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Angelique. Following its success Campeotto would continue to record, as well as play in theatrical plays, operettas, revues, and films ~ Campeotto passed away in 2023
February 1, 1939 ~ Delano Floyd McCoury, commonly known as bluegrass, country guitarist, banjoist, singer Del McCoury born in Bakersville, North Carolina, USA ~ Father of mandolinist Ronnie McCoury and banjoist Rob McCoury, both of whom back their father as members of the Del McCoury Band. Worked with the Bluegrass Boys, the Dixie Pals, Mac Wiseman, Doc Watson, Steve Earle, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Audie Blaylock, and others
February 1, 1939 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Joe Sample, full name Joseph Leslie Sample born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Father of bassist Nicklas Sample. Co-founded the Jazz Crusaders in 1960, initially a jazz band, venturing into R&B in the 1970s after their namechange to the Crusaders. Sample remained with the band through their final album in the early 1990s. The band is best known for their 1979 hit Street Life featuring Randy Crawford. Parallel to his career in the band has recorded as a solo artist, collaborated with the likes of Ray Brown, Shelly Manne and David T Walker, and guested on recordings by Miles Davis, George Benson, Jimmy Witherspoon, BB King, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Anita Baker, the Supremes, the LA Express, Marvin Gaye, Minnie Riperton, Gene Ammons, Al Jarreau, Milt Jackson, Cher, Tina Turner, Solomon Burke, and others ~ Sample passed away in 2014
February 1, 1937 ~ Singer Don Everly, full name Isaac Donald Everly, born in Brownie, Kentucky, USA ~ Formed the sibling duo the Everly Brothers with his brother Phil Everly. Though following in the tradition of other sibling duos, such as the Delmore Brothers, the Everly's would become one of the best known sibling duos, drawing from rock & roll, country, and pop, and influential on country-rock. They duo scored about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits starting in the late 1950s, including the charttoppers Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have To Do Is Dream, and Cathy's Clown ~ Everly passed away in 2021
February 1, 1937 ~ Singer, percussionist, guitarist Ray Sawyer born in Chickasaw, Alabama, USA ~ Member of Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, known for songs such as Sylvia's Mother, The Cover Of The Rolling Stone, Only Sixteen, A Little Bit More, Sharing The Night Together, When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Better Love Next Time, Sexy Eyes and Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk ~ Sawyer passed away in 2018
February 1, 1933 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Ray Santisi born ~ Played with Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Mel Tormé, Irene Kral, Herb Pomeroy, Natalie Cole, Buddy DeFranco, Gábor Szabó, Milt Jackson, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Carol Sloane, Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, Benny Golson, Boots Mussulli, Shelly Manne, Donald Byrd, Kenny Burrell, Hank Mobley, Duke Jordan, Bob Moses, and others ~ Santisi passed away in 2014
February 1, 1933 ~ Saxophonist Sadao Watanabe born in Utsonomiya, Japan ~ Leader and in-demand sideman. Known for his bossa nova recordings. Backed John Coltrane on Japanese tours. Worked with Charlie Mariano, Jack DeJohnette, Miroslav Vitous, Chick Corea, Gary Peacock, Terumasa Hino, Cedar Walton, Chuck Rainey, Patrice Rushen, Michael Brecker, George Benson, Don Grusin, Herbie Hancock, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Randy Brecker, Dave Grusin, Randy Crawford, Chico Hamilton, Armando Peraza, Greg Phillinganes, Gábor Szabó, Toquinho, and others
February 1, 1927 ~ Country, folk, pop singer, songwriter Johnny Ashcroft, full name John Lewis Ashcroft, born in North Sydney, Australia ~ Married to country singer Gay Kayler, with whom he has also collaborated. Primarily a country and folk singer, songwriter, yet has also recorded pop, skiffle, jazz and even disco at time using the moniker the Baron. Known best for songs such as Little Boy Lost, Playground In My Mind, Big River, The Girl Behind The Bar and Bailing Up The Mail ~ Ashcroft passed away in 2021
February 1, 1923 ~ Blues singer, drummer, guitarist Leroy Foster born in Algoma, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for a number of late 1940s, early 1950s recordings such as Locked Out Boogie, My Head Can't Rest Anymore, Pet Rabbit, Boll Weevil and Rolling & Tumbling (Part 1). Backed Muddy Waters in his formative years. Also worked with Sunnyland Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter, Johnny Jones, Lee Brown, and others ~ Foster passed away in 1958
February 1, 1917 ~ Violinist, conductor Ed Simons born ~ Once the oldest active conductor in America with a career starting in the 1940s and continuing to conduct until his death aged 101. As a violinist he played with the American Ballet Theatre where he secretly studied the orchestral scores. Despite lack of conducting experience Max Goberman, the orchestra's conductor, gave him a chance. Simons would soon conduct musicals, including eight Broadway shows between 1948 and 1964, and would be hailed by The New York Times as “the best conductor in jazz.” ~ Simons passed away in 2018
February 1, 1916 ~ Robert Williams Jr, commonly known as jazz bassist, singer Chocolate Williams, born in Augusta, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Led the Three Chocolates, which also included guitarist Jerome Darr and pianist Bill Spotswood, performing from the 1940s until his semi-retirement in the mid-1950s. Williams also collaborated with Rex Stewart, Herbie Nichols, and notably with Art Tatum including on the 1941 live album Onyx ~ Williams passed away in 1984
February 1, 1904 ~ Joseph Henton, commonly known as trombonist Tricky Sam Nanton, born ~ Worked with Cliff Jackson, Elmer Snowden, Duke Ellington, and others. Hearing trumpeter Johnny Dunn play with a plunger, he realized the same trick could be used on a trombone. Together with Ellington bandmate Bubber Miley in large part responsible for Ellington's wah-wah sound in the late-1920s ~ Nanton passed away in 1946
February 1, 1901 ~ Poet, social activist Langston Hughes born in Joplin, Missouri, USA ~ One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form jazz poetry, which has been described as poetry that demonstrates jazz-like rhythm or the feel of improvisation. Jazz poetry first emerged in the 1920s. has been adopted by the Beat generation by the 1950s and is considered a huge influence on later art-forms such as hip-hop, rap, and spoken word music ~ Hughes passed away in 1967
February 1, 1894 ~ Ragtime, jazz stride pianist, composer James P Johnson, full name James Price Johnson, born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Fats Waller. Known for songs such as Harlem Strut, Keep Off The Grass, Carolina Shout, Worried And Lonesome Blues, and The Charleston ~ Johnson passed away in 1955
February 1, 1859 ~ Cellist, conductor, composer Victor Herbert, full name Victor August Herbert, born ~ Best known for composing Broadway operettas successful from the the 1890 through the start of World War I. Co-founder of ASCAP. Extremely productive, having written over 40 operettas, over 30 compositions for orchestra as well as operas and compositions for cello, violin, piano, choral works and orchestrated numerous works by other composers ~ Herbert passed away in 1924