January 17, 2023 ~ Singer Larry Morris passed away ~ Lead singer for New Zealand garage rock, pop rock outfit Larry's Rebels, present on the band's 1967 A Study In Black debut album. Well known songs include This Empty Place, Long Ago Far Away, and I Feel Good. Morris departed the band in 1969 to pursue a solo career, the remainder of the band continuing under the moniker the Rebels ~ Morris was born ca.1948
January 17, 2023 ~ Singer Renée Geyer, full name Renée Rebecca Geyer, passed away in Geelong, Australia ~ Active since the early 1970s. Member of jazz-blues outfit Dry Red. Member of Sun. Member of Mother Earth. Over a dozen albums to her name as a solo singer, starting with the eponymous Renée Geyer released in 1973. Best known for songs such as Say I Love You, Heading In The Right Direction, and States And Whispers. Also an in-demand backing singer, present on albums by Sting, Chaka Khan, Toni Childs, and Joe Cocker ~ Geyer was born in 1953
January 17, 2023 ~ Grunge, psychedelic rock, alternative rock bassist, guitarist Van Conner passed away ~ Co-founded the Explosive Generation with his brother guitarist Gary Lee Conner and friend drummer Mark Pickerel. With the addition of singer Mark Lanegan the band would evolve into Screaming Trees, known best for songs such as Nearly Lost You and All I Know. Drawing from hard rock and psychedelic rock, the band is widely regarded as one of the pioneering acts in grunge. Conner also founded the side projects Solomon Grundy, releasing a sole eponymous Solomon Grundy album in 1990, and Gardener, known for their New Dawning Time album released in 1999 ~ Conner was born in 1967
January 17, 2022 ~ Guitar amplifier builder Alexander Dumble, full name Alexander Howard Dumble, passed away ~ Revered boutique guitar amplifier builder, building as little as two or three amps per year. Dumble amps are among the most expensive and sought-after in the market, second-hand amps fetching up to $150,000. Has catered to artists such as Eric Clapton, Sonny Landreth, Robben Ford, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Lindley, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Kirk Hammett, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jackson Browne and Joe Bonamassa ~ Dumble was born ca.1945
January 17, 2021 ~ Guitarist Joan Eloi Vila, full name Joan Eloi Vila De Paz, passed away ~ In-demand collaborator and backing musician. Member of children's group Els Xipis. Has collaborated with the Barcelona Orchestra on La Salseta Del Poble Sec. Has backed artists such Jimmy Page, Joan Baptista Humet, Joaquin Sabina and Joan Isaac on tours ~ Vila was born in 1959
January 17, 2021 ~ Julian Clifford Mance Jr, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Junior Mance, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the late 1940s. Sideman and leader. Debuted as a leader in 1959. Played with Gene Ammons, Lester Young, Israel Crosby, Buddy Smith, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Sonny Stitt, Dinah Washington, Clifford Brown, Clark Terry, Maynard Ferguson, Herb Geller, Harold Land, Richie Powell, Keter Betts, George Morrow, Max Roach, Benny Carter, Dexter Gordon, Al Grey, Johnny Griffin, Joe Gordon, Buddy Guy, Red Holloway, José James, Eddie Jefferson, Etta Jones, Irene Kral, Jay Leonhart, Les McCann, Howard McGhee, James Moody, Sandy Mosse, Ken Peplowski, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul Gonsalves, Wilbur Ware, Ben Webster, Leo Wright, Cannonball Adderley, and with others ~ Mance was born in 1928
January 17, 2019 ~ Guitarist Reggie Young passed away in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, USA ~ Session man for artists including Elvis Presley, BJ Thomas, the Memphis Boys, John Prine, JJ Cale, Willie Nelson, the Box Tops, Jerry Lee Lewis, and George Strait ~ Young was born in 1936
January 17, 2019 ~ Singer, keyboardist, cellist Tara Simmons, full name Tara Emily Simmons, passed away ~ Known for using bedroom, bathroom and kitchen items to sample sounds. Debuted with the EP Pendulum in 2006. A full-length debut album, Spilt Milk, would be released in 2009, and a sophomore album, It's Not Like We're Trying To Move Mountains in 2012 ~ Simmons was born in 1984
January 17, 2018 ~ Drummer, vibraphonist, keyboardist Christian Burchard passed away ~ Co-founded Embryo in 1969, once described as “the most eclectic of krautrock bands.” The band has released over 40 albums in ever-changing line-ups with an estimated over 400 musicians at one time or another in its line-up ~ Burchard was born in 1946
January 17, 2016 ~ Clarence Henry Reid, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Blowfly passed away in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Nobody But You. Best known for his sexually explicit lyrics, often wordplay on existing phrases or songs. During the 1960s and 1970s Reid also worked as a producer and writer for artists such as Betty Wright, Sam & Dave, Gwen McCrae, Jimmy Bo Horne, Bobby Byrd, KC & the Sunshine Band, and others ~ Reid was born in 1939
January 17, 2016 ~ Terence Dale Griffin, commonly known as drummer, producer Dale Buffin Griffin, passed away ~ Co-founding member of Mott The Hoople, known best for their 1972 David Bowie-produced All The Young Dudes album. Its All The Young Dudes title track would reach the uK top 10. Griffin is also known as a producer, notably producing many of the John Peel sessions from 1981 through 1994 ~ Griffin was born in 1948
January 17, 2012 ~ Bandleader, producer Johnny Otis passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Singer, pianist, vibraphonist, percussionist, bandleader, composer, arranger, talent scout, radio DJ, TV host of The Johnny Otis Show. Lovingly dubbed “the Godfather of R&B”, pivotal in American R&B and rock & roll. As a talent scout discovered numerous artists early in their career including Esther Phillips, Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Johnny Ace, Big Jay McNeely, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, Hank Ballard, and the Coasters. Wrote the Royals' 1952 hit Every Beat Of My Heart, later also a hit for Gladys Knight & the Pips. As a bandleader and collaborator known for songs such as Double Crossing Blues and Cupid's Boogie (1950), Call Operator 210 and, reportedly the first recorded mambo, Mambo Boogie (1952), and for his signature song Willie & The Hand Jive (1958). Entered into politics in the early 1960, making a run for a California State Assembly, which he did not win, and serving as deputy chief of staff to Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally. Founded and preached at the New Landmark Community Gospel Church, Santa Rosa, Caligornia. ~ Otis was born in 1921
January 17, 2011 ~ Producer, label executive Don Kirshner, full name Donald Clark Kirshner, passed away in Boca Raton, Florida, USA ~ Best known for managing songwriting talent as well as a number of popular pop acts including the Monkees, Kansas, and the Archies. Along with partner Al Nevins co-owner of Aldon Music music publishers, which employed staff songwriters such as Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka, Neil Diamond, Paul Simon, Phil Spector, Howard Greenfield, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jack Keller, and others ~ Kirshner was born in 1934
January 17, 2007 ~ Gary Philippet, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, singer Gary Phillips, passed away ~ Member of Greg Kihn Band, including on the band's biggest hits The Breakup Song (They Don't Write)and Jeopardy. Has also worked with Freedom Highway, Earth Quake, and with Copperhead alongside John Cipollina ~ Philippet was born in 1947
January 17, 2004 ~ Czeslaw Juliusz Wydrzycki, commonly known as rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, avant-garde jazz singer, songwriter Czeslaw Niemen, passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Considered one of the most important Polish singers of the 20th century singing mainly in Polish. Has worked with bands such as Akwarele, Enigmatic, Grupa Niemen, Aerolit, the Silesian Blues Band, and has released solo records starting in the late 1960s ~ Wydrzycki was born in 1939
January 17, 2002 ~ Rapper, singer Samuel, full name Samuel Kim Arredondo, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Half of the short-lived hip-hop duo 1Punch, the other half being ONE. After the duo disbanded Samuel participated in the 2017 reality TV talent contest Produce 101 but would fail to make the cut. Would release his solo debut album, Eye Candy, later the same year which would reach the top 10 of the Korean charts
January 17, 2001 ~ Flutist, saxophonist Norris Turney passed away in Kettering, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Tiny Bradshaw, Billy Eckstine, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, the Savoy Sultans, he Newport All-Stars, Oliver Jackson, Roy Eldridge, Red Richards, Randy Weston, Sam Woodyard, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, and others ~ Turney was born in 1921
January 17, 2000 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader Philip Jones passed away ~ Led the Philip Jones Ensemble, one of the first brass ensembles founded in 1951. Also worked with the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth, Ifor James, Ray Premru, John Fletcher, and others ~ Jones was born in 1928
January 17, 1994 ~ Jazz trumpeter, saxophonist Noel Chiboust passed away in Pau, France ~ Worked as violinist with Ray Ventura, as trumpeter with Freddy Johnson, Michel Warlop, Coleman Hawkins, Guy Paquinet, and as saxophonist with Bill Coleman, Joe Keyes, Serge Glykson, Raymond Wraskoff, Fred Adison ~ Chiboust was born in 1909
January 17, 1991 ~ Breagh MacKinnon, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Breagh Isabel, born ~ Formed Port Cities with Dylan Guthro and Carleton Stone, acclaimed for their eponymous 2017 Port Cities debut album. MacKinnon left the band in 2019 to focus on a solo career and write and produce for other artists. Her songs have been recorded by the likes of Banners, Donovan Woods, Classified, Jocelyn Alice, Ria Mae, Mint Simon, and others
January 17, 1989 ~ Jazz, soul singer, pianist Kandace Springs born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of session singer Scat Springs. Released her full-length debut album Soul Eyes in 2016, produced by Larry Klein and with backing from Terence Blanchard, Dean Parks, Jesse Harris and Vinnie Colaiuta. Has also worked with Karriem Riggins, Roy Hargrove, Ghostface Killah, Black Violin, Lang Lang, Ambrose Akinmusire, and with the Kings Of Tomorrow
January 17, 1988 ~ Tahliah Debrett Barnett, commonly known as singer, dancer, actress, songwriter FKA Twigs, born in Cheltenham, UK ~ Released her LP1 debut album in 2014 and has recorded to consistent critical acclaim since, described as a genre-bending artist drawing from electronic music, trip-hop, pop and R&B. Well known songs include Two Weeks and Cellophane. Has collaborated with the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, A$AP Rocky, the 1975, Yung Lean, and others
January 17, 1987 ~ Pop, R&B, dance-pop singer Sian Charlesworth born in Bolton, UK ~ Member of girl group Parade, known for their 2010 debut single Louder which reached the UK top 10. The band has opened for Shakira, Alexandra Burke, and for Shayne Ward in the early 2010s
January 17, 1986 ~ Indie folk, folk rock drummer, keyboardist, mandolinist, songwriter Jeremiah Fraites born in Ramsey, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Lumineers, known for songs such as Ophelia, Cleopatra, Gloria, Life In The City and their best-known Ho Hey, the latter a Billboard top 10 hit in 2012
January 17, 1984 ~ Adam Richard Wiles, commonly known as producer, DJ Calvin Harris born in Dumfries, UK ~ Internationally best known for his collaboration with Rihanna on the 2011 international hit We Found Love. Other well known songs include Acceptable In The 80s, I'm Not Alone, Bounce featuring Kelis, Feel So Close, Let's Go featuring Ne-Yo, Sweet Nothing featuring Florence Welch, Summer, Outside featuring Ellie Goulding, My Way, Feels featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean, Giant featuring Rag'n'bone Man, and others
January 17, 1983 ~ Winstead Sheffield Glendenning Dixon Weaver, commonly known as actor, comedian, singer Doodles Weaver, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Spike Jones's musical comedy troupe the City Slickers from 1946 through 1951, for whom he introduced the character Professor Feetlebaum who spoke in spoonerisms. Weaver was also notably present on William Tell Overture, satirising a well-known sports announcer of the day. As a solo artist Weaver recorded a novelty version of Eleanor Rigby, a spoof of the Beatles song. Weaver was also an early contributor to Mad magazine, and has guested acted in numerous TV shows and films ~ Weaver was born in 1911
January 17, 1982 ~ Metalcore, post-hardcore singer Alex Varkatzas born ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Atreyu, remaining with the band from 1998 through 2020. Collaborated with Brandan Schieppati in the side project I Am War, releasing the Outlive You All in 2012. Founded Dead Icarus in 2021
January 17, 1982 ~ Country singer Amanda Wilkinson born in Belleville, Canada ~ Member of sibling country band the Wilkinsons, known for a string of late 1990s, early 2000s songs such as 26 Cents, Fly (The Angel Song), Boy Oh Boy and Shame On Me, all of which reached the top 10 of the Canadian country charts. Amanda has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing a full-length album, the eponymous Amanda Wilkinson, in 2005. Also founded a new country group, the Small Town Pistols, with her brother Tyler Wilkinson in 2012
January 17, 1982 ~ Kristina Beaty, commonly known as roots music singer, violinist, songwriter Kristina Train born in New York, New York, USA ~ Classically trained from an early age. Draws from country, soul, gospel, blues, folk, jazz. Member of soul band the Looters, backing singer Rosa King. Debuted as a solo artist with the Jimmy Hogarth-produced Spilt Milk album in 2009. Has collaborated with Ed Harcourt, Scrapomatic, Herbie Hancock, Marc Cohn, and others
January 17, 1980 ~ Actress, model, singer, songwriter Zooey Deschanel, full name Zooey Claire Deschanel, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an TV and film actress, debuting in the the 1999 film Mumford. Performed in the jazz cabaret act If All The Stars Were Pretty Babies alongside actress Samantha Shelton. Formed the duo She & Him with M Ward, releasing their debut album Volume One in 2008
January 17, 1978 ~ Alternative rock singer Ricky Wilson, full name Charles Richard Wilson, born in Keighley, UK ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Kaiser Chiefs, known for songs such as Oh My God, I Predict A Riot, Ruby and Never Miss A Beat, all of which reached the British top 10
January 17, 1975 ~ Elzadie Wallace, commonly known as blues singer, songwriter Elzadie Robinson, passed away in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Known for a number of late 1920s recordings, some of them self-penned, such as Barrelhouse Man, Sawmill Blues, Wicked Man, Cheatin' Daddy and Arkansas Mill Blues ~ Wallace was born ca.1900
January 17, 1973 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Ted Koehler passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Frequent songwriter collaborator of Harold Arlen. Also worked with Rube Bloom, Harry Warren, Sammy Fain. Well known songs co-written by Koehler include Stormy Weather (Ethel Waters, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday), Get Happy (Ruth Etting, Ted Wallace, Frankie Trumbauer), Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (Aida Ward, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald), When The Sun Comes Out (Jimmy Dorsey, Don Cherry, Mel Tormé), I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (Lillian Shade, Benny Goodman, Sam Cooke), and Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey, Erskine Hawkins) ~ Koehler was born in 1894
January 17, 1972 ~ Matt Hales, commonly known as songwriter, producer Aqualung, born in Southampton, UK ~ Worked with Lianne La Havas, Bat For Lashes, Tom Chaplin, Mika, Daniel Wilson, Kina Grannis, Andreya Triana, the Fray, Jason Mraz, Reignwolf, Sara Bareilles, Jacob Banks, Paloma Faith, Disclosure, Alex Clare, Mansionair, Mikky Ekko, For King & Country, Tiësto, Leona Lewis, Brooke Fraser, Christophe Willem, Boyzone, Amy Meredith, Lucy Schwartz, Diane Birch, Tom Chaplin, Laura Jansen, Katherine McPhee, Birdy, Ginny Blackmore, Matt Nathanson, Ximena Sannana, and Lyonheart
January 17, 1972 ~ R&B, pop singer Ken Hirai born in Osaka, Japan ~ Debuted in 1995 with the album Un-balanced. Broke through in 2000 with the single Lakuen of his The Changing Same and has recorded to commercial success since, scoring numerous No.1 hits in Japan with every album reaching top 5 of the album charts
January 17, 1971 ~ Robert James Ritchie, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter Kid Rock, born in Romeo, Michigan, USA ~ Debuted in 1990 with the Grits Sandwiches For Breakfast album. Merges elements of hip-hop, country, rock and heavy metal. Broke through with the album Devil Without A Cause in 1998 spawning the hit single Cowboy, considered a pioneering song in the country rap genre. Also known for songs such as Picture and All Summer Long
January 17, 1971 ~ Jonathan Smith, commonly known as songwriter, singer and rapper Lil' Jon, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by 2 Live Crew, 8Ball & MJG, Three 6 Mafia, OutKast, Geto Boys, UGK, NWA, Dr Dre, and Sir Mix-a-lot. Fronted rap group East Side Boyz. Instrumental in development of the hip-hop subgenre crunk. In-demand collaborator and producer, known for hits such as his own Get Low, Ciara's Goodies, Baby Bash's Cyclone, Petey Pablo's Freek-a-leek, and Usher's Yeah
January 17, 1970 ~ Dejuan Walker, commonly known as rapper Suga Free, born in Pomona, California, USA ~ Pimp and rapper. Debuted in 1997 with the DJ Quik-produced Street Gospel album. Has collaborated with Xzibit, Snoop Dogg, Pimpin' Young, Mac Dre, Dru Down, E-40, B-Legit, Lil' Jon, Kurupt, Schoolboy Q, Daz Dillinger, and others
January 17, 1965 ~ Jazz pianist Joe Robichaux passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Tig Chambers, Papa Celestin, Earl Humphrey, Lee Collins, the Black Eagles, Jones & Collins Astoria Hot Eight, Christina Gray, Eugene Ware, Alfred Guichard, Gene Porter, Ward Crosby, Chick Bullock, George Lewis, and others ~ Robichaux was born in 1900
January 17, 1964 ~ Alternative rock bassist Andy Rourke, full name Andrew Michael Rourke, born ~ Member of the Smiths, joining the band shortly after its first gig. The band is considered one of the most important to emerge from 1980's Britain indie scene and recorded four albums including the acclaimed The Smiths debut album released in 1984 and The Queen Is Dead two years later. Well-known songs include Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, Sheila Take A Bow, and This Charming Man. Rourke has also appeared on Sinéad O'Connor's 1990 I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got album, backed former bandmate singer Morrissey on several of his solo outings, worked with the Pretenders, and formed Freebass ~ Rourke passed away in 2023
January 17, 1963 ~ Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked closely with bassist Michael Hawkins and drummer Neal Smith. Has also worked with Christian McBride, Clarence Penn, Steve Kirby, Antonio Hart, Joe Lovano, Eric Alexander, Michael Brecker, Kenny Garrett, Wycliffe Gordon, Gary Bartz, Russell Malone, Dezron Douglas, Gerald Albright, Carl Allen, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ronnie Burrage, Betty Carter, Freddy Cole, Carla Cook, Dr John, Roy Hargrove, Vincent Herring, Wynton Marsalis, George Mraz, Tim Warfield, and others
January 17, 1963 ~ Jazz singer Kate McGarry born in Hyannis, Massachusetts, USA ~ Known among others for jazz interpretations of pop songs originally by Peter Gabriel, Björk and Joni Mitchell. Member of Moss. Has worked with Kurt Elling, Fred Hersch, John Hollenbeck, Maria Schneider, Brian Byrne, Mike Holober, Kenny Loggins, and others
January 17, 1962 ~ Ariane Danielle Forster, commonly known as singer, keyboardist Ari Up, born in Munich, West Germany ~ Best known as member of the Slits, co-founded with drummer Palmolive. Brought the reggae and dub influences to the band. Member of the New Age Steppers. Has collaborated with Lee Scratch Perry, Mark Stewart, and Vic Ruggiero ~ Forster passed away in 2010
January 17, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist Susanna Hoffs, full name Susanna Lee Hoffs, born in Newport Beach, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Bangles, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Manic Monday, Walk Like An Egyptian, Hazy Shade Of Winter, In Your Room, and Eternal Flame. Following the band's disbandement in the late 1980s Hoffs would record as a solo artist. Following the band's disbandement Hoffs recorded as a solo artist. Also notably worked with singer Matthew Sweet and and actor Mike Myers, following the latter's stint on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s. The trio would score a minor hit with BBC under the moniker Ming Tea, the trio using pseudonyms with Myers creating the persona of Austin Powers which later led to the successful string of Austin Powers comedy films
January 17, 1957 ~ Guitarist Paul Hanson born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of Krakatoa, Silverload, Max. Toured with Vanilla Fudge in 1986, present on the live album The Best Of Vanilla Fudge Live recorded during the tour. Guitar coach for several actors including George Clooney, Eric Stoltz, Charlotte Ross, and Michael J Fox. Hanson also had a small role as one of the Pinheads in the film Back To The Future
January 17, 1956 ~ Pop, new wave, blue-eyed soul singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Paul Young, full name Paul Antony Young, born in Manchester, UK ~ Previously frontman of Kat Kool & the Kool Cats, the Streetband and the Q-Tips. Sang backup on the Squeeze single Black Coffee In Bed. Rose to fame in the 1980s as a solo singer, debuting in 1983 with the album No Parlez and scoring hits with songs such as Wherever I Lay My Hat, Love Of The Common People, I'm Gonna Tear You Down and Every Time You Go Away. Duetted with Zucchero on Senza Una Donna (Without A Woman) and with Paul Carrack on Don't Dream It's Over
January 17, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Steve Earle born in Fort Monroe, Virginia, USA ~ Father of singer Justin Townes Earle. Rose to fame with his 1986 debut album Guitar Town and has recorded well over a dozen albums since. Had his songs recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Levon Helm, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Shawn Colvin, Bob Seger, Emmylou Harris, and others. Known for songs such as Guitar Town, Goodbye's All We've Got Left, I Ain't Never Satisfied, Copperhead Road, Transcedental Blues, Days Aren't Long Enough with Allison Moorer, and others
January 17, 1953 ~ Jazz fusion, progressive rock bassist Jeff Berlin born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Sessioned for artists such as Patrick Moraz, David Liebman and Patti Austin before rising to fame backing Bill Bruford starting on the 1978 Feels Good To Me album. Would go on to record as a solo artist as well as collaborate with artists such as Passport, Joe Diorio, Herbie Mann, Janis Ian, kd Lang, Richie Kotzen, Novecento, and others
January 17, 1952 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter, actor, activist Ryuichi Sakamoto born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Considered a pioneer of electronic music, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, with whom he recorded over half a dozen studio albums. As a solo artist, Sakamoto is especially acclaimed for his 1978 A Thousand Knives solo debut album and its follow-up B-2 Unit released two years later, the latter cited as a major influence on electro and hip-hop. Sakamoto is also known for composing several soundtracks, including writing and performing several pieces for the 1987 The Last Emperor film, which earned Sakamoto and fellow composers David Byrne and Cong Su an Academy Award for Best Orginal Score ~ Sakamoto passed away in 2023
January 17, 1951 ~ Jazz, pop singer Patti Page records Mockin' Bird Hill in New York, New York ~ Written by Calle Jularbo and George Vaughn Horton. Closely based on a Swedish waltz, Livet i Finnskogarna, recorded by Jularbo in 1915. First recorded by the Pinetoppers and subsequently by Les Paul & Mary Ford. Page skipped her flight while on a stopover after a Chicago nightclub performance, Mercury Records A&R man Art Talmadge had just learned of the song and called the gate for Page to wait while he rushed over with a portable record player to play the Paul/Ford recording. Talmadge suggested she'd record the song immediately when she got to New York, and so she did. The single would reach No.2 the next month. Later recorded by numerous others including George Jones and Gene Pitney on their 1965 collaborative album It's Country Time Again, by disco outfit Silver Convention member Linda Thompson in 1979 and by Dutch reggae band Roots Syndicate in 1993 used in a Centraal Beheer commercial
January 17, 1950 ~ Singer Cheryl Bentyne born in Mount Vernon, Washington, USA ~ Best known as member of the Manhattan Transfer, joining the band in 1979 as replacement for Laurel Massé. First appeared on the album Extensions. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1992's Something Cool produced by Mark Isham. Has worked with Kenny Barron, David Fathead Newman, Chuck Mangione, Rob Wasserman, and others
January 17, 1949 ~ Carlos Alberto Solari, commonly known as singer Indio Solari, born in Parana, Argentina ~ Lead singer of Los Redondos from 1976 through 2001, an influential rock outfit known for songs such as Super Logico and Semen-Up. Solari has also worked with El Soldado, Lito Vitale, Sergio Dawi, and Baltazar Comotto
January 17, 1949 ~ Guitarist Mick Taylor, full name Michael Kevin Taylor born in Pittenweem, UK ~ Lead guitarist for John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers from 1967 through 1969, including on the albums A Hard Road and Bare Wires. Best known as a member of the Rolling Stones from 1969 through 1974, present on the albums Let It Bleed, Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out, Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main St, Goat's Head Soup, and It's Only Rock And Roll. Following his departure from the Stones has recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Little Feat, John McVie, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Anthony Thistlethwaite, Percy Sledge, and others
January 17, 1948 ~ Rock, new age bassist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Erik Scott born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Bassist for Flo & Eddie in the 1970s, present on the albums Illegal Immoral And Fattening and Moving Targets. Bassist for Alice Cooper in the 1980s, notably present on albums such as Special Forces and Zipper Catches Skin, also co-producing the latter. Co-founding member of Sonia Dada, known for critically acclaimed albums such as Sonia Dada which spawned the hit You Don't Treat Me No Good, A Day At The Beach, and My Secret Life. Scott subsequently also recorded as a solo artist, starting with his Other Planets album released in 2008 ~ Scott passed away in 2019
January 17, 1946 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Domenic Troiano, full name Domenic Michele Antonio Troiano, born in Modugno, Italy ~ Member of Mandala. Member of Bush. Joined the James Gang in 1972 replacing Joe Walsh. Member of the Guess Who, present on the albums Flavours and Power In The Music. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his 1979 song We All Need Love ~ Troiano passed away in 2005
January 17, 1946 ~ Frank Bass, commonly known as blues singer Frank Bey, born in Millen, Georgia, USA ~ As a child was a member of gospel outfit Rising Sons, touring with his brother and two cousins around the South until the band dissolved when he was in his early teens. Worked as a performer through the mid-1970s before retiring from music to pursue other interests. Bey would return to music some two decades later, releasing his Steppin' Out solo debut album in 1998. Well known for a series of collaborative albums with Anthony Paule in the 2010s including the acclaimed You Don't Know Nothing album released in 2013 ~ Bass passed away in 2020
January 17, 1945 ~ R&B singer William Poogie Hart born in Washington DC, USA ~ Lead singer of the Delfonics, a key band in late 1960s, early 1970s soul, Philly soul. Most of the band's material was written by Hart and producer Thom Bell. Well known songs include Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time, La La Means I Love You, I'm Sorry and Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love). The latter, a 1968 Billboard R&B top 20 hit in its original form, would be used as the basis for the chorus of Ready Or Not, a mid-1990s hit for the Fugees. Others who have covered or sampled their songs include Booker T & the MG's, the Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, and Notorious BIG ~ Hart passed away in 2022
January 17, 1943 ~ Tenor saxophonist Billy Harper born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by John Coltrane. Leader and sideman. Member of the Cookers. Has worked with Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Max Roach, Randy Weston, Louis Armstrong, Horace Arnold, Joe Bonner, Stanley Cowell, Charles Earland, Gil Evans, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, Leon Thomas, and Malachi Thompson
January 17, 1943 ~ Ezekiel Christopher Montanez, commonly known as singer, guitarist Chris Montez, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1962 single Let's Dance, which reached Billboard top 10. His early recordings would tend to rock & roll, in later years he would venture into soft ballads and easy listening evidenced in releases such as The More I See You and Call Me
January 17, 1937 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Ted Dunbar born in Port Arthur, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Gil Evans, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Heath, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Tony Williams, Gene Ammons, Kenny Barron, Richard Davis, Curtis Fuller, Willis Jackson, Charles McPherson, Buddy Montgomery, David Fathead Newman, Don Patterson, Sam Rivers, Bernard Pretty Purdie, and others
January 17, 1934 ~ Cedar Anthony Walton Jr, commonly known as bop, hard bop pianist Cedar Walton, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ One of bop's premier leaders, influenced by Nat King Cole, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, and Art Tatum. Perhaps best known for compositions such as Mosaic, Bolivia, and Fantasy In D, all of which have become standards. Aside from recording prolifically as a leader, Walton has guested on albums by Blue Mitchell (Out Of The Blue), Cannonball Adderley, Abbey Lincoln (Abbey Is Blue), Clifford Jordan, Wayne Shorter, JJ Johnson, John Coltrane (Giant Steps), Jimmy Heath, Art Blakey, Curtis Fuller (Soul Trombone), Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, Art Farmer (Jazz At The Smithsonian), Joe Henderson, Lee Morgan (Charisma), Sonny Criss, Hank Mobley, Pat Martino, Eric Kloss, Houston Person (Chocomotive), Milt Jackson, Barry Harris, Stanley Turrentine, Dexter Gordon, Clifford Jordan, Horace Parlan (No Blues), Idrees Sulieman, Sam Jones, Philly Joe Jones, and Ray Brown ~ Walton passed away in 2013
January 17, 1931 ~ Jazz, R&B clarinetist, saxophonist Clifford Solomon born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the late 1940s Solomon has played with T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton, Roy Porter, Lionel Hampton, Floyd Ray, Art Farmer, Annie Ross, Gigi Gryce, Clifford Brown, Charles Brown, Roy Milton, Onzy Matthews, Ike & Tina Turner, Johnny Otis, Lou Rawls, Preston Love, Mel Brown, Maxine Weldon, Billy Brooks, Esther Phillips, John Mayall, and with Big Joe Turner ~ Solomon passed away in 2004
January 17, 1931 ~ Engineer, producer Jim Dickson born in Los Angeles, California ~ Discovered the Dillards, producing the albvums Back Porch Bluegrass, Live Almost and Pickin' And Fiddlin'. Worked with Lord Buckley, the Greenbriar Boys, Dian James, Glen Campbell, the Hillmen, the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Barracudas, and others ~ Dickson passed away in 2011
January 17, 1931 ~ Edith Zuser, commonly known as schlager, folk singer Lolita born in St Pölten, Austria ~ Best known for Seemann Deine Heimat Ist Das Meer, an international hit including in America in 1960. It would be translated to various other languages including English, French and Dutch, and be covered by numerous artists. Notable covers include versions by Petula Clark, Anne Shelton, Caterina Valente ~ Zuser passed away in 2010
January 17, 1927 ~ Eartha Mae Keith, commonly known as jazz, torch singer, actress Eartha Kitt born in South Carolina, USA ~ Epitomized the idea of the sex-kitten chanteuse. Rose to fame in the early 1950s, especially noted for her That Bad Eartha released in 1953. Well-known songs include Uska Dara, I Want To Be Evil, Just An Old Fashioned Girl, Santa Baby, Where Is My Man, and perhaps her best known C'Est Si Bon ~ Kitt passed away in 2008
January 17, 1921 ~ Choral conductor Lorna Cooke DeVaron born ~ One of the most important choral conductors of the 20th century. Premiered works by Benjamin Britten, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Irving Fine, Gunther Schuller, Daniel Pinkham, and others ~ DeVaron passed away in 2018
January 17, 1918 ~ Singer Irene Daye born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA ~ Briefly sang with Mal Hallett, prior to working with Gene Krupa from 1938 through 1941, including on the hit Drum Boogie. Following her departure from Krupa's ensemble, Daye initially retired from music to raise a family, married to trumpeter Corky Cornelius. When Cornelius passed away in 1943, Daye returned to the musical stage, singing with Charlie Spivak from 1944 through 1950. Daye married Spivak in 1950, retired from performing, and work as her husband's manager until her death at age 53 ~ Daye passed away in 1971
January 17, 1910 ~ Jazz, bebop drummer Big Sid Catlett born in Evansville, Indiana, USA ~ One of the most versatile drummers of his generation. Influenced by Zutty Singleton, Baby Dodds, Jimmy Bertrand. Worked with Benny Carter, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Fletcher Henderson, Don Redman, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Ruth Brown ~ Catlett passed away in 1951
January 17, 1896 ~ Banjoist, bandleader Harry Reser, full name Harrison Franklin Reser, born in Piqua, Ohio, USA ~ Regarded by some as the best banjoist of his day. In 1934 recorded the first version of Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, written by J Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. The song would become a Holiday classic and over time be recorded by over 200 artists. As a composer Reser is best known for The Cat And The Dog, Cracker Jack and Lolly Pops, all written for tenor banjo. Reser has collaborated with artists such as the Clicquot Club Eskimos, Ben Selvin, Benny Krueger, Sam Lanin, Nathan Glantz, Mike Markel, Peg LaCentra, Ray Heatherton, Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, and others ~ Reser passed away in 1965
January 17, 1751 ~ Composer, violinist Tomaso Albinoni, full name Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni, passed away in Venice, Italy ~ While famous in his day as an opera composer, he is best remembered for his instrumental music, most notably Adagio In G Minor. The composition is attributed to Albinoni but was largely written by 20th century musicologist, composer, and cataloger of the works of Albinoni. Besides operas Albinoni also composer concertos, sonatas, and sinfonias. Unlike his peers Albonini has never sought a post at either a church or noble court, having come from a wealthy family he could afford to compose music independently ~ Albinoni was born in 1671
January 17, 1712 ~ Composer, organist, violinist John Stanley, full name Charles John Stanley, born in London, UK ~ Organist with the Society Of The Inner Temple, a post he held from 1734 until his death over 50 years later. Succeeded William Boyce as Master Of The King's Band in 1779. As a composer wrote operas, cantatas, oratorios and instrumental music. Admired by composer George Frideric Handel who would regularly attend his performances ~ Stanley passed away in 1786