January 24, 1994 ~ K-pop singer, actor Yoo Young-jae born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Member of South Korean boy band BAP, enjoying popularity in Japan and South Korea with songs such as 1004 (Angel), Warrior, No Mercy, and Excuse Me. Young-jae has also ventured into acting for film and TV and recorded as a solo artist, starting with his Fancy debut EP released in 2019
January 24, 1984 ~ Jazz drummer Jason Nazary born in Aviano, Italy ~ As a leader known for the albums Companion II and Boss A Nova. In-demand sideman and collaborator, has worked with Petr Cancura, Darius Jones, Noah K, Jaimie Branch, the Dim Thickets, Bear In Heaven, and others
January 24, 1979 ~ Glendale Goshia Gordon, commonly known as dancehall, reggae DJ, producer, singer Busy Signal, born in St Ann Parish, Jamaica ~ Known for songs such as Jail, Whine Pon Di Edge, These Are The Days and Come Shock Out. Has collaborated with No Doubt on the album Push And Shove. Appears on Major Lazer's single Watch Out For This (Bumaye)
January 24, 1979 ~ Singer Tatyana Ali born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. Released a sole album, 1998's Kiss The Sky, which produced the hit Daydreamin'. A follow-up single, Boy You Knock Me Out featuring Will Smith would fail to make the Billboard Hot 100
January 24, 1971 ~ Rock, pop guitarist Dennis van Leeuwen born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known as co-founder of Kane. After the band's disbandement in 2014 turned to music management and producing, working wih acts such as Go Back To The Zoo and Di-rect
January 24, 1970 ~ Patrick Brown Sleepy, commonly known as producer, songwriter Sleepy Brown born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Son of saxophonist, singer Jimmy Brown. Recording artist, producer, songwriter. Worked with the Society Of Soul, Beyoncé, Big Boi, Ludacris, Bubba Sparxxx, and Dungeon Family. One third of production team Organized Noize, the force behind hits for artists such as OutKast, Goodie Mob, TLC (Waterfalls), and others
January 24, 1965 ~ Rock, pop singer Margaret Urlich, full name Margaret Mary Urlich, born in Auckland, Australia ~ Ranks as one of New Zealand's most popular artists. Lead singer of new wave outfit Peking Man, known for songs such as Good Luck To You, Lift Your Head Up High and perhaps their best-known Room That Echoes. Member of all-girl group When The Cat's Away. Debuted as a solo artist in 1989 with the Robyn Smith-produced Safety In Numbers album, which spawned the New Zealand No.1 hit Escaping ~ Urlich passed away in 2022
January 24, 1965 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, composer Warren Byrd born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Leads the Byrdspeak Ensemble. Has also worked with David Chevan, the Afro-Semitic Experience, Saskia Laroo, the Orchestra Espada, the Explorers Quintet, Eddie Henderson, Archie Shepp, Javon Jackson, JD Parran, Houston Person, Roseanna Vitro, and others
January 24, 1964 ~ Drummer, producer, songwriter Aaron Brooks, full name Aaron Anthony Jean Vladimir Brooks, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Co-founded Little Death, teaming up with Moby, Laura Dawn and Daron Murphy. Co-founded alternative rock band Mars Bonfire. Also worked with the Bootheels, the Leisure Cruise, Mark Hudson, Jackie Cruz, Duff McKagan, Circle Of Soul, Erin Evermore, AJ Croce, Lana Del Rey, Jamie Kilstein, and Agenda
January 24, 1964 ~ Guitarist, trumpeter Ed Crawford born in Steubenville, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as lead singer and guitarist of Firehose with former the Minutemen members bassist Mike Watt and drummer George Hurley. The band broke up in 1994 after releasing five albums. Crawford has since played solo as well as stints with the Grand National, Whiskeytown, Southern Culture On The SKids and Mule
January 24, 1963 ~ Randy Rainwater, commonly known as country drummer Keech Rainwater, born ~ Member of Canyon alongside Michael Britt. The group recorded two albums and is best known for their 1989 single Hot Nights. Britt and Rainwater would go on to join Lonestar in the early 1990s, which scored well over a dozen Billboard Country top 10 hits throughout the late 2000s including No News, Come Cryin' To Me, Amazed, Smile, What About Now, Tell Her, I'm Already There, My Front Porch Looking In, and Mr Mom
January 24, 1960 ~ Heavy metal, doom metal drummer Barry Stern born ~ Drummer, singer with Zoetrope frim 1976 through 1988, present on the albums Amnesty and A Life Of Crime. Member of Trouble from 1989 through 1993, appearing on the albums Trouble and Frustration. Has also worked with D-Connect, Cathedral, Septic Tank, and Debris Inc ~ Stern passed away in 2005
January 24, 1959 ~ Jazz keyboardist, violinist, guitarist, bassist, composer Nils Mathisen born in Sandefjord, Norway ~ Known for his contributions to cabaret and musicals. Stems from a musical family with three siblings also being professional musicians, namely bassist Per Mathisen, saxophonist and clarinetist Ole Mathisen and guitarist Hans Mathisen. The latter guested on Mathisen's 2007 Pop Coast album
January 24, 1958 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Jennifer Maidman born in Upminster, UK ~ Member of the Penguin Café Orchestra from 1984 through 2007. Released her Dreamland solo debut album in 2017. In-demand session musician, collaborator. Has worked with the likes of Joan Armatrading, David Sylvian, Ian Dury, Shakespears Sister, the Proclaimers, Gerry Rafferty, Annie Whitehead, Boy George, Robert Wyatt, Sniff 'n The Tears, Murray Head, and others
January 24, 1958 ~ Julian Miles Hollans, commonly known as keyboardist Jools Holland, born in London, UK ~ Original member of Squeeze remaining with the band through 1980 and present on some of their best-known including Cool For Cats and Up The Junction. Has also worked with Jayne County, Sting, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Magazine, The The, Bono, Ruby Turner, José Feliciano, and others. Also known as the host of Later With Jools Holland, a music show aired on BBC since 1992
January 24, 1957 ~ Vladimir Stefanovski, commonly known as jazz fusion guitar virtuoso Vlatko Stefanovski, born in Prilep, Yugoslavia ~ Credited with inventing “ethno-rock”, fusing rock & roll with traditional folk. Rose to fame as member of rock band Leb & Sol, acclaimed for his guitar work as notably evidenced on the single Devetka/Nie Cervoricata. Also a revered solo artist, film composer, as well as an in-demand collaborator, working with artists such as Miroslav Tadic, Jan Akkerman and Bodan Arsovski
January 24, 1956 ~ Jazz singer, keyboardist Mitchel Forman born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea. Has worked with Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Phil Woods, Carla Bley, Mel Tormé, Astrud Gilberto, John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, John Scofield, Janis Siegel, Diane Schuur, Pat Metheny, Freddie Hubbard, Rickie Lee Jones, Metro, Wishful Thinking, and others
January 24, 1955 ~ Nicole Monique, commonly known as actress, pop rock singer Véronique Béliveau, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Sang in both French and English. Enjoyed popularity in her native Canada, especially Quebec, with half a dozen albums during the 1980s. Released her Prends Moi Comme Je Suis debut album in 1977. Well known for songs such as Aimer, Je Suis Fidele, C'Est Un Reveur, and Cover Girl (Cache Ton Coeur). Beliveau also contributed to the 1985 charity single Tears Are Not Enough to aid the victims of the famine in Ethiopia, recorded under the group moniker the Northern Lights
January 24, 1954 ~ Producer, songwriter Edward D Irons Jr, full name Edward Darryl Irons Jr, born ~ First gained attention as co-founding member of jazz-funk outfit Brick, for whom he co-wrote Dazz which reached top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Would go on to work with the SOS Band, Prince, Morris Day, Snoop Dogg, and others
January 24, 1953 ~ Bassist James Hutchinson born in Lynn, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Copperhead, John Cipollina, Mickey Hart, Sid Page, Point, the Neville Brothers, the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bryan Adams, Don Was, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Leavell, Bobby Keys, Kenny Aronoff, BB King, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, Jann Arden, Marc Cohn, Ringo Starr, Eric Burdon, Maria Muldaur, Boz Scaggs, Elton John, and others
January 24, 1953 ~ Matthew Weiner, commonly known as new wave, synth-pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Matthew Wilder born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for Break My Stride, an international hit in 1984 including top 10 positions in Australia, the UK and America. Wilder would be unable to repeat the single's success but would continue his career as songwriter and producer. Has worked with acts such as No Doubt (Tragic Kingdom), 702, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, and others
January 24, 1949 ~ Actor, comedian, singer John Belushi, full name John Adams Belushi born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Actor and comedian emerged from the satirical Saturday Night Live TV show. Best known as half of the Blues Brothers, portraying the role of Joliet Jake Blues in That Girl Belongs To Yesterday] film released in 1980 ~ Belushi passed away in 1982
January 24, 1948 ~ Actor, singer, guitarist Michael des Barres, full name Michael Philip des Barres, born in Sussex, UK ~ Founded and fronted Silverhead, Detective and Chequered Past. Replaced Robert Palmer as lead singer in Power Station in 1985. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with I'm Only Human in 1980. Also an in-demand actor, appearing in over 100 different TV shows and almost 30 films
January 24, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Warren Zevon, full name Warren William Zevon, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Enjoyed a cult following. Best known for his 1978 hit Werewolves Of London. Early on in his career wrote for the Turtles (Like The Seasons, Outside Chance), backed the Everly Brothers, roomed with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Had his 1975 eponymous Warren Zevon major label debut album produced by Jackson Browne. The album featured guests such as Nicks, Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt. The latter would record several of Zevon's songs, including Carmelita, Poor Poor Pitiful Me and Hasten Down The Wind, on her 1976 Hasten Down The Wind album. Zevon would go on to record several critically acclaimed albums, enjoy a steady cult following and become an in-demand collaborator including with artists such as REM's Bill Berry, Peter Buck and Mike Mills in the side project Hindu Love Gods ~ Zevon passed away in 2003
January 24, 1946 ~ R&B singer Clarence Tex Walker born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as member of Bill Pinkney's R&B unit the Original Drifters from 1966 through 1973, joining the band after serving a tour in the US Army in Vietnam. Walker subsequently fronted the Coasters, recorded as a solo artist, and notably worked with Big Joe Turner, including providing lead vocals on the latter's acclaimed Big Joe Turner's Memphis Blues Caravan album released in 1995 ~ Walker passed away in 2007
January 24, 1941 ~ Singer Aaron Neville born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Father of singer, keyboardist Ivan Neville and singer, rapper Jason Neville. Member of sibling outfit the Neville Brothers alongside Art Neville, Charles Neville and Cyril Neville. Member of Wild Tchoupitoulas. As a solo artist known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Tell It Like It Is and Everybody Plays The Fool. Duetted with Linda Ronstadt on Don't Know Much
January 24, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Chapman born in Leeds, UK ~ Cited as a major influence by Thurston Moore, Steve Gunn, Ryley Walker, and Meg Baird. Acclaimed singer, virtuoso guitarist rooted in folk drawing from numerous genres including rock, jazz and blues with over 40 albums to his name, starting with the fingerpicking folk classic Rainmaker released in 1969 ~ Chapman passed away in 2021
January 24, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Neil Diamond born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Hugely popular and influential singer, songwriter. Has sold over 100 million records. Known for his flashy on-stage outfits. Has topped the Billboard Hot 100 with songs such as Cracklin' Rosie, Song Sung Blue, Longfellow Serenade, Desirée, You Don't Bring Me Flowers, America, Yesterday's Songs, and others
January 24, 1939 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Dees, full name William Marvin Dees, born in Borger, Texas, USA ~ Closely associated with Roy Orbison, including co-writing songs such as Oh Pretty Woman and It's Over. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Dees include Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Skeeter Davis, Billy Joe Royal, Frank Ifield, Mark Dinning, and Gene Pitney ~ Dees passed away in 2012
January 24, 1939 ~ Harold Ray Ragsdale, commonly known as country, pop, gospel, novelty singer, keyboardist, trumpeter, songwriter Ray Stevens born in Clarksdale, Georgia, USA ~ Known for novelty songs such as Gitarzan and The Streak, as well as for the Grammy Award-winning 1970 country-pop hit Everything Is Beautiful, the latter becoming a standard covered by Bing Crosby, Neil Sedaka, Foster & Allen, and others
January 24, 1938 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, free jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Julius Hemphill, full name Julius Arthur Hemphill, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Gerry Mulligan, studied with John Carter, and early on in his career backed Ike Turner. Founded the World Saxophone Quartet, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Steppin' With The World Saxophone Quartet and Plays Duke Ellington. Hemphill also recorded well over a dozen album as a leader, notably Dogon AD and Fat Man And The Hard Blues, and has guested on albums by Anthony Braxton, Lester Bowie, Baikida Carroll (Shadows And Reflections), Jean-Paul Bourelly, Bill Frisell, Darrell Katz, and Björk. Songs written by Hemphill have been recorded by Oliver Lake, Doyle Lawson (Lord To Know I Have You), Hamiet Bluiett (Mirrors), and Marty Ehrlich ~ Hemphill passed away in 1995
January 24, 1936 ~ Saxophonist Bobby Wellins born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known for collaborating with Stan Tracey on the album Jazz Suite Inspired By Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood (1965). Leader and sideman. Has worked with artists such as Buddy Featherstonhaugh, Kenny Wheeler, Tony Crombie, Lionel Grigson, Jim Richardson, Pete Jacobsen, Adrian Kendon, Ken Baldock, Andy Cleyndert, Spike Wells, Liam Noble, Simon Thorpe, Dave Wickens, Jimmy Knepper, and others ~ Wellins passed away in 2016
January 24, 1936 ~ Cajun, country, folk, bluegrass singer, fiddler, songwriter Doug Kershaw, full name Douglas James Kershaw, born in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, USA ~ Half of Rusty & Doug, the other half being his brother Rusty Kershaw, best known for their recording of Louisiana Man. Recording as a solo artist since the late 1960s. Best known for Diggy Liggy Lo, Hello Woman and for collaborating with Hank Williams Jr on Cajun Baby
January 24, 1936 ~ Giovanni Domenico Scafone Jr, commonly known as rock & roll, rockabilly singer, songwriter Jack Scott, born in Windsor, Canada ~ Hailed as perhaps Canada's greatest rock & roll singer. Known for songs such as Leroy, Goodbye Baby, The Way I Walk, What In The World's Come Over You, Burning Bridges and It Only Happened Yesterday ~ Scafone passed away in 2019
January 24, 1934 ~ Operatic soprano Galina Pisarenko, full name Galina Alekseyevna Pisarenko, born in Leningrad, Russia ~ Best known for her association with the Stanislavski And Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, remaining with the ensemble from 1961 through 1990. Also worked regularly with the Komische Oper Berlin during the 1970s, notably performing the title role in Carmen in 1976 ~ Pisarenko passed away in 2022
January 24, 1933 ~ Leonard Louis McBrowne, commonly known as hard bop, soul jazz drummer Lenny McBrowne, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Drew comparisons to Chico Hamilton. Worked with Pete Brown, Randy Weston, Cecil Payne, Tony Scott, Billie Holiday, Sonny Stitt, Harold Land, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Fred Katz, Sonny Rollins, Terry Trotter, Herbie Lewis, Daniel Jackson, Don Sleet, Jimmy Bond, Cannonball Adderley, Sarah Vaughan, Booker Ervin, Ray Bryant, Teddy Wilson, Thelonious Monk, and others
January 24, 1933 ~ Singer Zeke Carey born in Bluefeld, West Virginia, USA ~ Member of doo-wop, R&B outfit the Flamingos, known for songs such as A Kiss From Your Lips, I'll Be Home, and their best known I Only Have Eyes For You. The latter would reach top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and remains a radio staple to this day ~ Carey passed away in 1999
January 24, 1928 ~ Peter Sidney Mulligan, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Mick Mulligan, born in Middlesex, UK ~ Closely associated with George Melly. Founded the Magnolia Jazz Band in the late 1940s, a band rivaling Humphrey Lyttelton's ensemble in popularity on the traditional jazz circuit. Though not a top notch instrumentalist himself, and often hindered by his alcohol addiction, Mulligan is remembered as one of the most influential bandleaders of his day, often employing the finest sidemen such as Roy Crimmins, Ian Christie, and Archie Semple early on in their careers ~ Mulligan passed away in 2006
January 24, 1920 ~ Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for Hey Missus Jones, Bolo Blues and for his 1952 hit The Night Train. Worked with artists such as Fate Marable, Andy Kirk, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Grey, Cat Anderson, Count Basie, Bennie Green, Grant Green, Jo Jones, Jack McDuff, Blue Mitchell, Oliver Nelson, Waymon Reed, Betty Roché, Joe Williams, and others ~ Forrest passed away in 1980
January 24, 1917 ~ Jazz, blues pianist Avery Parrish, full name James Avery Parrish, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for his association with Erskine Hawkins, Penned the jazz standard After Hours, first recorded with Hawkins and covered by numerous artists including Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Hazel Scott, Phineas Newborn Jr, Hank Crawford, Buck Clayton, Roy Buchanan, and Muddy Waters ~ Parrish passed away in 1959
January 24, 1875 ~ Composer, conductor Arthur Wood born in Heckmondwicke, UK ~ Best remembered for composing the orchestral piece My Native Heath which included his best-known song Barwick Green. The latter would be used as the signature theme for the BBC radio 4 show Radio. As a conductor associated with the Harrogate Municipal Orchestra, the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra and especially a wide array of London theater orchestras for over three decades. Has composed orchestral works and musicals including Yvonne, Petticoat Fair and Fancy Fair ~ Wood passed away in 1953