January 5, 1995 ~ Singer Sara Diamond, full name Sara Maxine Diamond, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Member of girl group the Clique Girlz, known for the singles Then I Woke Up and Smile. The group disbanded in 2009 after the departure of Sara Diamond. Diamond would subequently release the singles Just Give In and Firestorm
January 5, 1994 ~ Coely Mbueno, mononymously known as hip-hop, soul singer, rapper Coely, born in Antwerp, Belgium ~ Debuted in 2012 with the single Ain't Chasing Pavements, making her a favorite of Studio Brussel radio station. Would go on to release a debut EP, The Soulful Yeah, the following year spawning the singles Nothing On Me and All I Do. A full-length debut album, All I Do, followed in 2017
January 5, 1983 ~ Singer, rapper, producer, songwriter Marlon Roudette, full name Marlon Rosegold McVery Roudette, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention as half of the duo Mattafix, the other half being Preetesh Hirji, known for their 2006 hit Big City Life. Subsequently scored a number of solo hits, notably New Age and When The Beat Drops. Has also written or co-written for others including Wiley, Tory Lanez, Bad Gyal, Busy Signal, Sinéad Harnett and his half-sister Mabel McVey
January 5, 1981 ~ Joel Zimmerman, commonly known as house, progressive house, electro house producer, DJ Deadmau5 born in Niagara Falls, Canada ~ Released his full-length debut album, Get Scraped, in 2005. Best known for songs such as Move For Me and I Remember both with Kaskade, Ghosts 'n' Stuff featuring Rob Swire, The Veldt, Pomegranata with the Neptunes. Has also collaborated with DJ, producers such as [artist-mc-flip side], Wolfgang Gartner, Steve Duda, Tommy Lee, and DJ Aero
January 5, 1976 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Matt Wachter, full name Matthew Walter Wachter, born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania ~ Best known as member of alternative rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars from 2001 through 2007, present on the band's A Beautiful Lie album which included the modest hits The Kill and From Yesterday. Subsequently a member of Angels & Airwaves
January 5, 1975 ~ Post-hardcore, emo, alternative rock drummer Riley Breckenridge, full name James Riley Breckenridge, born in Orange County, California, USA ~ Originally aimed to become a porfessional baseball player until football injuries shattered his ambitions. Best known as member of Thrice, brought into the band by his brother bassist Eddie Breckenridge. Has also worked with Puig Destroyer, Less Art, and with Eightyonedays
January 5, 1973 ~ Philip Joel Urry, commonly known as Christian pop singer, guitarist, bassist Phil Joel, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Bassist of Christian pop rock band the Newsboys, first appearing on the 1996 Take Me To Your Leader album which spawned the hits Reality, Let It Go, Cup O' Tea, and Breathe. Joel remained with the band through 2006, and rejoined in 2018. Has also worked with Drinkwater, Zealand Worship, and recorded over half a dozen solo albums starting with Watching Over You in 2000
January 5, 1972 ~ Anastasios Rouvas, commonly known as singer, model, actor Sakis Rouvas, born in Corfu, Greece ~ Professional pole vaulter duing the late 1980s. Started his musical career in the early 1990s, becoming one of the earliest dance-pop singers noted for breaking cultural, social and generational barriers in Greece. Best known for his single Shake It, used as the Greek entry for the 2004 Eurovision Songfestival reaching third place and quickly becoming the all-time best-selling single in Greece. Would regularly top both the Greek and Cypriotic charts during the 1990s and 2000s, well known hits include Parta, Theleis I Den Theleis, Disco Girl, and Na M'Agapas
January 5, 1971 ~ Accordionist, guitarist, bandleader Stian Carstensen born in Eidsvoll, Norway ~ Best known as key member of Farmers Market alongside drummer Jarle Vespestad and singer, guitarist Nils-Olav Johansen. Also worked with Trifon Trifonov, Jon Christensen, Bendik Hofseth, Django Bates, Tord Gustavsen, Ernst Reijseger, Frode Alnæs, Arild Andersen, Iain Ballamy, the Kaizers Orchestra, Borre Dalhaug, Jimmy Rosenberg, Eldbjørg Raknes, Mathias Eick, Alexander Rybak, and others
January 5, 1970 ~ Gianfranco Randone, comonly known as dance, dance-pop singer Jeffrey Jey, born in Lentini, Italy ~ Member of Eiffel 65, known for their 1998 hit Blue (Da-ba-dee) which hit the top 10 across continental Europe, the UK and America. Subsequent releases, such as Too Much Heaven and Move Your Body, would also become hits in Europe but fail to chart in America. Jey is also known as member of Bliss Team from 1992 through 1997 and as member of Bloom 06, which also included Eiffel bandmate Maury Lobina, from 2005 through 2010
January 5, 1969 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal bassist Robbie Crane born in Orange County, California, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Black Star Riders, the Fighting Hearts and RATT. Has also worked with Vince Neil, Adler's Appetite, supergroup the Saints Of The Underground, Lynch Mob, Love/Hate, and others
January 5, 1969 ~ Soul, rock singer, guitarist Ty Taylor born in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as lead singer for Los Angeles-based soul rock band Vintage Trouble, releasing their The Bomb Shelter Sessions debut album in 2011. Previously Taylor fronted the early 2000s band Dakota Moon, known for their 2002 A Place To Land album. Taylor has also guested on recordings by Michael Damian, Pablo Cruise, Gov't Mule, and Booker T Jones, and was a contestant on the reality TV show Rock Star INXS where contestants competed to become the lead vocalist for Australian rock band INXS
January 5, 1967 ~ Heavy metal guitarist, keyboardist, producer Fredrik Nordström, full name Björn Tom Fredrik Nordström, born in Sweden ~ Founder and guitarist of Dream Evil. Considered one of the foremost melodic death metal, power metal producers in Sweden. Worked with At The Gates, Arch Enemy, Nightrage, Dark Tranquility, In Flames, Soilwork, Opeth, Powerwolf, and others
January 5, 1964 ~ Christopher Xefos, commonly known as avant-garde accordionist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer Chris Xefos, born ~ Member of art rock group King Missile from 1989 until its disbandement in 1994, known for songs such as Jesus Was Way Cool and Detachable Penis. Has also worked with Phantom Tollbooth, When People Were Shorter And Lived Near The Water, Victor Krummenacher, Greg Lisher, Alison Faith Levy, the Moth Wranglers, and others
January 5, 1964 ~ Punk rock, post-punk, new wave, alternative rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer, producer, songwriter Phil Thornalley born in Suffolk, UK ~ Co-wrote Torn, made famous by Natalie Imbruglia. Wrote Mama Do and Boys And Girls for Pixie Lott. Produced the Cure's 1982 Pornography album and served as their bass player for about a year and a half including on the 1983 hit The Love Cats. Lead singer of Johnny Hates Jazz from 1988, replacing Clark Datchler, until the bands disbandement in 1992
January 5, 1961 ~ Singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist Iris DeMent, full name Iris Luella DeMent, born in Paragould, Arkansas, USA ~ Folk, country and gospel-infused. Debuted in 1992 with the Infamous Angel album and has recorded to a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim since. Had her songs recorded by the Caravans, Grace Griffith, Aselin Debison, John Wright, Doug Cox, Megan Reilly, Will Oldham. In-demand collaborator, worked with Jann Browne, Emmylou Harris (Wheels Of Love), Nanci Griffith, Tom Paxton, the Beautiful South, Tom Russell, Randy Scruggs, Jeff Black, John Prine, Steve Earle, Delbert McClinton (Birmingham Tonight), Keith Sykes, Ralph Stanley, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Teddy Thompson, Josh Turner (Palbearer), the Pines, Ana Egge, and others
January 5, 1957 ~ Folk, folk rock guitarist, keyboardist, violinist, bassist, pipe player Maartin Allcock born in Middleton, UK ~ Best known as lead guitarist of Fairport Convention from 1985 through 1996 and concurrently keyboardist of progressive rock outfit Jethro Tull from 1988 through 1991. Has recorded a handful of solo albums, starting with MAART released in 1990. In-demand session musician reportedly appearing on over 200 albums, has worked with Robert Plant, Blue Tapestry, Beverley Craven, Judith Durham, Dan Ar Braz, Ralph McTell, Dave Swarbrick, Cat Stevens, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ashley Hutchings, the Reel And Soul Association, the Bad Shepherds, Bully Wee Band, and others ~ Allcock passed away in 2018
January 5, 1953 ~ Drummer Paul Wertico born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Rose to fame as member of the Pat Metheny Group, backing Pat Metheny for nearly two decades starting in 1983. Would go on to work with John Moulder, Erich Hochberg, Larry Coryell, Kurt Elling, Jeff Berlin, SBB, Marbin, David Cain, Larry Gray, Frank Catalano, Lee Konitz, Sam Rivers, Bob Mintzer, Roscoe Mitchell, Jay McShann, Herbie Mann, Randy Brecker, Ramsey Lewis, Paul Winter, Kurt Elling, and others
January 5, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Steve Archer born in Mojave, California, USA ~ Pioneered contemporary Christian music. Best known as lead singer of the Archers, scoring hits with songs such as Jesus Is The Answer, Little Flowers, It Wouldn't Be Enough, Stand Up and Heaven In Your Eyes
January 5, 1950 ~ New wave, punk rock, pop rock guitarist, bassist, songwriter Chris Stein born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of new wave outfit Blondie, writing or co-writing songs such as Rip Her To Shreds, Heart Of Glass, Sunday Girl, Dreaming, Rapture, and Island Of Lost Souls. Romantically involved with the band's frontwoman Debbie Harry through the late 1980s
January 5, 1949 ~ George Melvin Brown, commonly known as drummer, guitarist, keyboardist George Funky Brown, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding, longtime member of R&B, funk, disco outfit Kool & the Gang, with whom he recorded well over two dozen albums. The band is best known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Jungle Boogie, Ladies Night, and Celebration, all co-written by Brown. Brown retired from performing in 2023, diagnosed with lung cancer. Looking back on his lengthy career, Brown commented: “When you do music that's happy music, that's what it does. It brings people to the clubs to have a good time. And that's what we do. We say our prayer before we leave, and we say, let's go make some people happy.” ~ Brown passed away in 2023
January 5, 1947 ~ Winston Stewart, commonly known as singer Delano Stewart, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Half of Winston & Bibby, the other half being BB Seaton. Co-founding member of the Gaylads, staying with the band through the late-1960s. As a solo artist best known for songs such as I Don't Know Why I Love You, That's Life, and Stay A Little Bit Longer. The latter would later be covered by UB40 on their 1998 Labour Of Love III album
January 5, 1941 ~ Singer Grady Thomas born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, member of the Parliaments, Parliament and Funkadelic. Along with Fuzzy Haskins and Calvin Simon left the band in 1977 over financial and management disputes with Clinton. The trio caused confusion in 1981 with their Connections And Disconnections album released under the moniker Funkadelic. Thomas would later make amends with Clinton, joining the P-Funk All-Stars in the 1990s. Later still, in 1998 founded Original P with other Clinton-alumni
January 5, 1932 ~ Blues, jazz, gospel singer Johnny Adams, full name Laten John Adams Jr, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known as “the Tan Canary” for his multi-octave vocal range. Best known for his renditions of Release Me (1968) and Reconsider Me (1969). Also known for a number of critically acclaimed Rounder Records albums in the 1980s produced by Scott Billington starting with 1984's From The Heat which encompassed a wide range of jazz, blues and R&B styles ~ Adams passed away in 1998
January 5, 1931 ~ Dancer, director, choreographer Alvin Ailey born in Roger, Texas, USA ~ Founded the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, nurturing black artists and fusing theatre, modern dance, ballet and jazz dance. As a choreographer best known for Revelations, one of the most performed ballet pieces in the world ~ Ailey passed away in 1989
January 5, 1931 ~ Alponso Son Reece, commonly known as hard bop jazz trumpeter Dizzy Reece born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Part of a wave of Caribbean musicians moving to England in the 1940s and 1950s. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Don Byas, Kenny Clarke, Frank Foster, Thad Jones, Hank Mobley, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Ronnie Scott, Phil Seamen, Victor Feldman, Tubby Hayes, the Paris Reunion Band, Clifford Jordan, Dexter Gordon, Ted Curson, Duke Jordan, John Gilmore, Philly Joe Jones, Art Taylor, Dizzy Gillespie, and others
January 5, 1930 ~ Producer, label executive Maynard Solomon, full name Maynard Elliott Solomon, born ~ Co-founded Vanguard Records with his brother Seymour Solomon, a label focusing initially on classical music yet soon also expanding their catalogue with folk, jazz and blues. Non-classical artists signed by the label include the Weavers, Joan Baez, the Rooftop Singers, Larry Coryell, Mississippi John Hurt, Charlie Musselwhite, Buddy Guy and Country Joe & the Fish ~ Solomon passed away in 2020
January 5, 1929 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist, harmonica player, songwriter Wilbert Harrison born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his hits Kansas City, one of the first songs written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and for Let's Work Together, the latter also known as Let's Stick Together and covered by an array of artists including Canned Heat and Bryan Ferry ~ Harrison passed away in 1994
January 5, 1928 ~ Edwin Mordue, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Eddie Mordue born in South Shields, UK ~ In-demand accompaniest and collaborator with a career spanning seven decades. Worked with Eric Winstone, Julie Dawn, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Billie Holiday, Dusty Springfield, Alexis Korner, Shirley Bassey, Henry Mancini, John Barry, and others ~ Mordue passed away in 2011
January 5, 1923 ~ Producer, label founder Sam Phillips born in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ Founded Sun Records. Produced early recordings by Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Howlin' Wolf. Advocated for racial equality and helped break down racial barriers in the music industry. Sold the label to Shelby Singleton in 1969. ~ Phillips passed away in 2003
January 5, 1919 ~ Classical, jazz flutist Severino Gazzeloni born in Roccasecca, Italy ~ Best known for his three decade tenure as principal flutist of the RAI National Symphony Orchestra. Gazzelloni had compositions written especially for him by Luciano Berio (Sequenza I For Solo Flute), Pierre Boulez, Bruno Maderna, and Igor Stravinsky. Gazzelloni has also performed in jazz settings, and has tutored artists such as Abbie de Quant, Norma Beecroft and Eric Dolphy. The latter would name a track off his acclaimed 1964 Out To Lunch album, the seven-minute-plus track Gazzelloni, for his tutor ~ Gazzelloni passed away in 1992
January 5, 1906 ~ William Edward Davison, commonly known as jazz, Dixieland cornetist Wild Bill Davison, was born in Defiance, Ohio, USA ~ Considered one of the prime Dixieland cornet players, known for his colorful style, unusually placed high notes, and strong personality. Dubbed “Wild Bill” for his heavy drinking and womanizing. Active since the 1920s, playing with Muggsy Spanier and Frank Teschemacher, but it would not be until the 1940s, teaming up with Eddie Condon, that he would gain wider recognition. Recorded well over a dozen albums as leader, especially acclaimed for That's A Plenty, After Hours, and Jazz On A Saturday Afternoon Vol.1. As a sideman Davison has appeared on albums by Sidney Bechet, Art Hodes (Art Hodes Hot Five), Hot Lips Page, Pee Wee Russell, and Tony Parenti ~ Davison passed away in 1989
January 5, 1887 ~ Percival Davis, commonly known as songwriter, libretist, actor, screenwriter Clifford Grey, passed away ~ Frequent collaborator of composers such as Jerome Kern, Howard Talbot, George Gershwin. Songs co-written by Grey include Sometimes I'm Happy Sometimes I'm Blue (the Six Hottentots, Doris Day, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan), If You Were The Only Girl In The World (Rudy Vallée, Perry Como, Sam Cooke), Date With An Angel (Bobby Howes, the Four Freshmen, Kitty Kallen), and Nobody's Using It Now (Maurice Chevalier, Debroy Somers, Jack Hylton) ~ Davis passed away in 1941
January 5, 1880 ~ Pianist, composer Nikolai Medtner, full name Nikolai Karlovich Medtner, born in Moscow, Russia ~ Contemporary of Sergei Rachmaninoff and Alexander Scriabin. Prolific composer focused on works for piano and to lesser extent violin. Best known for his series of Fairy Tales ~ Medtner passed away in 1951
January 5, 1879 ~ John Godfrey Knauff, commonly known as vaudeville singer, songwriter Jack Norworth, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Take Me Out To The Ball Game with Albert von Tilzer, first performed by Norworth's wife Nora Bayes. The song would become the anthem of North American baseball. Neither of the song's authors had actually ever been to a ball game ~ Knauff passed away in 1959