January 7, 2024 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Tony Clarkin, full name Anthony Michael Clarkin, passed away ~ Guitarist, sole songwriter for Magnum, known best for their 1988 Wings Of Heaven album and its 1990 follow-up Goodnight LA. Well known songs include Days Of No Trust, Start Talking Love, It Must Have Been Love and Rockin' Chair, all of which reached top 40 in the band's native UK. The band folded in 1995, yet Clarkin and the band's lead singer Bob Catley would record two more albums through the end of the decade going by the moniker Hard Rain ~ Clarkin was born in 1946
January 7, 2023 ~ Singer Tony Pantano passed away ~ Active since his mid-teens. Fronted Isy & the Dynamics during the mid-1960s, known for the single One Night. Fronted Sammy &; the Dolphins, with whom he recorded the EP The Dolphins At Sergio's Rendezvous. As a solo artist known for the early 1970s singles Every Time You Touch Me and Tonight, both of which modest hits in his adopted homeland Australia ~ Pantano was born in 1948
January 7, 2022 ~ Guitarist Bobby Harrison, full name Robert Leslie Harrison, passed away ~ Early member of Procol Harum who, along with guitarist Ray Royer, left the band shortly after recording the 1967 hit single A Whiter Shade Of Pale to form the band Freedom ~ Harrison was born in 1943
January 7, 2022 ~ Arthur Edmonds, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Harpdog Brown, passed away in Alberta, Canada ~ Performing professionally since age 15. About half a dozen albums to his name, starting with Beware Of Dog released in 1993. Especially acclaimed for the albums Home Is Where The Harp Is released in 1994 and What It Is released in 2014 ~ Brown was born in 1962
January 7, 2022 ~ Richard Dean Taylor, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter R Dean Taylor, passed away ~ Producer and songwriter, active for Motown during the 1960s and 1970s. As a recording artist scored a Billboard top 20 hit with the 1970 single Indiana Wants Me. Also known for Gotta See Jane and There's A Ghost In My House, both of which charted in England ~ Taylor was born in 1939
January 7, 2022 ~ Classical pianist, composer Stéphane Blet passed away ~ Disciple of Byron Janis. Assistant of Vladimir Horowitz. Noted interpreter of Franz Liszt. Prolific composer, having written over 300 works for piano, violin, orchestra, and voice. Authored over a dozen books on Frédéric Chopin, Erik Satie, Robert Schumann, and others ~ Blet was born in 1959
January 7, 2021 ~ Biserka Katusic, commonly known as mezzo-soprano, contralto singer Biserka Cvejic, passed away in Belgrade, Serbia ~ Closely associated with the Vienna State Opera, singing with the orchestra for two decades starting in 1959. Has also worked with the Belgrade Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Teatro Colón, and the Royal Opera House ~ Katusic was born in 1923
January 7, 2021 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jamie O'Hara passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Noted for penning Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days, a 1986 Grammy Award-winning hit for the Judds. Formed the duo the O'Kanes with Kieran Kane, known for songs such as Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You. Has also recorded as a solo artist and written for artists such as Shelby Lynne, Ronnie McDowell (Older Women), Gary Allan, Trisha Yearwood, and others ~ O'Hara was born in 1950
January 7, 2020 ~ Drummer Neil Peart, full name Neil Ellwood Peart, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Influenced by Keith Moon, John Bonham, Gene Krupa, and Buddy Rich. Longtime drummer, primary lyricist for rock, symphonic rock outfit Rush, joining the band in 1974 as replacement for original drummer John Rutsey. Peart has also authored about half a dozen books on his travels and personal stories, and co-authored three steampunk fantasy novels based on the band's final album, 2012's Clockwork Angels. Retired from music in 2015 for health reasons. Peart was widely revered for his technical proficiency, The New Yorker once commenting: “Watching Peart play the drums gave the impression that he might possess several phantom limbs” ~ Peart was born in 1952
January 7, 2019 ~ Singer Clydie King, occasionally known as Brown Sugar, passed away in Monovia, California, USA ~ Discovered by songwriter Richard Berry. Active since the mid-1950s starting fronting Little Clydie & the Teens, as a member of Ray Charles' backup singers Raelettes, and working as a session singer for Phil Spector in the early 1960s. Also recorded solo singles before becoming an in-demand session singer from the late-1960s onwards providing backing vocals for artists such as Humble Pie, BB King, the Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Crabby Appleton, Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, Dickey Betts, Joe Walsh, Neil Diamond, Les Dudek, Martha Reeves, Diana Ross, Dusty Springfield, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, notably present on the latter's Sweet Home Alabama ~ King was born in 1943
January 7, 2019 ~ Singer Houari Manar passed away in Hydra, Algeria ~ Blends upbeat rai with modern pop music. Released his debut album, Aachkek Mon Traitement, in 2006 and would go on to become a major force in the Mediterranean since. Best known for songs such Ha Mhayni and Hya ~ Manar was born in 1981
January 7, 2019 ~ Radio, TV host, singer, entertainer Jimmy Hannan passed away in Bayview, Australia ~ Started out as a teen idol, best known for the 1963 Roger McGuinn-penned Beach Ball, originally recorded by the City Surfers. Would go on to become a popular variety show host of the 1960s and 1970s, regularly appearing on the variety show In Melbourne Tonight, and hosting Tonight With Jimmy and Saturday Date ~ Hannan was born in 1934
January 7, 2019 ~ Classical composer John Joubert, full name John Pierre Herman Joubert, passed away ~ Music academic associated with the universities of Hull and Birmingham. Composed over 160 works including symphonies, concertos, and operas. Best known for the carols Torches and There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue and the anthem O Lorde The Maker Of All Thing ~ Joubert was born in 1927
January 7, 2018 ~ Mark John Hough, commonly known as guitarist, drummer Buster Stiggs, passed away in Perth, Australia ~ Member of After Hours, the first band of a teenage Neil Finn. Would subsequently follow Finn joining Split Enz. Member of Swingers, known for the early 1980s hits One Good Reason and Counting The Beat. Has also worked with Fang, the Suburban Reptiles, the Models, and others ~ Hough was born in 1954
January 7, 2018 ~ Isabelle Genevieve Marie Anne Gall, commonly known as singer, actress France Gall passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Daughter of lyricist Robert Gall and singer Cecile Berthier. Won the 1965 edition of Eurovision Songfestival, representing France with the song Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son). Also worked with Denis Bourgeois, Serge Gainsbourg, Alain Goraguer, Jacques Datin, Gigliola Cinquetti, and Michel Berger ~ Gall was born in 1947
January 7, 2017 ~ Guitarist, singer Jerzy Kossela passed away in Gnydia, Poland ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Czerwone Gitary, remaining with the band from 1965 through 1967, considered to be instrumental in the development of Polish rock. Has also worked with Electron, Niebiesko-Czarni, Pieciolinie, and others ~ Kossela was born in 1942
January 7, 2016 ~ Gary Wayne Schelton, commonly known as singer Troy Shondell, passed away in Picayune, Mississippi, USA ~ Wrote his first song at age 14. Recorded a handful of singles under the moniker Gary Shelton, including the rockabilly standard Kissing At The Drive-In. Briefly gained widespread attention in the early-1960s after he changed his stage name to Shondell with songs such as This Time and Tears From An Angel. The band Tommy James & the Shondells named themselves after Troy ~ Schelton was born in 1939
January 7, 2011 ~ Producer, songwriter Bobby Robinson passed away in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Founded or co-founded a number of record labels including Red Robin Records, Sue Records, and Fire Records. Produced hits by Champion Jack Dupree, Wilbert Harrison (Kansas City), Buster Brown, the Shirelles (Dedicated To The One I Love), Sam Myers, Bobby Lewis, Dave Baby Cortez (The Happy Organ), King Curtis (Soul Twist), his nephew Spoonie Gee, Les Cooper, Elmore James (The Sky Is Crying), Lightnin' Hopkins, Lee Dorsey (Ya-Ya), the Packmen, Gladys Knight & the Pips (Every Beat Of My Heart, Knight's first hit), the Fearless Four, Pumpkin & Friends, Funky 4+1, Kool Moe Dee, the Treacherous Three, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five (Superrappin'), and Doug E Fresh ~ Robinson was born in 1917
January 7, 2006 ~ Singer, pianist Billy Joel kicks off his 2006 USA tour ~ Having not written, or at least released, any new material in over a dozen years Joel kicks off his 2006 tour featuring a sample of songs from throughout his career, including major hits as well as obscure tunes like Zanzibar and All For Leyna. The tour includes 12 sold-out concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden over several months, breaking the previous record held by Bruce Springsteen who played 10 sold-out shows at the same arena
January 7, 2002 ~ Jonathan Henry Lee, commonly known as rock drummer Jon Lee, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known as original drummer of Feeder. Previously a member of the Darling Buds. Died by suicide, four separate suicide notes would be found. His funeral was attended by thousands. Other than cancelling a high profile gig, headlininig at Reading Leeds Festival, the band decided to not break up. Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson helped out on recordings in progress and booked live dates, becoming an official member by 2005 ~ Lee was born in 1968
January 7, 2001 ~ Singer James Carr passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Protégé of Otis Redding. Turned down by Stax/Volt. Forever remembered among R&B and soul aficionados for his 1967 original recording of The Dark End Of The Street, penned by Chips Moman and Dan Penn, and considered one of the greatest soul songs of all time. Also revered for his lesser known work such as various earlier Goldwax singles and the critically acclaimed LP You Got My Mind Messed Up. Carr suffered from bipolar disorder for most of his life which would seriously hinder his career ~ Carr was born in 1942
January 7, 2001 ~ Label executive, producer Louil Silas Jr passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founded and headed the Silas Records label, known for advancing the careers of Jesse Powell, Keke Wyatt, London Jones, Tricky Stewart, Aaron Hall, Keith Washington, and perhaps most notably Chanté Moore ~ Silas was born in 1956
January 7, 1999 ~ Bassist Fred Hopkins passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as one third of Air, alongside Henry Threadgill and Steve McCall. Also worked with Muhal Richard Abrams, Arthur Blythe, Oliver Lake, the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, Diedre Murray, Roy Haynes, Don Pullen, Hamiet Bluiett, Charles Brackeen, Peter Brötzmann, Oliver Lake, David Murray, Tom Varner, the World Saxophone Quartet, and others ~ Hopkins was born in 1947
January 7, 1992 ~ Garrett Clark Borns, commonly known as glam rock, electropop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Børns, born in Muskegon, Michigan, USA ~ Released his Dopamine debut album in 2015, which contained his best known track Electric Love. Has opened for MisterWives, Charli XCX, Years & Years, Halsey, the Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and Lana Del Rey
January 7, 1989 ~ Stephen Wrabel, mononymously known as singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Wrabel, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Staff songwriter at Pulse Recordings with songs recorded by Ke$ha, Adam Lambert, P!nk, Kygo, Marshmello, the Backstreet Boys, and others. As a solo artist known for 11 Blocks, Bloodstain, The Village and I Want You
January 7, 1988 ~ Robbert van de Corput, commonly known as DJ, producer, remixer Hardwell, born in Breda, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention for his 2009 recording Show Me Love vs. Be. Best known for his sets at music festivals such as Ultra Music Festival, Sunburn and Tomorrowland. Voted DJ Mag world's No.1 DJ in 2013 and 2014
January 7, 1986 ~ Jeremy Miles Ferguson, commonly known as rock, heavy metal, glam rock guitarist, violinist, cellist, pianist, songwriter Jinxx born in Webster City, Iowa, USA ~ Best known as member of the Black Veil Brides. Influenced by Randy Rhoads, Metallica, Danny Elfman, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Domenico Scarlatti. Has worked with the Dreaming, Amen, 80 Proof Riot, Christopher Hall, and XO Stereo
January 7, 1984 ~ Blues rock, folk pop, pop-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Ayer born in McLean, Virginia, USA ~ Member of all-male a capella group the Stanford Mendicants. As a solo artist self-released his Static EP in 2003. Best known for his 2006 full-length debut album This Is The Place, produced by Jason Gantt
January 7, 1981 ~ Martin Abraham, commonly known as jazz guitarist, tubist Chink Martin passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as a tubist. Father of bassist Martin Little Chink Abraham. Worked with Papa Jack Laine, the New Orleans Harmony Kings, Leon Roppolo, the Halfway House Orchestra, the New Orleans Harmony Kings, the New Orleans Swing Kings, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Sharkey Bonano, Santo Pecora, Pete Fountain, Al Hirt, and others ~ Abraham was born in 1886
January 7, 1980 ~ Ivan Lewis Greening, commonly known as heavy metal, alternative metal, nu metal singer, keyboaardist, songwriter Ivan Moody, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Lead singer of Five Finger Death Punch since 2006. Has also worked with Motograter, Ghost Machine, Cory Marks, Sixx AM, and others
January 7, 1980 ~ Lawrence Eugene Williams, commonly known as R&B, rock & roll singer, pianist, singer Larry Williams, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his tenure with Specialty Records during the late 1950s, recording several mostly self-penned classics including Bony Moronie, Short Fat Fannie, Slow Down, Dizzy Miss Lizzy, Bad Boy, and She Said Yeah. Artists who have covered his songs include the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and John Lennon ~ Williams was born in 1935
January 7, 1979 ~ Egbert Nathaniel Dwakins III, songwriter, singer, commonly known as Aloe Blacc, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of hip-hop duo Emanon, along with Exile. Best known as a solo artist, scoring hits such as I Need A Dollar and The Man
January 7, 1979 ~ Stanley Robinson, commonly known as rapper Substantial, born in Cheverly, Maryland, USA ~ Influenced by Native Tongues, OutKast, and by Redman. Worked with Nujabes, Burns, the Other Guys, Algorythm, Pase Rock, Daft Punk, Kenichiro Nishihara, and others
January 7, 1977 ~ Jazz, boogie-woogie pianist Michael Kaeshammer born in Offenburg, West Germany ~ Plays in the style of Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson. Debuted with the album The Blue Keys in 1996. Has opened for artists such as Anne Murray, Ray Charles, Allen Toussaint, Colin James, Holly Cole. Winner of numerous Juno Awards in his adopted home country Canada
January 7, 1976 ~ Electronic noise musician Nic Endo born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Alice Coltrane, James Chance, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, John Coltrane, the Velvet Underground, the Doors, Neu, Sun Ra.. Best known as member of digital hardcore group Atari Teenage Riot, joining in 1997 and remaining with the band until its disbandement in 2000. Released a solo album, Cold Metal Perfection, in 2000, described as a feminist digital hardcore album. Has also worked with Alec Empire
January 7, 1974 ~ Ramón Eduardo Cedeño, commonly known as jazz, rock, world music guitarist, bassist, percussionist Guayo Cedeño, born in La Ceiba, Honduras ~ Married to singer Gaby Flores, the couple have one daughter. In-demand sideman, has worked with artists such as Andy Palacio, the Garifuna Collective, and Aurelio Martínez. Released his sole solo album, Coco Bar, in 2015. Died of respiratory failure at age 48 ~ Cedeño passed away in 2022
January 7, 1974 ~ Country bassist, singer, songwriter John Rich born in Amarillo, Texas, USA ~ Member, co-lead singer of Lonestar from 1992 through 1998, singing lead on Heartbroke Every Day and co-writing songs such as Come Cryin' To Me and Say When. Subsequently released a number of solo recordings before teaming up with Big Kenny to form the hit-making country duo Big & Rich, scoring hits with songs such as Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy, Comin' To Your City, Lost In This Moment, Look At You, Run Away With You, and Lovin' Lately featuring Tim McGraw
January 7, 1971 ~ William E Williams, commonly known as rapper El da Sensei, born in New Jersey, USA ~ Member of 1990s rap group the Artifacts, which also included Tame One and DJ Kaos, known for songs such as Easter, C'mon Wit Da Git Down, The Ultimate (You Know The Time) and perhaps their best-known Wrong Side Of Da Tracks. Has been recording as a solo artist since the early 2000s
January 7, 1971 ~ Heavy metal, gothic rock singer Nick Holmes, full name Nicholas John Arthur Holmes, born in UK ~ Best known as lead singer of gothic metal band Paradise Lost and death metal outfit Bloodbath. Has guested on recordings by Liv Kristine, Trees Of Eternity, Front Line Assembly, and others
January 7, 1965 ~ Vladimir John Ondrasik III, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Five For Fighting, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Superman (It's Not Easy), 100 Years, The Riddle, World, Chances, What If, Christmas Where You Are, and others
January 7, 1963 ~ Singer, composer Christine Tobin born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Influenced by Betty Carter, Bessie Smith, Leonard Cohen, Olivier Messiaen, Miles Davis. Member of Lammas. Also worked with Huw Warren, Steve Watts, Roy Dodds, Liam Noble, Kate Shortt, Phil Robson, Dave Whitford, Thebe Lipere, Simon Lea, Don Rendell, Django Bates, Peter Fairclough, Hans Koller, Clark Tracey, Peter Herbert, and others
January 7, 1963 ~ Alt-rock singer, songwriter Clint Mansell, full name Clinton Daryl Mansell, born in Coventry, UK ~ First gained attention as lead singer of alt-rock band Pop Will Eat Itself, known for songs such as Def Con One and X Y & Zee. Has since ventured into film composing
January 7, 1962 ~ Jazz pianist John Colianni, full name John Kelly Colianni, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ First got interested in music after watching Duke Ellington perform. Backed Lionel Hampton during the early 1980s. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, especially aacclaimed for John Colianni & Company released in 1998. As a sideman, Colianni has appeared on albums by Mel Tormé, Spider Saloff, Scott Whitfield, Ben Tucker, Toni Ballard (I'm Your Pal), Holly Shelton, Muriel Anderson, and Marshall McDonald ~ Colianni passed away in 2023
January 7, 1961 ~ Fiddler Nils Okland born in Norway ~ Played with Løver Og Tigre, the Balkansemblet, Bjørnar Andresen, his brother guitarist Torbjørn Okland, Christian Wallumrød, Bjørn Kjellemyr, Benedicte Maurseth, Knut Hamre, and Kari Bremnes
January 7, 1959 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter David Lee Murphy born in Herrin, Illinois, USA ~ Debuted in 1994 with the Out With A Bang album and has recorded steadily since. Known for songs such as The Party Crowd, Out With A Bang, Everytime I Get Around You, The Road You Leave Behind, Loco, Just Once, We Can't All Be Angels, Dust On The Bottle and Everything's Gonna Be Alright
January 7, 1959 ~ Guitarist, songwriter, painter Jon Larsen born in Bærum, Norway ~ Founded the Hot Club de Norvege with guitarist Per Frydenlund and bassist Svein Aarbostad. Also worked with Lillebjørn Nilsen, Chet Baker, Philip Catherine, Stéphane Grappelli, Warne Marsh, Biréli Lagrène, Babik Reinhardt, Jimmy Rosenberg, Arthur Barrow, Jimmy Carl Black, Bruce Fowler, Bunk Gardner, Tommy Mars, Don Preston, and others
January 7, 1959 ~ Bassist Kathy Valentine born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Best known as member of all-female rock band the Go-Go's from 1980 through 1985, scoring hits such as Our Lips Are Sealed, We Got The Beat, Vacation, Head Over Heels. Has also worked with Girlschool, the Textones, the World's Cutest Killers, the BlueBonnets, the Delphines, and others
January 7, 1959 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records Everybody Loves To Cha-cha-cha at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Originated from a 1958 Christmas party at Lou Rawls' stepfather's house. When the partygoers started dancing the cha cha, sombody yelled out “everybody, cha cha cha” and Cooke grabbed a sheet of paper to write down lyrics while everyone else danced. The single would be released in January 1959, paired with Little Things You Do on the B-side. It would reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Girl group the Blossoms, including Darlene Love, provided backing vocals
January 7, 1957 ~ Singer, songwriter John Kilzer, full name John Turner Kilzer, born in Jackson, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for the late-1980s album Memory In The Making which peaked at No.110 on the Billboard Hot 200. Its follow-up, 1991's Busman's Holiday, would fail to chart ~ Kilzer passed away in 2019
January 7, 1956 ~ Jazz drummer Steve Williams, full name Stephen Edward Williams, born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Worked with Gary Thomas, Clifford Jordan, Ran Blake, Carmen McRae, Toots Thielemans, Jeffery Smith, the Vienna Art Orchestra, John Hicks, Eugene Maslov, the Legacy Band, Jamie Broumas, and extensively with Shirley Horn
January 7, 1954 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Cliff Eberhardt born in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Part of the second wave of folk and acoustic music revival in the late 1970s, playing the Lower Manhattan coffeehouses alongside artists such as John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and David Massengill. Reemerged in the late 1990s and has been recording steadily since. Noted for the 2011 collaborative album All Woods And Doors with James Lee Stanley, consisting entirely of acoustic folk renditions of songs by the Doors
January 7, 1953 ~ Reggae keyboardist, organist Earl Lindo, full name Earl Wilberforce Lindo, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his association with Bob Marley, appearing on albums such as Burnin', Survival, Uprising. Has also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Big Youth, Culture, I-Roy, the Impact All-Stars, Burning Spear, and others. As a solo artist enjoyed some local succes with the 1970s singles No Soul Today and Who Done It ~ Lindo passed away in 2017
January 7, 1952 ~ Arranger, songwriter, producer Craig Leon born ~ Worked with numerous artists including the Ramones, Suicide, the Fall, Suicide, Talking Heads, Blondie, Richard Hell, James Galway, Natasha Marsh, Julia Thornton, Isobel Cooper, Chilliwack, the Zeros, Sir Douglas Quintet, Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark, Dwight Twiley, the Roches, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Beat Farmers, the Bangles, Doctor & the Medics, the Pogues, the Men They Couldn't Hang, the Go-Betweens, Shawn Phillips, Mark Owen, the Cowboy Junkies, Cobalt 60, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Jesus Jones, Shonen Knife, Steve Hogarth, and others
January 7, 1952 ~ Maria Cristina Lancelotti, commonly known as singer, actress Valeria Lynch, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ First gained serious attention in an Argentine production of the musical Hair. Member of underground rock band Expression. Released her eponymous Valeria Lynch solo debut album in 1977. Best known for 1980s hits such as Mentira, Esto Llamado Amor and Amiga Mia
January 7, 1950 ~ Alberto Aguilera Valadez, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Juan Gabriel, born in Paracuaro, Mexico ~ Known for his flamboyant style. Widely condisered one of the most prolific Mexican composer and singers. Sold over 60 million records. Best known for songs such as Amor Eterno, Querida, Haste Que Te Conoci, No Tengo Dinero, Abrazame Muy Fuerte, De Mi Enamorate, Lo Pasado Pasado, and others ~ Aguilera passed away in 2016
January 7, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Marshall Chapman born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA ~ Had her songs recorded by Conway Twitty, Joe Cocker (Just To Keep From Drawing), Jimmy Buffett, Connie Cato (Somewhere South Of Cato), Emmylou Harris, Wynonna Judd, Jessi Colter, John Hiatt (Old Habits Are Hard), Olivia Newton-John, Irma Thomas, Ronnie Milsap, Mary Kay James (I Think I'll Say Goodbye), Sawyer Brown, and pthers
January 7, 1948 ~ Blues rock, rock singer, guitarist Kaz Lux, full name Kazimierz Lux, born in Oosterhout, the Netherlands ~ Co-founding member of Brainbox remaining with the band through 1971 and present on the band's 1969 eponymous Brainbox debut album featuring some of their best-known such as Down Man, Dark Rose, Summertime and notably Reason To Believe. Lux would leave the band in 1971 to pursue a solo career but rejoin in later years. Acclaimed for his 1976 collaboration with Jan Akkerman on Eli. Has also worked with Jan Hollestelle, Mike Vernon, Herman Deinum, Willem Ennes, Tom Barlage, Jasper van 't Hof, Flavium, and others
January 7, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Kenny Loggins, Kenneth Clark Loggins, born in Everett, Washington, USA ~ First gained attention in the late 1960s, writing a number of songs recorded by the Electric Prunes and subsequently the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Would rise to fame as half of Loggins & Messina, the other half being Jim Messina, known for songs such as Danny's Song, The House At Pooh Corner and the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Your Mama Don't Dance. Released his Celebrate Me Home solo debut album in 1977. Duetted with Stevie Nicks on Whenever I Call You Friend. Duetted with Steve Perry on Don't Fight It. Co-wrote What A Fool Believes with Michael McDonald, a hit for the Doobie Brothers. Wrote and recorded several hits for soundtracks, including I'm Alright for Caddyshack, Footloose for Footloose, and the Academy Award-nominated For The First Time for One Fine Day
January 7, 1947 ~ Peter Joe Clayton, commonly known as blues singer, songwriter Dr Claytin, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for songs such as the often covered Cheating And Lying Blues, Pearl Harbor Blues and Moonshine Woman Blues. The latter would be covered by BB King under the name The Woman I Love. Worked with Robert Lockwood Junior, Blind John Davis, Lester Melrose, Sunnyland Slim, and others. Both Big Bill Broonzy and Tampa Red attended Clayton's funeral ~ Clayton was born in 1898
January 7, 1945 ~ David Joseph Hindson, commonly known as singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Dave Cousins, born in Hounslow, UK ~ Best known for fronting the Strawbs, scoring the UK hits Part Of The Union and Lay Down in 1973
January 7, 1944 ~ Peter Michael McCartney, commonly known as singer, songwriter Mike McGear, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Brother of Paul McCartney. Worked with McGough & McGear and with the Scaffold
January 7, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jerry Corbitt, full name Jerry Byron Corbitt, born in Tifton, Georgia, USA ~ Best known as founding member, guitarist, songwriter of the Youngbloods. wrote or co-wrote songs such as A Dreamer's Dream, Don't Play Games, Don't Let The Rain Bring You Down. Also produced Don McLean's debut album Tapestry, co-wrote Charlie Daniels' Life Goes On, co-wrote Cypress Hill's Insane In The Brain ~ Corbitt passed away in 2014
January 7, 1943 ~ Leona Belle Helton, commonly known as country singer Leona Williams born in Vienna, Missouri, USA ~ Backing singer for Loretta Lynn. Married to Merle Haggard from 1978 through 1983, with whom she also worked, notably on the duet The Bull And The Beaver. Wrote the Haggard hits Someday When Things Are Good and You Take Me For Granted. As a solo singer known for songs such as Once More, The Country Girl With Hot Pants On, Your Shoeshine Girl, The Baby Song, and Always I'm Almost Ready and Always Late With Your Kisses
January 7, 1942 ~ Singer Danny Williams born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa ~ Dubbed “Britain's Johnny Mathis” for his smooth vocal delivery. Known for songs such as his 1961 Moon River rendition and for White On White, the latter a Billboard top 10 hit in 1964 ~ Williams passed away in 2005
January 7, 1938 ~ Keyboardist Paul Revere, full name Paul Revere Dick, born in Harvard, Nebraska, USA ~ Best known as leader and organist for Paul Revere & the Raiders, known for a string of hits from the early-1960s through the early-1970s including Like Long Hair, Just Like Me, Good Thing, Him Or Me (What's It Gonna Be), Kicks, Let Me, Hungry, and Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian) ~ Revere passed away in 2014
January 7, 1936 ~ Guitarist, producer, songwriter Richard Podolor, full name Richard Allen Podolor, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Has worked prolifically as a session musician since the 1950s with artists such as Bonnie Guitar (Dark Moon), and was a member of 1950s band the Pets which also included drummer Earl Palmer, saxophonist Plas Johnson and guitarist René Hall. Best known though for his association with Three Dog Night, producing Mama Told Me Not To Come and Joy To The World and most of their subsequent albums. Produced two albums for Steppenwolf, engineering all their early hits including Born To Be Wild. Has also produced albums for Iron Butterfly, the Dillards, Chris Hillman, Black Oak Arkansas, Alice Cooper, and others ~ Podolor passed away in 2022
January 7, 1935 ~ Dixieland, swing clarinetist, saxophonist Kenny Davern, full name John Kenneth Davern, born in Huntington, New York, USA ~ Decided to pursue a career in music after hearing Pee Wee Russell. Well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for his collaborations with Bob Wilber under the common moniker Soprano Summit. A jazz purist praised for the clarity and pureness of his tone, Davern would establish himself as an in-demand sideman working with the likes of Jack Teagarden (Jazz Great), Phil Napoleon, Pee Wee Erwin, Wild Bill Davison (After Hours), Eddie Condon (Jazz At The New School), Dick Wellstood, Dick Hyman (Some Rags Some Stomps And A Little Blues), Red Norvo, Art Hodes, the Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band, George Masso, and Cynthia Sayer ~ Davern passed away in 2006
January 7, 1933 ~ Archibald Alexander Alleyne, commonly known as jazz drummer Archie Alleyne, born in Ontario, Canada ~ House drummer at the Town Tavern jazz club in Toronto, Canada. Has accompanied jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, and Ben Webster. Following a serious traffic accident, Alleyne mostly retired from music by the late 1960s, to return to music in the 1980s working with fellow Canadians such as Oliver Jones and Cy McLean. In his later years, Alleyne was known for mentoring young talent in his hard-bop unit Kollage. Longtime collaborator Brian Browne praised Alleyne for his time keeping, once commenting: “Archie's got a special snap to his time. He's got a unique, interesting, personal time feel.” ~ Alleyne passed away in 2015
January 7, 1933 ~ Jazz double bassist, electric bassist Don Payne born in Wellington, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Georgie Auld, Ornette Coleman, Maynard Ferguson, Calvin Jackson, Joe Maini, Art Pepper, Tony Bennett, Chris Connor, Mundell Lowe, Herbie Mann, Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz, Mike Abene, Joe Beck, Gene Bertoncini, Loudon Wainwright III, Judy Collins, Roy Buchanan, Leonard Cohen, Janis Ian, Luiz Henrique Rosa, Harry Chapin, Melanie, Bobby Hackett, Jackie Cain, Roy Kral, and others ~ Payne passed away in 2017
January 7, 1930 ~ Singer Jack Greene, full name Jack Henry Greene, born in Maryville, Tennessee, USA ~ Fronted the Peach Tree Boys. Founded the Tennessee Mountain Boys. Duetted with Jeannie Seely. Member of Ernest Tubb's backing unit the Texas Troubadours. As a solo artist known for a string of country hits starting in the mid-1960s including There Goes My Everything, All The Time, You Are My Treasure, Until My Dreams Come True, and The Statue Of A Fool ~ Greene passed away in 2013
January 7, 1925 ~ Saxophonist Dave Schildkraut born ~ Active since the 1940s. Recorded one album as a leader, Last Date released posthumously in 2000. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Tony Aless, Tony Bennett (Cloud 7), Tito Puente, Miles Davis (Walkin'), and Eddie Bert (Like Cool) ~ Schildkraut passed away in 1998
January 7, 1925 ~ Jazz drummer Sam Woodyard born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA ~ Sideman. Worked with Paul Gayten, Joe Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Milt Buckner, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Rich, Claude Bolling, Teddy Wilson, Buddy Tate, Slam Stewart, Steve Lacy, Johnny Hodges, Clark Terry, Sonny Rollins, Rosemary Clooney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Quincy Jones, Cat Anderson, Larry Darnell, and others ~ Woodyard passed away in 1988
January 7, 1924 ~ Jazz pianist, steelpan player Russell Henderson, full name Russell Audley Ferdinand Henderson, born in Port Of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Worked with Lord Pretender, the Mighty Growler, Roaring Lion, Beryl McBurnie, Joe Harriott, Shake Keane, Lord Kitchener, Young Tiger, and others. Best known for founding the Russ Henderson Steel Band, Britain's first steelband combo, in 1952 ~ Henderson passed away in 2015
January 7, 1923 ~ Ennis L Lowery, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Larry Dale, born in Hungerford, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Let The Doorbell Ring, Big Muddy and Drinking Wine (Spo-dee O-dee). Influenced the Rolling Stones' Brian Jones. Worked with Paul Williams, Big Red McHouston, Mickey Baker, Champion Jack Dupree, Bob Gaddy, and others ~ Dale passed away in 2010
January 7, 1922 ~ Pianist, conductor, arranger, composer Eric Jupp, full name Eric Stanley Jupp, born in Brighton, UK ~ Enjoyed popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in his adopted homeland Australia, best known as cmposer for film and TV and as host of the long-running The Magic Of Music TV show aired by ABC. The show would be syndicated in over two dozen countries and spawn a series of pops albums ~ Jupp passed away in 2003
January 7, 1922 ~ Flutist Jean Pierre Rampal born in Marseille, France ~ Returned the flute as a classical solo instrument. With his flair and presence Rampal paved the way for flutist superstars such as James Galway and Emmanuel Pahud ~ Rampal passed away in 2000
January 7, 1922 ~ Conductor, arranger, director Robert de Cormier born in Farmingdale, New York, USA ~ Worked with Harry Belafonte, Peter Paul & Mary, Milt Okun, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ De Cormier passed away in 2017
January 7, 1916 ~ John Pickens Jenkins, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Bobo Jenkins, born in Forkland, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for Tell Me Where You Stayed Last Night and the politically themed Democrat Blues, expressing his unease about Dwight D Eisenhower winning the 1952 elections and becoming the first Republican in twenty years to win the White House ~ Jenkins passed away in 1984
January 7, 1915 ~ Luciano Pozo Gonzalez, commonly known as jazz percussionist, singer, composer Chano Pozo, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Despite a relatively short career, shot and killed at age 33, regarded as a key figure in the development of Latin jazz. Co-wrote several of Dizzy Gillespie's songs including Manteca and Tin Tin Deo. Has worked with Gillespie, Chris Connor, Illinois Jacquet, Ben Webster, Peggy Lee, Machito, Charlie Parker, Clark Terry, Chico O'Farrill, and others ~ González passed away in 1948
January 7, 1909 ~ Bernice Maude Gant, commonly known as singer, actress Shirley Ross, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Appeared in over two dozen feature films. Best known for duetting with Bing Crosby on Blue Hawaii in the Waikiki Wedding, and with Bob Hope on Thanks For The Memory in The Big Broadcast Of 1938 ~ Gant passed away in 1975
January 7, 1908 ~ Henry James Allen Jr, commonly known as trumpeter Red Allen, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of bandleader Henry Allen. Active since the mid-1920s. Has worked with Sidney Desvigne, the Excelsior Brass Band, Sam Morgan, John Casimir, King Oliver, Fate Marable, Fats Pichon, Luis Russell, Don Redman, Fletcher Henderson, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Goodman, Kid Ory, the Kentucky Jazz Band, and others ~ Allen passed away in 1967