Wednesday, February 1, 2023

February: Music Makers' Birthdays

Click on any date below to see music makers’ birthdays on that day. Click here to return to the main music makers’ birthday page. Note: Names listed in bold have had dates verified with at least two sources to (hopefully) ensure accuracy. Please email Dave’s Music Database with any corrections.

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February 1

  • Big Boi (1975). Rapper/songwriter from OutKast (“The Way You Move”) born Antwan André Patton.

  • Patrick Wilson (1969). Member of alternative rock group Weezer “Buddy Holly,” “Undone (The Sweater Song”)

  • Lisa Marie Presley (1968). Pop singer (“Lights Out”) and daughter of Elvis Presley. Briefly married to Michael Jackson.

  • Exene Cervenka (1956). American punk-rock singer with X.

  • Mike Campbell (1950). Rock guitarist born in Panama City, FL. With Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

  • Rick James (1948). Funk singer/songwriter/musician (“Super Freak”) and record producer born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. in Buffalo, NY. Died 8/6/2004.

  • Don Everly (1937). Early rock-n-roll singer born Isaac Donald Everly in Brownie, KY. With the Everly Brothers (“Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream”). Died 8/21/2021.

  • Ray Sawyer (1937). Alabama singer and guitarist with Dr. Hook.

  • George Beverly Shea (1909). Gospel singer and hymn composer born in Winchester, Ontario, Canada. Died 4/16/2013.

  • James P. Johnson (1894). American jazz songwriter and pianist. Died 11/17/1955.

  • Victor Herbert (1859). Composer (Babes in Toyland), cellist, and conductor born on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel. A founder of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Died 5/26/1924.


February 2

  • Shakira (1977). Latin-pop singer (“Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever”) born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in Barcelona, Spain.

  • Robert DeLeo (1966). Rock musician with Stone Temple Pilots (1992’s Core, 1994’s Purple).

  • Eva Cassidy (1963). American singer. Died 11/2/1996.

  • Ross Valory (1949). Rock bassist born in San Francisco, CA. With Journey (Escape).

  • Al McKay (1948). R&B guitarist born in New Orleans, LA. With Earth, Wind & Fire (That’s the Way of the World).

  • Howard Bellamy (1946). Florida country musician with the Bellamy Brothers (“Let Your Love Flow”).

  • Graham Nash (1942). Singer/songwriter born in Blackpool, UK. With The Hollies (“Bus Stop”) and Crosby, Stills & Nash (“Teach Your Children,” “Our House,” 1969’s Crosby, Stills & Nash).

  • Stan Getz (1927). Jazz musician born Stanley Gayetski in Philadelphia, PA. Died 6/6/1991.

  • Martina Arroyo (1937). Operatic soprano born in New York City, NY.

  • Jascha Heifetz (1901). Violinist born in Vilna, Russia. Died 12/10/1987.


February 3

  • Sean Kingston (1990)

  • Lol Tolhurst (1959). Goth-rock keyboardist and drummer born Laurence Andrew Tolhurst in Horley, Surrey, England. With The Cure.

  • Dave Davies (1947). Rock guitarist born in Fortis Green, London, England. With The Kinks (“You Really Got Me,” “Waterloo Sunset,” Village Green Preservation Society).

  • Melanie (1947). New York singer/songwriter (“Brand New Key”) born Melanie Anne Safka.

  • Neil Bogart (1943). Record executive (Casblanca, Boardwalk) born in New York, NY.

  • Dennis Edwards (1943). R&B singer born in Fairfield, AL. With The Temptations. Died 2/1/2018.

  • Eric Haydock (1943). Rock bassist born in Stockport, UK. With The Hollies. Died 1/5/2019.

  • Johnny “Guitar” Watson (1935). Texas guitarist (“A Real Mother for Ya”). Died 5/17/1995.

  • Felix Mendelssohn (1809). Classical composer and pianist born Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in Hamburg, Germany. Died 11/4/1847.

  • Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525). Classical composer born in Palestrina, Italy. Died 2/2/1594.


February 4

  • Cam’ron (1976)

  • Natalie Imbruglia (1975). Australian singer (“Torn”).

  • James Murphy (1970). American musician who operates under the stage name LCD Soundsystem (2007’s Sound of Silver).

  • Clint Black (1962). Country music singer/songwriter (1989’s Killin’ Time) born in Long Branch, NJ.

  • Jonathan Larson (1960). Musical theater composer (Rent) born in White Plains, NY. Died 1/25/1996.

  • Alice Cooper (1948). Shock-rock singer (“I’m Eighteen,” “School’s Out”) born Vincent Damon Furnier in Detroit, MI.

  • John Steel (1941). Rock drummer born in Gateshead, UK. With The Animals.

  • Art Mooney (1911). American jazz/big band leader. Died 1993.


February 5

  • Bobby Brown (1969). R&B singer born in Boston, MA. First with New Edition (“Cool It Now”) and later a solo singer (“Don’t Be Cruel,” “My Prerogative”).

  • Duff McKagan (1964). Rock bassist born Michael Andrew McKagan in Seattle, WA. With Guns N’ Roses.

  • Cliff Martinez (1954). Rock drummer born in the Bronx, NY. With Red Hot Chili Peppers.

  • Christopher Guest (1948). Comedic actor who starred in This Is Spinal Tap.

  • Al Kooper (1944). Songwriter, record producer, and keyboardist born in Brooklyn, NY. With Blood, Sweat & Tears. Also played organ with Bob Dylan (“Like a Rolling Stone”).

  • Corey Wells (1942). Rock singer with Three Dog Night (“Joy to the World”).

  • Barrett Strong (1941). Mississippi R&B singer (“Money (That’s What I Want)” and songwriter (Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”; The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” and “Ball of Confusion”; Edwin Starr’s “War”).

  • Alex Harvey (1935). Scottish rock bandleader and musician. Died 2/4/1982.

  • Hal Blaine (1929). Session drummer born Harold Simon Belsky in Holyoke, MA. With Phil Spector’s “Wrecking Crew” house band (“Be My Baby”). Died 3/11/2019.

  • Robert Allen (1927). Composer, pianist, and arranger (“Chances Are,” “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays”) born Robert Allen Deitcher in Troy, NY. Died 10/1/2000.

  • Ray Evans (1915). Songwriter (“Que Sera Sera,” “Silver Bells”) born in Salamanca, NY. Collaborated with Jay Livingston. Died 2/15/2007.


February 6

  • Rick Astley (1966). Pop singer (“Never Gonna Give You Up”) born in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England.

  • Axl Rose (1962). Rock singer born William Bruce Rose, Jr. in Lafayette, IN. With Guns N’ Roses (“Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle”).

  • Natalie Cole (1950). R&B/jazz singer (1991’s Unforgettable…with Love) born in Los Angeles, CA. Died 12/31/2015. Daughter of singer Nat “King” Cole.

  • Bob Marley (1945). Reggae artist (“I Shot the Sheriff,” “No Woman, No Cry,” “Get Up Stand Up,” 1977’s Exodus, 1984’s Legend) born Robert Nesta Marley in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. Died 5/11/1981.

  • Fabian (1942). Pennsylvania teen idol singer (“Turn Me Loose,” “Tiger”) born Fabiano Anthony Forte Bonaparte who gained fame from TV’s American Bandstand.

  • Claudio Arrau (1903). Classical pianist born Claudio Arrau León on 2/6/1903 in Chillán, Chile. Died 6/9/1991.

  • Haven Gillespie (1888). Tin Pan Alley composer and lyricist (“You Go to My Head,” “That Lucky Old Sun”) born James Haven Lamont Gillespie in Covington, KY. Died 3/14/1975.


February 7

  • Garth Brooks (1962). Country singer (“Friends in Low Places,” 1990’s No Fences, 1991’s Ropin’ the Wind) born Troyal Garth Brooks in Tulsa, OK.

  • David Bryan (1962). Rock keyboardist born David Bryan Rashbaum in Perth Amboy, NJ. With Bon Jovi (“Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name”).

  • King Curtis (1934). Blues/jazz/rock saxophonist and record producer born Curtis Montgomery in Fort Worth, TX. Died 8/13/1971.

  • Irving Aaronson (1895). Jazz pianist (“Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love,” “Love in Bloom”) born in New York City, NY. Died 3/10/1963.
  • Eubie Blake (1883). American jazz pianist and songwriter. Died 2/12/1983.

  • Arthur Collins (1864). Singer born in Philadelphia, PA. Died 8/3/1933.


February 8

  • Dave “Phoenix” Farrell (1977). Bass player for rock group Linkin Park (2001’s Hybrid Theory).

  • Vince Neil (1961). Rock singer for Mötley Crüe. Born Vince Neil Wharton.

  • John Williams (1932). Composer of movie scores (Star Wars) born in Floral Park, NY.

  • Alonzo “Lonnie” Johnson (1899). American blues guitarist. Died 6/16/1970.


February 9

  • Travis Tritt (1963). Country singer born James Travis Tritt in Marietta, GA.

  • Carole King (1942). Songwriterr (the Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” the Drifters’ “Up on the Roof,” Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion,” Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman,” James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend”) and singer (Tapestry, “It’s Too Late,” “I Feel the Earth Move”) born Carol Joan Klein in Manhattan, NY. Kennedy Center Honoree

  • Barry Mann (1939). New York rock songwriter born Barry Imberman in Brooklyn, NY. Collaborated with Cynthia Weil (the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” the Drifters’ “On Broadway”).

  • Ernest Tubb (1914). Country singer/songwriter (“Walking the Floor Over You”) born in Crisp, TX. Died 9/6/1984.


February 10

  • Cliff Burton (1962). Heavy metal bassist born in Castro Valley, CA. With Metallica (Master of Puppets). Died 9/27/1986.

  • Peter Allen (1944). Australian songwriter. Was married to Liza Minnelli. Died 6/18/1992.

  • Jimmy Merchant (1940). Doo-wop singer born in New York City, NY. With Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”).

  • Roberta Flack (1937). R&B singer/songwriter (“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song”) born in Black Mountain, NC.

  • Don Wilson (1933). Rock guitarist born in Tacoma, WA. With The Ventures. Died 1/22/2022.

  • Leontyne Price (1927). Operatic soprano singer born Mary Violet Leontyne Price in Laurel, MS.

  • Larry Adler (1914). American harmonica player. Died 8/6/2001.

  • Jack Leonard (1913). New York jazz/big band singer best known for being the primary singer with Tommy Dorsey in the late 1930s.

  • William Henry “Chick” Webb (1905). American jazz bandleader and drummer. Died 6/16/1939.


February 11

  • Kelly Rowland (1981). Member of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child (“Say My Name,” “Survivor,” “Bootylicious”).

  • Brandy (1979). R&B singer born in McComb, MI.

  • Mike Shinoda (1977). Rap-rock Singer/songwriter/musician for Linkin Park (2000’s Hybrid Theory).

  • D'Angelo (1974)

  • Sheryl Crow (1962). Rock singer/songwriter (“All I Wanna Do”) born in Kennett, MO.

  • Sérgio Mendes (1941). Brazilian bandleader.

  • Gerry Goffin (1939). Songwriter (the Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” the Drifters’ “Up on the Roof,” Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion,” a href="http://whitgunn.freeservers.com/Davemusic/acts/F.html#aretha_franklin">Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”) born Gerald Goffin in Brooklyn, NY. Frequently collaborated with Carole King.

  • Bobby “Boris” Pickett (1938). Best known for song “Monster Mash.”

  • Gene Vincent (1935). Rockabilly singer and guitarist (“Be-Bop-A-Lula”) born Vincent Eugene Craddock in Norfolk, VA. Died 10/12/1971.

  • Thomas Alva Edison (1847). American inventor of, among many other things, the phonograph. Died 10/18/1931.


February 12

  • Chynna Phillips (Wilson Phillips) (1968)

  • Per Gessle (1959). Swedish singer/songwriter and musician with Roxette (“The Look”).

  • Michael McDonald (1952). Rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born in St. Louis, MO. With the Doobie Brothers (“What a Fool Believes”) and a solo artist (“On My Own,” “I Keep Forgettin’”).

  • Steve Hackett (1950). Prog-rock guitarist born in London, England. With Genesis (Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway).

  • Moe Bandy (1944). American country singer born Marion Franklin Bandy, Jr.

  • Ray Manzarek (1939). Rock keyboardist born Raymond Daniel Maczarek, Jr. in Chicago, IL. With The Doors (The Doors). Died 5/20/2013.

  • Tex Beneke (1914). Jazz bandleader born Gordon Beneke in Forth Worth, TX. Died 5/30/2000.

  • Burton Lane (1912). Songwriter born Morris Hyman Kushner in New York City, NY. Died 1/5/1997.

  • Joe Howard (1870). Broadway composer, lyricist (“Hello! Ma Baby,” “I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now”), librettist, and performer born Joseph Edgar Howard in New York City, NY. Died 5/19/1961.

  • Len Spencer (1867). Singer born Leonard Garfield Spencer in Washington, DC. Died 12/15/1914.


February 13

  • Robbie Williams (1974). Pop singer (“Angels”) born in Stoke-on-Tent, Staffordshire, England. Started with boy band Take That (“Back for Good”).

  • Freedom Williams (1966). R&B singer/rapper with C&C Music Factory.

  • Rahiem (1963). Rap songwriter born Guy Williams in the Bronx, NY. With Grandmaste Flash & the Furious Five.

  • Henry Rollins (1961). American punk-rock singer/songwriter with Black Flag (1981’s Damaged) and later a solo artist.

  • Peter Hook (1956). English bassist with Joy Division and New Order.

  • Ed Gagliardi (1952). Rock musician with Foreigner.

  • Peter Gabriel (1950). Prog-rock singer born in Chobham, Surrey, England. With Genesis (Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway) before going solo (“Solsbury Hill,” “Sledgehammer,” 1986’s So).

  • Peter Tork (1942). American rock musician/actor in The Monkees (“I’m a Believer,” “Daydream Believer”).

  • Boudleaux Bryant (1920). Songwriter born Diadorius Boudleaux Bryant in Shellman, GA. Collaborated with wife Felice Bryant (the Everly Brothers “Bye Bye Love,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” and “Wake Up Little Susie”). Died 6/25/1987.

  • Eileen Farrell (1920). Opera singer.

  • “Tennessee” Ernie Ford (1919). Country singer (“Sixteen Tons”) born Ernest Jennings Ford in Bristol, TN. Died 10/17/1991.


February 14

  • Rob Thomas (1972). Rock singer/songwriter born in Landstuhl, West Germany. With Matchbox 20 (Yourself or Someone Like You) and a solo artist (“Smooth”).

  • Renée Fleming (1959). Operatic soprano singer born in Indiana, PA.

  • Roger Fisher (1950). Rock guitarist born in Seattle, WA. With Heart (“Barracuda,” “Crazy on You”).

  • Tim Buckley (1947). Washington D.C. singer/songwriter and musician. Born Timothy Buckley III. Died 6/29/1975.

  • Magic Sam (1937). Mississippi blues guitarist and singer born Samuel Gene Maghett. Died 12/1/1969.


February 15

  • Megan Thee Stallion (1995). Rapper (“WAP,” “Savage”) born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete in Houston, Texas.

  • Brandon Boyd (1976). Lead singer of alternative rock band Incubus.

  • Jane Child (1967). Singer/songwriter (“Don’t Wanna Fall in Love”).

    Hugh Padgham (1955). Producer (Genesis, The Police) born in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England.

  • Melissa Manchester (1951). American adult contemporary/pop singer/songwriter (“Don’t Cry Out Loud,” “You Should Hear How She Talks about You”).

  • David Brown (1947). Rock bassist born in New York City, NY. With Santana. Died 9/4/2000.

  • Mick Avory (1944). Rock drummer born Michael Charles Avory in East Molesey, UK. With The Kinks (“You Really Got Me,” “Waterloo Sunset,” Village Green Preservation Society).

  • Glyn Johns (1942). Record engineer and producer born in Epsom, Surrey, England. Worked with Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, and others.

  • Brian Holland (1941). R&B songwriter and producer born in Detroit, MI. Part of Motown’s Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting and production team (the Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love”; the Four Tops’ “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself,” and “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)”).

  • Hank Locklin (1918). Country singer. Died 3/8/2009.

  • Harold Arlen (1905). Songwriter (“Stormy Weather,” “Over the Rainbow”) born Hyman Arluck in Buffalo, NY. Died 4/23/1986.

  • Walter Donaldson (1893). Songwriter (“How Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm After They’ve Seen Paree?,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby”) and publishing company founder born in Brooklyn, NY. Frequently collaborated with Gus Kahn. Died 7/15/1947.


February 16

  • The Weeknd (1990). Singer (“Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” “Starboy,” “Blinding Lights”) born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.

  • Andy Taylor (1961). Rock guitarist with Duran Duran (“Hungry Like the Wolf,” Rio).

  • Pete Willis (1960). Rock guitarist born in Sheffield, England. With Def Leppard.

  • Ice-T (1958). American rapper (Body Count’s “Cop Killer”) and actor born Tracy Marrow.

  • James Ingram (1956)

  • Sonny Bono (1935). Michigan singer. Half of American pop duo Sonny & Cher (“I Got You Babe”) and later a congressman. Born Salvatore Phillip Bono. Died 1/5/1998.

  • Otis Blackwell (1931). Rock songwriter (Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel,” Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire”) born in Brooklyn, NY. Died 5/6/2002.

  • Patty Andrews (1920). Member of Andrews Sisters singing trio.

  • James Clarence “Jimmy” Wakely (1914). American country singer, actor, and radio personality known as “The Singing Cowboy”. Died 9/23/1982.

  • Wayne King (1901). Jazz bandleader born Harold Wayne King in Savanna, IL. Died 7/16/1985.

  • George J. Gaskin (1863). Singer born George Jefferson Gaskin in Belfast, Ireland. Died 12/14/1920.


February 17

  • Ed Sheeran (1991). Pop singer (“Shape of You”) born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.

  • Taylor Hawkins (1972). Rock drummer born Oliver Taylor Hawkins in Forth Worth, TX. Died 3/25/2022. With Alanis Morissette and the Foo Fighters (“Everlong”).

  • Billie Joe Armstrong (1972). Punk-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Oakland, CA. With Green Day (“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” Dookie, American Idiot).

  • Gene Pitney (1940). Singer/songwriter (Ricky Nelson’s “Hello Mary Lou”) born in Hartford, CT. Died 4/5/2006.

  • Michael McGill (1937). R&B baritone singer born in Chicago, IL. With The Dells.

  • Hoppy Jones (1905). Bass singer born Orville Jones in Chicago, IL. With the Ink Spots. Died 10/18/1944.

  • James F. Hanley (1892). Songwriter (“Second Hand Rose,” “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart”) and author born James Frederick Hanley in Rensselaer, IN. Died 2/8/1942.


February 18

  • Regina Spektor (1980). Singer/songwriter.

  • Dr. Dre (1965). Rapper and producer born Andre Romelle Young in Compton, CA. With N.W.A. (Straight Outta Compton) and a solo act (The Chronic).

  • John Travolta (1954). New Jersey actor who sang and danced in music-oriented movies (Saturday Night Fever, Grease).

  • Robin Bachman (1953). Canadian rock drummer with Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

  • Juice Newton (1952). Virginia country singer (“Angel of the Morning,” “Queen of Hearts”). Born Judy Kay Newton.

  • Keith Knudsen (1948). Rock drummer born in Le Mars, IA. Died 2/8/2005. With the Doobie Brothers.

  • Dennis DeYoung (1947). Rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born in Chicago, IL. With Styx (“Babe,” “The Best of Times,” “Come Sail Away,” 1977’s The Grand Illusion, 1981’s Paradise Theater).

  • Herman Santiago (1941). Doo-wop singer born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. With Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”).

  • Irma Thomas (1941). R&B/blues singer.

  • Pee Wee King (1914). American country singer. Born Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski. Died 3/7/2000.

  • Yoko Ono (1933). Japanese avant-garde artist, wife of John Lennon, and mother of Sean Lennon.

  • Paul Ackerman (1908). Music editor of Billboard magazine (1943-73) born in New York, NY. Died 12/31/1977.


February 19

  • Seal (1963). Pop/soul singer (“Kiss from a Rose”) born Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel in Paddington, London, England.

  • Kidd Creole (1960). Rap singer born Nathaniel Glover Jr. in the Bronx, NY. With Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five.

  • Falco (1957). Austrian pop singer (“Rock Me Amadeus,” “Der Kommissar”). Born Johann Holzell. Died 2/6/1998.

  • Dave Wakeling (1956). English singer with The Beat and General Public.

  • Tony Iommi (1948). Heavy metal guitarist born Anthony Frank Iommi in Handsworth, Birmingham, England. With Black Sabbath (“Paranoid,” 1970’s Black Sabbath, 1970’s Paranoid, 1971’s Master of Reality, 1972’s Vol. 4).

  • Lou Christie (1943). Pennsylvania pop singer (“Lightnin’ Strikes”).

  • Smokey Robinson (1940). R&B songwriter (The Temptations’ “My Girl”) and singer with The Miracles (“The Tracks of My Tears,” “The Tears of a Clown”) and as a solo artist (“Being with You”). Born William Robinson, Jr. in Detroit, MI.

  • Bobby Rogers (1940). R&B tenor singer born Robert Edward Rogers. With The Miracles. Died 3/3/2013.

  • Saul Chaplin (1912). Composer and musical director born Saul Kaplan in Brooklyn, NY. Oscar winner for scores and orchestration (An American in Paris, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story). Died 11/15/1997.


February 20

  • Olivia Rodrigo (2003). Pop singer/songwriter (“Drivers License,” “Good 4 U”) born in Murrieta, CA.

  • Rihanna (1988). Pop singer (“Umbrella”) born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Saint Michael, Barbardos.

  • Brian Littrell (1975). Member of pop boy band Backstreet Boys (“I Want It That Way”).

  • Kurt Cobain (1967). Grunge-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Aberdeen, WA. With Nirvana (“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” 1991’s Nevermind, 1993’s In Utero). Died 4/5/1994.

  • Ian Brown (1963). Rock musician with the Stone Roses (“I Wanna Be Adored,” 1989’s The Stone Roses).

  • Walter Becker (1950). Rock songwriter, guitarist, and bassist born in Queens, NY. With Steely Dan (Pretzel Logic). Died 9/3/2017.

  • Jerome Geils (The J. Geils Band) (1946)

  • Buffy Sainte-Marie (1941). Native American Maine singer/songwriter (Donovan’s “Universal Soldier”).

  • Nancy Wilson (1937). American jazz singer.

  • Jimmy Yancey (1895). Boogie-woogie pianist, composer, and lyricist born James Edwards Yancey in Chicago, IL. Died 9/17/1951.


February 21

  • Corbin Bleu (1989). Actor/singer/dancer in Disney’s High School Musical.

  • Charlotte Church (1986). Welsh classical crossover singer/songwriter born Charlotte Maria Reed. Rose to fame in childhood.

  • James Dean Bradfield (1969). Welsh rock guitarist and singer with Manic Street Preachers.

  • Mary Chapin Carpenter (1958). New Jersey folk/country singer (1992’s Come On Come On).

  • Steve Nieve (1958). Punk rock musician born Stephen John Nason in London, England. With Elvis Costello & the Attractions.

  • Vince Welnick (1951). Rock keyboardist born in Phoenix, AZ. With the Tubes and Grateful Dead. Died 6/2/2006.

  • Jerry Harrison (1949). Art-rock singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer born Jeremiah Griffin Harrison in Milwaukee, WI. With the Modern Lovers (The Modern Lovers) and Talking Heads (Remain in Light).

  • David Geffen (1943). Record executive who created Asylum Records (1970) and Geffen Records (1980). One of the founders of DreamWorks SKG (1994). Born in Brooklyn, NY.

  • Nina Simone (1933). Jazz/blues/soul singer and pianist born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in Tryon, NC. Died 4/21/2003.

  • Andrés Segovia (1893). Classical guitarist born Andrés Segovia Torres in Linares, Jaén, Spain. Died 6/2/1987.


February 22

  • Bradley Nowell (1968). American singer/guitarist of alternative rock/ska band Sublime (“What I Got,” “Wrong Way,” “Santeria”). Died of a heroin overdose on 5/25/1996.

  • Nacio Herb Brown (1896). Songwriter for movie scores (Singin’ in the Rain) and Broadway theatre born Ignacio Herb Brown in Deming, NM. Died 9/28/1964.


February 23

  • Chris Vrenna (1967). Industrial rock drummer born in Erie, PA. With Nine Inch Nails.

  • Howard Jones (1955). English musician (“No One Is to Blame”) born John Howard Jones.

  • Brad Whitford (1952). Rock rhythm guitarist born in Winchester, MA. With Aerosmith (“Dream On,” “Walk This Way,” Toys in the Attic).

  • Rusty Young (1946). Californai pedal steel guitarist with Poco.

  • George Frideric Handel (1685). Classical composer (Messiah) born in Halle, Duchy of Madgeburg, Germany. Died 4/14/1759.


February 24

  • Chad Hugo (1974). Record producer and multi-instrumentalist born Charles Edward Hugo in Portsmouth, VA. Formed production duo The Neptunes with Pharrell Williams. Also part of the band N.E.R.D. with Williams and Shay Haley.

  • Michelle Shocked (1962). American singer/songwriter.

  • George Thorogood (1950). Blues-rock singer (“Bad to the Bone”).

  • Rupert Holmes (1947). English singer/songwriter (“Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”).

  • Nicky Hopkins (1944). Session pianist and songwriter bornin Perivale, London, England. Died 9/6/1994.


February 25

  • Daniel Powter (1976)

  • Justin Jeffre (1973). Singer in pop group/boy band 98 Degrees.

  • Mike Peters (1959). Welsh rock guitarist and singer with The Alarm.

  • Elkie Brooks (1945). English singer with Vinegar Joe. Born Elaine Bookbinder.

  • George Harrison (1943). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Liverpool, England. With the Beatles (“Something,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The White Album, Abbey Road). Also a solo star (“My Sweet Lord,” 1970’s All Things Must Pass). Died 11/29/2001.

  • Faron Young (1932). Country singer (“Indian Reservation”) born in Shreveport, LA. Died 12/10/1996.

  • Clarence Avant (1931). R&B record executive (Venture Records, Sussex Records) born in Climax, NC. Nicknamed “The Black Godfather.”

  • Enrico Caruso (1873). Opera singer (“Pagliacci, Act I: Vesti La Giubba (On with the Play)”) born in Naples, Campania, Italy. Key pioneer in field of recorded music. Died 8/2/1921.


February 26

  • Erykah Badu (1971). American R&B singer (1997’s Baduizm) born Erica Abi Wright.

  • Tim Commerford (1968). Rock bassist born in Irvine, CA. With Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.

  • Michael Bolton (1953). Adult contemporary singer (“How Am I Supposed to Live without You?,” 1991’s Time, Love & Tenderness) born Michael Bolotin in New Haven, CT.

  • Jonathan Cain (1950). Rock keyboardist born Jonathan Leonard Friga in Chicago, IL. With The Babys, Journey, and Bad English.

  • Mitch Ryder (1945)

  • Paul Cotton (Poco) (1943)

  • Johnny Cash (1932) Country singer/songwriter and guitarist (“Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” 1968’s Live at Folsom Prison, 1994’s American Recordings) born in Kingsland, AR. Married to country singer June Carter Cash. Died 9/12/2003.

  • Fats Domino (1928). R&B/early rock and roll singer/songwriter and pianist (“Ain’t That a Shame,” “Blueberry Hill”) born Antoine Dominique Domino in New Orleans, LA. Died 10/24/2017.

  • Jackie Gleason (1916). American actor and singer. Died 6/24/1987.


February 27

  • Josh Groban (1981). American classical crossover singer (2003’s Closer).

  • Bobby Valentino (1980). Singer.

  • Chilli (1971). American singer in R&B/hip-hop group TLC (“Waterfalls”). Born Rozonda Thomas.

  • Neal Schon (1954). Rock guitarist born at Tinker Air Force Base, OK. With Santana, Journey (“Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms”), and Bad English (“When I See You Smile”).

  • Steve Harley (1951). English singer with Cockney Rebel (“Make Me Smile”). Born Steven Nice.

  • Morten Lauridsen (1943). Composer and conductor born in Colfax, WA.

  • David Ackles (1937). Illinois musician (“Down River”). Died 3/2/1999.

  • Guy Mitchell (1927). Michigan pop singer (“Singing the Blues”). Born Albert George Cernik. Died 7/1/1999.

  • Ralph Stanley (1927). Bluegrass singer and banjoist born in McClure, VA. With the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Died 6/23/2016.

  • Dexter Gordon (1923). Saxophonist.

  • Mildred Bailey (1907). American jazz singer. Died 12/12/1951.

  • Marian Anderson (1897). African-American opera singer (“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”) born in Philadelphia, PA. Died 4/8/1993.


February 28

  • Jason Aldean (1977). Country singer (“Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Burnin’ It Down”) born Jason Aldine Williams in Macon, Georgia.

  • Pat Monahan (Train) (1969)

  • Cindy Wilson (1957). Georgia new wave guitarist and singer with the B-52’s.

  • Bernadette Peters (1948). Broadway musical star (2003’s Gypsy).

  • Brian Jones (1942). Rock guitarist born Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. With The Rolling Stones (“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” Beggars Banquet). Born Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones. Died 7/3/1969.

  • Joe South (1940). Georgia musician (“Games People Play”).

  • Zero Mostel (1915). Best known for performance in musical Fiddler on the Roof.


February 29

  • Ja Rule (1976). American rapper (“Always on Time” with Ashanti) born Jeffrey Atkins.

  • Dinah Shore (1916). Singer and television personality born Frances Rose Shore in Winchester, TN. Died 2/24/1994.

  • Jimmy Dorsey (1904). Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, trumpeter, composer, and big band leader born in Shenandoah, PA. Died 6/12/1957. Brother of Tommy Dorsey.

  • Gioacchino Rossini (1792). Italian composer. Died 11/13/1868.


This page last updated May 18, 2023.

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