Sunday, January 1, 2023

January: 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.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 -- -- -- --

January 1

  • Brody Dalle (1979). Singer/songwriter and guitarist with the Distillers born Bree Joanna Alice Robinson in Melbourne, Australia.

  • Grandmaster Flash (1958). Rap singer/songwriter and DJ (“The Message”) born Joseph Saddler in Bridgetown, Barbados.

  • Country Joe McDonald (1942). California rock singer and guitarist born Joseph Allen McDonald. Fronted psychedelic rock group Country Joe & The Fish (“I Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag”).

  • Xavier Cugat (1900). Singer/songwriter and bandleader (“Brazil”) born Francesc d’Asís Xavier Cugat Mingall de Bru i Deulofeu in Barcelona, Spain. Died 10/27/1990.

  • Charles Adams Prince (1869). Big band leader (“Ballin’ the Jack,” “The Memphis Blues”) born in San Francisco, California. Died 10/10/1937.

January 2

  • Doug Robb (1975). American rock singer with Hoobastank (“The Reason”) born George Douglas Robb.

  • Glenn Goins (1954). Songwriter, guitarist, and producer born Glenn Lamonte Goins in Plainfield, NJ. With Parliament/Funkadelic. Died 7/29/1978.

  • Roger Miller (1936). Country/pop singer/songwriter (“King of the Road,” “Dang Me”) born in Fort Worth, Texas. Died 10/25/1992.

January 3

January 4

  • Deana Carter (1966). American country singer (“Strawberry Wine”).

  • Beth Gibbons (1965). English singer/songwriter from Portishead (1994’s Dummy).

  • David Glasper (1965). British singer with Breathe (“Hands to Heaven,” “How Can I Fall?”)

  • Cait O’Riordan (1965). British bass guitarist with The Pogues.

  • Michael Stipe (1960). Alternative rock singer/songwriter born John Michael Stipe in Decatur, Georgia. With R.E.M. (“Radio Free Europe,” “Losing My Religion,” Automatic for the People).

  • Patty Loveless (1957). Country singer (“Timber, I’m Falling in Love”) born Patty Lee Ramey in Pikeville, Kentucky.

  • Bernard Sumner (aka Bernard Albrecht) (1956). Alternative rock/goth guitarist born Bernard Dicken in Lower Broughton, Salford, England. With Joy Division and guitarist/singer with New Order.

  • John McLaughlin (1942). Jazz guitarist and composer (“Sentimental Journey”) born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England.

  • Grace Bumbry (1937). Mezzo-soprano opera singer (Venus in Tannhäuser) born in St. Louis, MO.

  • Don Arden (1926). Manager (Black Sabbath) born in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester, UK. Died 7/21/2007.

January 5

  • Marilyn Manson (1969). Shock-rock artist born Brian Hugh Warner in Canton, Ohio.

  • Iris DeMent (1961). American singer/songwriter.

  • Chris Stein (1950). New wave guitarist born in Brooklyn, NY. Co-founder of Blondie (“Heart of Glass,” “Call Me”).

  • Gene Grady Thomas (1941). Funk bass singer born in Newark, NJ. With Parliament/Funkadelic.

  • Phil Ramone (1934). Producer (Billy Joel) born Philip Rabinowitz in South Africa. Died 3/30/2013.

  • Johnny Adams (1932). Blues, country, soul, and gospel singer (“Reconsider Me”) born Lathan John Adams in New Orleans, LA. Died 9/14/1998.

  • Sam Phillips (1923). Record producer born in Florence, Alabama. Founded Sun Records, which gave notable musicians such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins their starts. Died 7/30/2003.

  • Elizabeth Cotten (1893). Blues and folk singer/songwriter and musician born Elizabeth Nevills in Carrboro, NC. Died 6/29/1987.

January 6

  • Alex Turner (1986). English rock singer and guitarist with the Arctic Monkeys (2006’s Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.

  • Allah Rakha “A.R.” Rahman (1966). Indian film composer, record producer, singer, and musician. One of the world’s top-selling recording artists. Born A.S. Dileep Kumar.

  • Jazzie B (1963). English DJ/music producer/founding member of rap group Soul II Soul (“Back to Life”). Bor Trevor Beresford Romeo.

  • Kathy Sledge (1959). American R&B/disco singer from Sister Sledge (“We Are Family”).

  • Malcolm Young (1953). Hard-rock rhythm guitarist born in Glasgow, Scotland. With AC/DC (1980’s Back in Black). Died 11/18/2017.

  • Kim Wilson (1951). American blues-rock singer and harmonica player with the Fabulous Thunderbirds (“Tuff Enuff”).

  • Syd Barrett (1946). Psychedelic-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born Roger Keith Barrett in Cambridge, England. Originally fronted Pink Floyd (Piper at the Gates of Dawn). Born Roger Keith Barrett. Died 7/7/2006.

  • Sandy Denny (1941). British folk singer/songwriter with Fairport Convention. Born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny.

  • Van McCoy (1940). Washington D.C. disco singer/songwriter (“The Hustle”), orchestra conductor, and producer (Gladys Knight & the Pips, Aretha Franklin, Peaches & Herb). Died 7/6/1979.
  • Doris Troy (1937). American R&B singer/songwriter (“Just One Look”) born Doris Payne.

  • Paul Wilson (1935). Doo-wop baritone singer born in Chicago, IL. With The Flamingos. Died 5/6/1988.

  • Wilbert Harrison (1929). North Carolina R&B singer (“Kansas City”).

  • Earl Scruggs (1924). Bluegrass banjo player born in Cleveland County, NC. Duo with Lester Flatt (“The Ballad of Jed Clampett”). Died 3/28/2012.

  • Maurice Abravanel (1903). Conductor/composer born 1/6/1903 in Thessaloniki, Rumelia in the Ottoman Empire. Died 9/22/1993

January 7

  • Ryan Tedder (1979). American singer with One Republic.

  • Kathy Valentine (1959). New-wave bassist born in Austin, TX. With the Go-Go’s (“We Got the Beat,” Beauty and the Beat).

  • Kenny Loggins (1948). Singer/songwriter born in Everett, WA. In duo Loggins & Messina (“Angry Eyes”) and later a solo artist (“Footloose”).

  • Jann Wenner (1946). Co-founder and publisher of Rolling Stone magazine born Jann Simon Wenner in New York City, NY.

January 8

  • Sean Paul (1975). Jamaican-born American reggae and dancehall singer.

  • R. Kelly (1967). R&B singer/songwriter born Robert Kelly in Chicago, IL. With Public Announcement and then a solo artist (“I Believe I Can Fly”).

  • Andrew Wood (1966). American grunge-rock singer with Mother Love Bone. Died 3/19/1990.

  • Paul Hester (1959). Australian drummer with Crowded House. Died 2005.

  • Mike Reno (1955). Canadian rock singer with Loverboy (“Working for the Weekend”).

  • David Bowie (1947). Rock singer/songwriter (“Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Fame,” “Heroes,” “Let’s Dance,” Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars) born David Robert Hayward-Jones in London, England. Died 1/10/2016.

  • Terry Sylvester (1947). Rock singer/songwriter born in Allerton, Liverpool, UK. With The Hollies (“The Air That I Breathe”).

  • Robby Krieger (1946). Rock guitarist and songwriter born in Los Angeles, CA. With The Doors (The Doors).

  • Little Anthony (1941). Doo-wop singer born Jerome Anthony Gourdine in Brooklyn, NY. With Little Anthony & the Imperials (“Tears on My Pillow,” “Goin’ Out of My Head”).

  • Cristy Lane (1940). American country/gospel singer (“One Day at a Time”) born Eleanor Johnston.

  • Shirley Bassey (1937). Welsh singer best known for themes for James Bond films Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker.

  • Elvis Presley (1935). Early rock ‘n’ roll singer (“Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” The Sun Sessions) born in Tupelo, MS. Known as “The King of Rock and Roll.” Died 8/16/1977.

  • Bill Graham (1931). Rock concert promoter, most associated with the Fillmore concert venue. Born Wulf Wolodia Grajonca in Berlin, Germany. Died 10/25/1991.

  • Tampa Red (1904). Blues musician. Born Hudson Woodbridge; known as Hudson Whittaker. Died 3/19/1981.

January 9

  • Paolo Nutini (1987). Scottish singer/songwriter.

  • A.J. McLean (1978). American singer with boy-band Backstreet Boys (“I Want It That Way”). Born Alexander James McLean.

  • Dave Matthews (1967). Rock singer/songwriter born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Leader of Dave Matthews Band.

  • Mathew Knowles (1952). Manager/executive (Destiny’s Child, Beyonce) born in Gadsden, AL.

  • Crystal Gayle (1951). Country singer (“Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”) born Brenda Gail Webb in Paintsville, KY.

  • David Johansen (1950). New York proto-punk singer/songwriter with the New York Dolls (1973’s New York Dolls). Also recorded solo under the name Buster Poindexter.

  • Jimmy Page (1944). Rock guitarist born James Patrick Page in Heston, Middlesex, England. With the Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin IV).

  • Scott Walker (1943). Ohio art-rock singer with the Walker Brothers (“The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore”). Born Noel Scott Engel.

  • Joan Baez (1941). Folk singer/songwriter (“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”) and human rights activist born in Staten Island, NY.

January 10

  • Chris Smith (1979). Georgia rapper with Kris Kross (“Jump,” “Warm It Up”).

  • Brent Smith (1978). American rock singer with Shinedown.

  • Aerle Taree (1973). Wisconsin R&B/rap singer with Arrested Development (“Tennessee,” “Mr. Wendal”).

  • Brad Roberts (1964). Canadian alt-rock singer and guitarist with Crash Test Dummies (“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”).

  • Curt Kirkwood (1959). Arizona rock singer/songwriter and guitarist with the Meat Puppets.

  • Shawn Colvin (1956). Alt-folk singer/songwriter and guitarist (“Sunny Came Home”) born in Vermillion, SD.

  • Michael Schenker (1955). Germany heavy metal guitarist with MSG and the Scorpions.

  • Pat Benatar (1953). Rock singer (“Hit Me with Your Best Shot”) born Patricia Andrzejewski in Brooklyn, NY.

  • Donald Fagen (1948). Jazz-rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born in Passaic, NJ. With Steely Dan (1974’s Pretzel Logic).

  • Aynsley Dunbar (1946). Rock drummer born in Liverpool, England. With (John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Jeff Beck Group, Mothers of Invention, Journey, Jefferson Starship, Whitesnake).

  • Rod Stewart (1945). Rock singer/songwriter born Roderick David Stewart in Highgate, London, England. With the Jeff Beck Group and The Faces before becoming a solo star (“Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” Every Picture Tells a Story).

  • Jim Croce (1943). Folk singer/songwriter (“Time in a Bottle”) born in South Philadelphia, PA. Died 9/20/1973.

  • Scott McKenzie (1939). Virginia rock singer (“San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)”). Born Philip Blondheim.

  • Johnnie Ray (1927). Oregon singer/songwriter and pianist (“Cry”). Died 2/24/1990.

  • Max Roach (1924). Jazz drummer and composer born in Pasquotank County, NC. Died 8/16/2007.

  • Jerry Wexler (1917). Music producer born Gerald Wexler in the Bronx, NY. Coined the term “rhythm and blues” and was integral in signing and/or producing Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Wilson Pickett, and Dusty Springfield. Died 8/15/2008.

January 11

  • Mary J. Blige (1971). R&B/hip-hop singer (“Be without You,” “Family Affair”) born Mary Jane Blige in New York City, NY.

  • Tom Rowlands (1971). English musician with the Chemical Brothers.

  • Vicki Peterson (1958). California rock guitarist and singer with the Bangles (“Walk Like an Egyptian”).

  • Robert Earl Keen (1956). American singer/songwriter.

  • Lee Ritenour (1952). California jazz musician, guitarist, composer, and producer.

  • Naomi Judd (1946). Kentucky country singer/songwriter born Diana Ellen Judd. Known for duo, The Judds “(Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days,” “Love Can Build a Bridge”), formed with her daughter Wynonna.

  • Tony Kaye (1946). Progressive rock keyboardist born Anthony John Selvidge in Leicester, England. With Yes.

  • Clarence Clemons (1942). Rock saxophonist born in Norfolk, VA. With Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band (Born to Run, Born in the U.S.A.). Died 6/18/2011.

  • Chuck Barksdale (1935). R&B singer born in Chicago, IL. With the Dells (“Oh What a Nite”). Died 5/16/2019.

  • Don Cherry (1924). Texas singer (Dean Martin Summer Show) and former golfer.

  • Slim Harpo (1924). Louisiana blues musician and songwriter (“I’m a King Bee”). Born James Moore. Died 1/31/1970.

January 12

  • Melanie “Mel C” Chisholm (1974). English pop singer/songwriter with the Spice Girls (“Wannabe”). Also an actress and television personality.

  • Zack de la Rocha (1970). Rock-rap singer/songwriter born Zacharias Manuel de la Rocha in Long Beach, CA. With Rage Against the Machine.

  • Raekwon (1970). American rapper with Wu-Tang Clan. Born Corey Woods.

  • Rob Zombie (1965). Heavy metal musician/film director born Robert Bartleh Cummings. Fronted group White Zombie (“More Human Than Human”).

  • Per Helmstad Gessle (1959). Swedish singer/songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player with with Roxette (“The Look,” “It Must Have Been Love”).

  • Ricky Van Shelton (1952). Country singer/songwriter born in Danville, Virginia. Nine #1 country songs.

  • Chris Bell (1951). Tennessee rock guitarist with Big Star.

  • Cynthia Robinson (1946). R&B trumpeter born in Sacramento, CA. With Sly & the Family Stone (1969’s Stand!). Died 11/23/2015.

  • “Long” John Baldry (1941). English blues singer (“Let the Heartaches Begin,” “Don’t Try to Lay No Boogie”). Died 7/21/2005.

  • Ruth Brown (1928). Pioneering blues singer (“Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean”) born Ruth Weston in Portsmouth, VA. Died 11/17/2006.

  • Ray Price (1926). Country singer/songwriter and guitarist (“Crazy Arms,” “Heartache by the Numbers”) born in Perryville, TX.

  • Jay McShann (1916). American jazz bandleader, pianist, and singer. Died 12/7/2006.

  • Tex Ritter (1905). American country singer (“High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh, My Darlin’)”) and actor. Born Woodward Maurice Ritter. Died 1/2/1974.

  • “Mississippi” Fred McDowell (1904). Tennessee blues singer and guitarist. Died 7/3/1972.

January 13

  • Trace Adkins (1962). Country singer (“This Ain’t No Thinkin’ Thing,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “You’re Gonna Miss This”) born Tracy Darrell Adkins in Sarepta, LA.

  • Graham “Suggs” McPherson (1961). English ska singer with Madness (“Our House”).

  • James Lomenzo (1959). American rock bassist with Megadeth.

  • Fred White (1955). R&B drummer born in Chicago, IL. With Earth, Wind & Fire (“Shining Star”). Died 1/1/2023.

  • Paul Kelly (1955). Australian singer/songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player.

  • Trevor Rabin (1954). Progressive rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Johannesburg, South Africa. With Yes (“Owner of a Lonely Heart”).

  • Chris Thomas (1947). Record producer born in Brentford, Middlesex, England. Has worked with the Beatles, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Roxy Music, Sex Pistols, and the Pretenders.

  • Sophie Tucker (1884). Russian singer. Died 2/9/1966.

January 14

  • Caleb Followill (1982). Rock musician with Kings of Leon (“Sex on Fire,” “Use Somebody,” 2008’s Only by the Night).

  • Pitbull (1981). American rapper.

  • Dave Grohl (1969). Rock drummer born in Warren, OH. With Nirvana (“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Nevermind) and then the singer/songwriter for the Foo Fighters (“Everlong,” Foo Fighters).

  • LL Cool J (1968) Rapper (“Mama Said Knock You Out”) and actor born James Todd Smith in Bay Shore, NY.

  • Zakk Wylde (1967). American guitarist with Black Label Society.

  • Slick Rick (1965). Rapper born Richard Martin Lloyd Walters.

  • Geoff Tate (1959). Prog-metal singer born Jeffrey Wayne Tate in Stuttgart, West Germany. With Queensrÿche (1990’s Empire).

  • T-Bone Burnett (1948). Blues singer/songwriter, guitarist, and record producer (including Album of the Year Grammy winners O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand). Born Joseph Henry Burnett in Linden, TX.

  • Jack Jones (1938). California jazz/pop singer (“The Impossible Dream,” “The Love Boat Theme”).

  • Allen Toussaint (1938). R&B pianist, composer, and record producer born in Gert Town, LA. Died 11/10/2015.

January 15

  • Lisa Lisa (1967). Singer with Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. Born Lisa Velez.

  • Pete Trewavas (1959). Progressive rock bassist born in Middlesbrough, UK. With Marillion (1985’s Misplaced Childhood).

  • Charo (1951). Spanish singer/actress born María Rosario Pilar Martínez Molina Moquiere de les Esperades Santa Ana Romanguera y de la Najosa Rasten.

  • Martha Davis (1951). California singer and guitar with the Motels (“Only the Lonely”).

  • Ronnie Van Zant (1948). Rock singer/songwriter born Ronald Wayne Van Zant in Jacksonville, FL. With Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama”). Died 10/20/1977.

  • Pete Waterman (1947). Rock musician with Stock, Aitken & Waterman.

  • Edward “Sonny” Bivins (1942). American singer with The Manhattans (“Kiss and Say Goodbye”).

  • Captain Beefheart (1941). California experimental-rock singer/songwriter (1969’s Trout Mask Replica, 1972’s Clear Spot). Born Don Glen Vliet in Glendale, CA. Died 12/17/2010.

  • Gene Krupa (1909). Illinois jazz/big band drummer best known for working with Benny Goodman (“Sing, Sing, Sing”). Died 10/16/1973.

  • Eddie DeLange (1904). Bandleader and lyricist born Edgard DeLange Moss in Long Island, Queens, NY. Worked with Louis Armstrong, Nat “King” Cole, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Frank Sinatra. Died 7/15/1949.

  • Henry Burr (aka “Irving Gillette”) (1882). Canadian singer (“Just a Baby’s Prayer at Twilight”) born Harry Haley McClaskey in St. Stephen, Brunswick, CA. Died 4/6/1941.

  • S.H. Dudley (1864). Singer (American Quartet, Haydn Quartet) born Samuel Holland Rous in Greencastle, IN. Died 6/6/1947.

January 16

  • Nick Valensi (1981). American rock guitarist with The Strokes (2001’s Is This It).

  • Aaliyah (1979). R&B singer (“Back & Forth,” “Try Again”) born Aaliyah Dana Haughton in Brooklyn, NY. Died 8/21/2001.

  • Atticus Ross (1968). Keyboardist, composer, producer, and audio engineer born in London, England. With Nine Inch Nails.

  • Maxine Jones (1965). American R&B singer with En Vogue.

  • Jill Sobule (1961). American singer/songwriter.

  • Sade (1959). R&B/smooth jazz singer/songwriter (“Smooth Operator,” Diamond Life) born Helen Folasade Adu in Ibadan, Nigeria.

  • Debbie Allen (1950). Actress, dancer, choreographer, singer/songwriter born in Houston, TX. Has won five Emmys, two Tonys, and a Golden Globe.

  • Jim Stafford (1944). Florida country singer/songwriter (“Spiders & Snakes,” “My Girl Bill”), musician, and comedian.

  • Ronnie Milsap (1944). Country singer and musician (“Smokey Mountain Rain,” “Any Day Now”) born in Robbinsville, NC.

  • Bob Bogle (1934). Rock guitarist and bassist born in Wagoner, OK. With the Ventures (“Batman Theme”). Died 6/14/2009.

  • Marilyn Horne (1934). Mezzo-soprano opera singer born in Bradford, PA.

  • Ethel Merman (1908). Actress/singer (“There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “I Get a Kick Out of You”) born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann in Astoria, Queens, NY. Died 2/15/1984.

January 17

  • Kid Rock (1971). Rap-rock singer/singwriter (Devil Without a Cause, “All Summer Long,” “Picture”) born Robert James Ritchie in Romeo, MI.

  • Andy Rourke (1963). English bassist with The Smiths (The Queen Is Dead).

  • Susanna Hoffs (1959). Amercian singer and guitarist with the Bangles (“Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Eternal Flame,” “Manic Monday”).

  • Paul Young (1956). British pop singer and keyboardist (“Everytime You Go Away”).

  • Steve Earle (1955). Texas country singer/songwriter (Guitar Town).

  • Mick Taylor (1949). Blues-rock guitarist/bassist born Michael Kevin Tyalor in Welwyn Garden City, UK. With John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones (Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main Street).

  • Paul Revere (1938). Nebraska pianist (Paul Revere & Raiders).

  • Eartha Kitt (1927). South Carolina actress and singer (“Santa Baby”). Died 12/25/2008.

January 18

  • Jonathan Davis (1971). American nu metal singer for Korn (“Freak on a Leash”).

  • Tom Bailey (1956). New wave singer and keyboardist with Thompson Twins (“Hold Me Now”).

  • Bobby Goldsboro (1941). Country/pop singer (“Honey”) born in Marianna, FL.

  • David Ruffin (1941). R&B singer born in Whynot, MI. With The Temptations (“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”) from 1964-68. Died 6/1/1991.

    Danny Kaye (1911). Actor, comedian, singer, and dancer born David Daniel Kaminsky in Brooklyn, NY. Died 3/3/1987.

January 19

  • Caron Wheeler (1963). English singer with Soul II Soul (“Keep on Movin’”).

  • Mickael Virtue (1957). Keyboardist with UB40 (“Red Red Wine”).

  • Dewey Bunnell (1951). English-born folk-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist from America (“A Horse with No Name”).

  • Robert Palmer (1949). Singer/songwriter (“Addicted to Love,” “Bad Case of Loving You”) born in Batley, West Riding, England. Died 9/26/2003.

  • Rod Evans (1947). Rock singer and bassist born in Eton, Buckinghamshire, England. With Deep Purple (“Hush”).

  • Dolly Parton (1946). Country singer/songwriter (“Jolene,” “9 to 5”) born in Sevier County, TN.

  • Shelley Fabares (1944). American actress/singer (“Johnny Angel”) born Michele Ann Marie Fabares.

  • Janis Joplin (1943). Blues-rock singer/songwriter (“Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” 1971’s Pearl) born in Port Arthur, TX. Died 10/4/1970.

  • Michael Crawford (1942). English actor/singer best known for the title role in The Phantom of the Opera.

  • Phil Everly (1939). Early rock-n-roll singer born in Chicago, IL. With the Everly Brothers (“Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream”). Died 1/3/2014.

January 20

  • Rob Bourdon (1979). American drummer for rap-metal group Linkin Park (2000’s Hybrid Theory).

  • Will Young (1979). British singer.

  • Gary Barlow (1971). English singer/songwriter, pianist, and producer with pop group Take That (“Back for Good”).

  • Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson (1971). American drummer with The Roots.

  • Nicky Wire (1969). Welsh alternative-rock bassist with Manic Street Preachers. Born Nicholas Allen Jones.

  • John Michael Montgomery (1965). American country singer.

  • Ian Hill (1952). Heavy metal bassist born in West Bromwich, England. With Judas Priest (“Breaking the Law,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming”).

  • Paul Stanley (1952). Rock singer/guitarist born Stanley Bert Eisen in Manhattan, NY. With Kiss (“Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Beth,” 1976’s Destroyer).

  • Eric Stewart (1945). English rock singer and guitarist with Hot Legs and 10cc (“I’m Not in Love”).

  • William Powell (1942). R&B musician born in Canton, OH. With The O’Jays. Died 5/26/1977.

  • Slim Whitman (1924). American country singer.

  • Ray Anthony (1922). Jazz bandleader and trumpeter (“Hokey Pokey,” “Peter Gunn Theme”) born Raymon Antonini in Bentleyville, PA.

January 21

  • Emma Bunton (1978). English pop singer/songwriter from the Spice Girls (“Wannabe”) known as “Baby Spice.”

  • Rick Ross (1977). American rapper.

  • Cat Power (1972). American singer/songwriter born Chan Marshall.

  • Jam Master Jay (1965). Rap DJ born Jason Mizell in Brooklyn, NY. With Run-D.M.C. Died 10/30/2002.

  • Billy Ocean (1950). Trinidad-born R&B/pop singer (“Caribbean Queen,” “There’ll Be Sad Songs to Make You Cry”) born Leslie Sebastian Charles.

  • John Kenneth Tavener (1944). Composer.

  • Mac Davis (1942). Country music singer/songwriter (“Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” “Oh Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble”) born in Lubbock, TX.

  • Edwin Starr (1942). Tennessee R&B singer (“War”) born Charles Hatcher. Died 4/2/2003.

  • Plácido Domingo (1941). Opera tenor (1990’s Three Tenors in Concert) born José Plácido Domingo Embil in Madrid, Spain.

  • Ritchie Havens (1941). New York folk singer/songwriter known for opening the 1969 Woodstock festival.

  • Wolfman Jack (1938). New York radio DJ born Robert Weston Smith in Brooklyn, NY. Appeared as himself in 1973 movie American Graffiti. Died 7/1/1995.

January 22

  • Ben Moody (1980). American guitarist with Evanescence (“Bring Me to Life”).

  • Steven Adler (1965). Rock drummer born Michael Coletti in Cleveland, OH. With Guns N’ Roses (“Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle”).

  • D.J. Jazzy Jeff (1965). Hip-hop DJ with Fresh Prince (“Parents Just Don’t Understand”). Born Jeff Townes.

  • Michael Hutchence (1960). Australian rock singer/songwriter for INXS (“Need You Tonight,” “What You Need,” “Devil Inside,” 1987’s Kick). Died 11/22/1997.

  • Teddy Gentry (1949). Country bassist and singer born in Fort Payne, AL. With Alabama (“Mountain Music”).

  • Steve Perry (1949). Rock singer/songwriter born in Hanford, CA. WithJourney (“Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” Escape) and a solo artist (“Oh Sherrie”).

  • Vini Lopez (1949). Rock drummer born Vincent Lopez in Neptune Township, NJ. With Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.

  • Malcolm McLaren (1946). Manager of the Sex Pistols (Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols) born in Stoke, Newington, London, England. Died 4/8/2010.

  • Addie “Micki” Harris (1940). R&B singer born in Passaic, NY. With the Shirelles (“Will You Love Me Tomorrow”). Died 6/10/1982.

  • Sam Cooke (1931). R&B/soul singer (“You Send Me,” “A Change Is Gonna Come”) born Samuel Cook in Clarksdale, MS. Died 12/11/1964.

  • Margaret Whiting (1924). Big band singer.

January 23

  • Reggie Calloway (1955). Trumpet player/musician with Midnight Star and Calloway.

  • Alexander O’Neal (1955). R&B singer.

  • Robin Zander (1953). Rock singer born in Beloit, WI. With Cheap Trick (“I Want You to Want Me,” “The Flame,” 1979’s At Budokan).

  • Bill Cunningham (1950). Rock keyboardist and bassist with the Box Tops (“The Letter”).

  • Danny Federici (1950). Rock keyboardist born in Flemington, NJ. With Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band (Born in the U.S.A.). Died 4/17/2008.

  • Anita Pointer (1948). California R&B singer with the Pointer Sisters (“Fire,” “Slow Hand,” “I’m So Excited”).

  • Django Reinhardt (1910). Jazz guitarist born Jean Reinhardt in Liberchies, Pont-à-Celles, Belgium. Died 5/16/1953.

January 24

  • Jools Holland (1955). English musician. An original member of new wave band Squeeze, later a solo artist, and then the host of TV’s Later…with Jools Holland on BBC2.

  • John Belushi (1949). Illinois comic actor and singer (“Soul Man,” The Blues Brothers). Died 3/5/1982.

  • Warren Zevon (1947). Rock singer/songwriter (“Werewolves of London”) born in Chicago, IL. Died 9/7/2003.

  • Neil Diamond (1941). Pop/adult contemporary singer (“Sweet Caroline,” “Love on the Rocks”) and songwriter (the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” UB40’s “Red, Red Wine”) born in Brooklyn, NY.

  • Aaron Neville (1941). Louisiana R&B singer and keyboardist with the Neville Brothers; also a solo artist (“Tell It Like It Is”).

  • Ray Stevens (1939). Georgia country/pop/novelty singer/songwriter (“The Streak”) born Harold Ray Ragsdale.

  • Zeke Carey (1933). R&B singer born Ezekiel Carey in Bluefield, Mercer County, WV. With the Flamingos (“I Only Have Eyes For You”). Died 12/24/1999.

January 25

  • Alicia Keys (1981). R&B/pop singer (“Fallin’,” “No One,” 2001’s Songs in A Minor) born Alicia Augello Cook in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, NY.

  • Andy Cox (1956). English guitarist with the Beat and Fine Young Cannibals (“She Drives Me Crazy”).

  • Etta James (1938). R&B/blues/jazz singer (“At Last”) born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, CA. Died 1/20/2012.

  • Stig “Stikkan” Anderson (1931). Swedish music manager for Abba (“Dancing Queen”). Died 9/12/1997.

  • Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927). Jazz musician and songwriter born Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Died 12/8/1994.

January 26

  • Kirk Franklin (1970). American gospel singer and musician who has led gospel choirs The Family and God’s Property.

  • Andrew Ridgeley (1963). English pop musician with Wham! (“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”).

  • Tom Keifer (1962). Rock guitarist and singer with Cinderella (“Heartbreak Station”).

  • Anita Baker (1958). R&B singer (“Giving You the Best That I Got,” Rapture) born in Toledo, OH.

  • Eddie Van Halen (1957). Rock guitarist born Edward Lodewijk Van Halen in Nijmegen, Netherlands. With Van Halen (“Jump,” 1978’s Van Halen). Died 10/6/2020.

  • Lucinda Williams (1953). American folk singer/songwriter (1998’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road).

  • David Briggs (1951). Rock guitarist with Little River Band (“Help Is on It’s Way”).

  • Jean Knight (1943). American R&B singer (“Mr. Big Stuff”).

  • Stéphane Grappelli (1908). Jazz violinist born in Paris, France. Died 12/1/1997.

January 27

  • Lil’ Jon (1971). American rapper born Jonathan Mortimer Smith.

  • Tracy Lawrence (1968). Texas country singer.

  • Mike Patton (1968). California rock singer/songwriter with Faith No More (“Epic”).

  • Tricky (1968). English rapper.

  • Gillian Gilbert (1961). English rock musician with New Order (“Round & Round”).

  • Margo Timmins (1961). Singer with the Cowboy Junkies.

  • Seth Justman (1951). Washington DC rock keyboardist with J. Geils Band (“Centerfold”).

  • Nedra Telley (1946). R&B singer born in New York, NY. With The Ronettes. (“Be My Baby”).

  • Nick Mason (1945). Rock drummer born in Edgbaston, Birmingham, England. With Pink Floyd (1973’s Dark Side of the Moon).

  • Thom Bell (1943). Singer/songwriter, record producer, arranger, pianist, and composer born Thomas Randolph Bell in Kingston, Colony of Jamaica. Worked with Jerry Butler, Archie Bell & the Drells, the O’Jays, and Dusty Springfield. Known as one of the creators of Philadelphia soul. Died 12/22/2022.

  • Bobby “Blue” Bland (1930). R&B/blues singer (“Turn on Your Love Light,” 1960’s Two Steps from the Blues) born Robert Calvin Brooks in Barrelsville, TN. Died 6/23/2013.

  • Elmore James (1918). Blues singer/songwriter (“Dust My Broom,” “The Sky Is Crying”) and guitarist born Elmore Brooks in Richland, MI. Died 5/24/1963.

  • Buddy DeSylva (1895). Tin Pan Alley lyricist (“April Showers,” “If You Knew Susie”) and producer born George Gard DeSylva in New York City, NY. Died 7/11/1950.

  • Jerome Kern (1885). Musical theater composer (“Ol’ Man River,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “The Way You Look Tonight”) born in New York City, NY. Wrote Show Boat with Oscar Hammerstein II. Can arguably be called “the father of modern American musical theater.” Died 11/11/1945.

  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756). Classical music composer (1785’s Piano Concerto No. 20, Don Giovanni, Requiem, The Marriage of Figaro) born Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart in Salzburg, Austria. Died 12/5/1791.

January 28

  • J. Cole (1985). Rap singer born Jermaine Lamarr Cole in Frankfurt, Germany.

  • Nick Carter (1980). American singer and musician from pop vocal group the Backstreet Boys (“I Want It That Way”).

  • Joey Fatone (1977). American singer from boyband ‘N Sync (“Bye Bye Bye”).

  • DJ Muggs (1968). American musician with Cypress Hill.

  • Sarah McLachlan (1968). Singer/songwriter and musician (“Angel,” “Adia”) born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canda. Founded Lilith Fair, a touring festival showcasing female artists.

  • Rakim (1968). New York rap singer born William Griffin, Jr. in Wyandanch, NY. With Eric B. & Rakim (1987’s Paid in Full).

  • Dave Sharp (1959). English rock guitarist with the Alarm (“Rain in the Summertime”).

  • Peter Schilling (1956). German rock musician.

  • Billy “Bass” Nelson (1951). Funk bassist born in Plainfield, NJ. With Parliament/Funkadelic.

  • Robert Wyatt (1945). English singer with Soft Machine.

  • Dick Taylor (1943). English guitarist and singer with the Pretty Things.

  • Acker Bilk (1929). Singer (Stranger on the Shore).

  • Bob Hilliard (1918). Tin Pan Alley lyricist (“In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” “Dear Hearts and Gentle People”) born Hilliard Goldsmith in New York City, NY. Died 2/1/1971.

  • Arthur Rubenstein (1887). Classical pianist/composer born Artur Rubinesten in Łódź, Congress Poland. Died 12/20/1982.

  • Johann Ernst Bach (1722). Composer.

January 29

  • Adam Lambert (1982). American singer/songwriter who was the runner-up on TV’s eighth season of American Idol.

  • Jonny Lang (1981). American blues-rock singer/songwriter/guitarist (1997’s Lie to Me, 1998’s Wander This World).

  • Tommy Ramone (1952). Punk-rock drummer and producer born Tamás Erdélyi in Budapest, Hungary. With the Ramones (1976’s Ramones).

  • Andrew Loog Oldham (1944). Record producer and manager (The Rolling Stones) born in London, England.

  • Justino Diaz (1940). Operatic bass-baritone born in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

  • James Jamerson (1936). R&B bassist born in Edisto, SC. With the Motown Records session group the Funk Brothers. Died 8/2/1983.

  • Leslie Bricusse (1931). Composer, lyricist, and playwright who worked on theater musicals (Doctor Dolittle). Born in Pinner, Middlesex, England. Worked with Henry Mancini and John Williams. Died 10/19/2021.

  • Eddie Taylor (1923). Michigan blues guitarist. Died 12/25/1985.

  • Bernard Herrmann (1911). New York film music composer.

  • Leadbelly (1888). Folk/blues musician (“Goodnight, Irene,” “The Midnight Special”) born Huddie William Ledbetter in Mooringsport, LA. Died 12/6/1949.

January 30

  • Jody Watley (1959). R&B singer/songwriter.

  • Phil Collins (1951). Rock singer/songwriter and drummer born in Chiswick, London, England. With progressive rock group Genesis (“Invisible Touch,” “Misunderstanding,” “That’s All,” Invisible Touch) and a solo artist (“In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” “Another Day in Paradise,” No Jacket Required).

  • Mary Ross (1951). Musician with Quaterflash.

  • Steve Marriott (1947). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Plashet, Essex, England. With The Small Faces (“Itchycoo Park”) and Humble Pie (“30 Days in the Hole”). Died 4/20/1991.

  • Marty Balin (1942). Rock singer/songwriter born Martyn Jerel Buchwald in Cincinnati, OH. With Jefferson Airplane (“White Rabbit,” “Somebody to Love,” 1967’s Surrealistic Pillow). Died 9/27/2018.

  • Roy Eldridge (1911). Pennsylvania jazz/big band leader and trumpeter with Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw. Died 2/26/1989.

January 31

  • Marcus Mumford (1987). Singer/musician with Mumford & Sons (Album of the Year Grammy for Babel) born in Anaheim, California.
  • Justin Timberlake (1981). pop singer born in Memphis, TN. Became successful with boyband ‘N Sync (“Bye Bye Bye”) and then launched a huge solo career (“Sexyback,” “Cry Me a River”).

  • Jason Cooper (1967). Goth-rock drummer born in London, England. With The Cure.

  • Al Doughty (1966). English pop bassist with Jesus Jones (“Right Here Right Now”). Born Alan Jaworski.

  • Scott Ian Rosenfeld (1963). New York rock musician with Anthrax.

  • Lloyd Cole (1961). English alt-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist (Rattlesnakes).

  • Johnny Rotten (1956). Punk rock singer/songwriter born John Joseph Lydon in Holloway, London, England. With the Sex Pistols (Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols), and Public Image Ltd. (1979’s Metal Box).

  • KC (1951). Disco singer/songwriter born Harry Wayne Casey in Opa-locka, FL. With KC & the Sunshine Band (“That’s the Way I Like It,” “Shake Your Booty”).

  • Phil Manzanera (1951). Art-rock guitarist born Phillip Geoffrey Targett-Adams in London, England. With Roxy Music.

  • Terry Kath (1946). Jazz-rock guitarist born in Chicago, IL. With (“25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “If You Leave Me Now”) with Chicago. Died 1/23/1978.

  • Charlie Musselwhite (1944). American blues-harp player/bandleader (Stand Back, Louisiana Fog).

  • Philip Glass (1937). Minimal composer (Einstein on the Beach) born in Baltimore, MD.

  • Junior Marvin (1936). Doo-wop singer born Donald Hanson Marvin in Harrell, AR. with the Dells (“Oh What a Night”). Died 5/29/2013.

  • Chuck Willis (1928). Georgia musician (“C.C. Rider”). Died 4/10/1958.

  • Rick Hall (1932). Record executive (FAME Studios) born Roe Erister Hall in Forrest Grove, MS. Died 1/2/2018.

  • Carol Channing (1923). American singer and actor.

  • Mario Lanza (1921). American actor/opera singer (1954’s The Student Prince). Died 10/7/1959.

  • Alan Lomax (1915). Folklorist and enthno-musicologist born in Austin, TX. Died 7/19/2002.

  • Isham Jones (1894). Bandleader and songwriter born in Coalton, OH. Died 10/19/1956.

  • Eddie Cantor (1892). Singer, actor, and comedian born Edward Israel Iskowitz in New York, NY. Died 10/10/1964.

  • Franz Schubert (1797). Classical composer (Unfinished Symphony) born in Himmelpfortgrund, Vienna, Austria. Died 11/19/1828.

This page last updated 5/18/2023.
at
Labels: , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)