- Gloria Estefan (1957). Pop singer/songwriter born Gloria Maria Fajardo-Garcia in Havana, Cuba. With Miami Sound Machine (“Conga”) and then a solo act (“Coming Out of the Dark”). Has sold over 100 million albums.
- Greg Errico (1948). R&B drummer and record producer born in San Francisco, CA. With Sly & the Family Stone (Stand!).
- Barry Gibb (1946). Pop/disco singer/songwriter born Barry Alan Lee Maddison Crompton Gibb in Douglas, Isle of Man, England. In the Bee Gees (“How Deep Is Your Love,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” Saturday Night Fever soundtrack) with his brothers.
- Leonard Slatkin (1944). Conductor and composer born in Los Angeles, CA.
- Seiji Ozawa (1935). Conductor of the Boston Symphony. Born in Mukden, Fegtian, Manchukuo (now China).
- Conway Twitty (1933). Country singer/songwriter (“It’s Only Make Believe,” “Next in Line”) born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Friars Point, MI. Died 6/5/1993.
- Boxcar Willie (1931). Texas country singer born Cecil Travis Martin. Died 4/12/1999.
- Engelbert Humperdinck (1854). German composer (Hänsel and Gretel). Died 9/27/1921.
- K-Ci Hailey (1969). American R&B singer with Jodeci and duo K-Ci & JoJo. Born Cedric Hailey.
- Steve Porcaro (1957). American rock keyboardist and composer with Toto.
- Billy Preston (1946). R&B singer/songwriter and musician (“Get Back” with the Beatles, “Will It Go Round in Circles,” “Nothing from Nothing”) born in Houston, TX. Died 6/6/2006.
- Rosalind Ashford-Holmes (1943). R&B singer born in Detroit, MI. With Martha & the Vandellas (“Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave”).
- Joe Simon (1943). American R&B singer/songwriter and record producer.
- Sam Gooden (1934). Soul singer born in Chattanooga, TN. Original member of the Impressions. Died 8/4/2022.
- Horace Silver (1928). American jazz pianist and composer (“Song for My Father”).
- Adam Curry (1964). Video disc jockey.
- Perry Bamonte (1960). Goth-rock guitarist/keyboardist born in London, England. With The Cure.
- Steve Jones (1955). Punk-rock guitarist born in Shepherd’s Bush, London, England. With the Sex Pistols (Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols).
- Tony Defries (1943). Music manager (David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, John Mellencamp) born Anthony Defries in Watford, England.
- Al Jardine (1942). Pop singer and guitarist born in Lima, OH. Founding member of the Beach Boys (“Good Vibrations,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “I Get Around,” “Help Me Rhonda,” Pet Sounds) born in Lima, OH.
- Freddy King (1934). Blues guitarist and singer born Frederick Christian King in Gilmer, TX. Died 12/28/1976.
- Hank Thompson (1925). Country singer/songwriter (“The Wild Side of Life”) born Henry William Thompson in Waco, TX. Died 11/6/2007.
- Memphis Slim (1915). American blues singer/songwriter and pianist. Born Peter Chatman. Died 2/24/1988.
- Kitty Carlisle Hart (1910). Singer, actress (A Night at the Opera), and spokeswoman born Catherine Conn in New Orleans, LA. Died 4/17/2007.
- Beyoncé Knowles (1981). Pop/R&B singer born Beyoncé Giselle Knowles in Houston, TX. With Destiny’s Child (“Say My Name,” The Writing’s on the Wall, Survivor) and then a solo artist (“Crazy in Love,” “Irreplacable,” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Dangerously in Love). Married to rapper/mogul Jay-Z.
- Kim Thayil (1960). Indian-American rock guitarist with Soundgarden (1994’s Superunknown).
- Martin Chambers (1951). Rock drummer born in Hereford, Herefordshire, England. With the Pretenders.
- Gene Parsons (1944). American drummer, banjo player, guitarist, singer/songwriter and sound engineer. With the Byrds (1969-71) and others.
- Merald “Bubba” Knight (1942). R&B singer born in Atlanta, GA. With Gladys Knight & the Pips (“Midnight Train to Georgia”).
- Mitzi Gaynor (1930). Dancer, singer, and actress in 1958’s South Pacific.
- Gus Arnheim (1897). Pianist and bandleader (“Sweet and Lovely”) born in Philadelphia, PA. Died 1/19/1955.
- Anton Bruckner (1824). Classical composer born in Ansfelden, Austria. Died 10/11/1896.
- Dweezil Zappa (1969). American guitarist and MTV VJ. Son of musician Frank Zappa.
- Brad Wilk (1968). Rock drummer born in Portland, OR. With Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
- Freddie Mercury (1946). Rock singer/songwriter born Farrokh Bulsara in Stone Town, Zanzibar. With Queen (“Bohemian Rhapsody,” A Night at the Opera). Died 11/24/1991.
- Buddy Miles (1946). American drummer with Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys. Born George Allen Miles, Jr. Died 2/26/2008.
- Loudon Wainwright III (1946). American folk singer/songwriter (“Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road”), humorist, and actor.
- Al Stewart (1945). Scottish singer/songwriter (“Year of the Cat,” “Time Passages”).
- Art Rupe (1917). Record executive (Specialty Records) born Arthur Goldberg in Greensburg, PA. Died 4/15/2022.
- John Cage (1912). American avant-garde composer (4' 33") noted for using unusual items for music. By varying the frequencies of tone generators, he created what is considered the first electronic music. Died 8/12/1992.
- Foxy Brown (1979). New York rapper born Inga Marchand.
- Dolores O'Riordan (1971). Musician with The Cranberries.
- Scott Travis (1961). Heavy metal drummer born Mark Scott Travis in Norfolk, VA. With Judas Priest.
- Pal Waaktaar-Savoy (1961). New wave guitarist born Pål Gamst in Tonsenhagen, Norway. With a-ha (“Take on Me”).
- Roger Waters (1943). Rock singer/songwriter and bassist born George Robert Waters in Great Bookham, Surrey, England. With Pink Floyd (“Another Brick in the Wall Part II,” Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall).
- David Allan Coe (1939). American outlaw country musician.
- Jimmy Reed (1925). American blues musician. Born Mathias James Reed Leland.
- Billy Rose (1899). American composer (“Me and My Shadow,” “It’s Only a Paper Moon”), producer, and entrepreneur. Born William Samuel Rosenberg. Died 2/10/1966.
- Michael Bublé (1975). Traditional pop singer born in Burnaby, Canada.
- Eazy-E (1964). Rapper born Eric Lynn Wright in Compton, CA. With N.W.A. (Straight Outta Compton). Died 3/26/1995.
- Diane Warren (1956). Pop songwriter born in Van Nuys, CA.
- Benmont Tench (1953). Rock keyboardist born Benjamin Montmorency Tench III in Gainesville, FL. With Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
- Morris Albert (1951). Singer/songwriter (“Feelings”) born Mauricio Alberto Kaisermann in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Chrissie Hynde (1951). New wave rock singer/songwriter born Christine Ellen Hynde in Akron, OH. With the Pretenders (“Brass in Pocket”). Was married to Kinks’ singer Ray Davies.
- Gloria Gaynor (1949). American R&B/disco singer (“I Will Survive”). Born Gloria Fowles.
- Alfa Anderson (Chic) (1946)
- Buddy Holly (1936). Pioneer of rock and roll (“That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” 1957’s The Chirping Crickets) born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, TX. Died in a plane crash on 2/3/1959.
- Little Milton (1934). American blues guitarist and singer. Born James Milton Campbell, Jr. Died 8/4/2005.
- Sonny Rollins (1930). Jazz saxophonist born Walter Theodore Rollins in New York City, NY.
- Wiz Khalifa (1987). Rapper and singer (“Black and Yellow,” “See You Again”) born Cameron Jibril Thomaz in Minot, North Dakota.
- Pink (1979). Pop singer (“So What,” “Get the Party Started,” “Just Give Me a Reason,” M!ssundaztood) born Alecia Beth Moore in Doylestown, PA.
- Neko Case (1970). American singer/songwriter.
- Aimee Mann (1960). American singer/songwriter with ‘Til Tuesday (“Voices Carry”) and later a solo artist.
- David Steele (1960). English bassist with the (English) Beat and Fine Young Cannibals (“She Drives Me Crazy”).
- Benjamin Orr (1947). New wave rock bassist born Benjamin Orzechowski. With The Cars (“Drive,” “Just What I Needed”). Died 10/3/2000.
- Dean Daughtry (1946). American keyboardist with the Atlanta Rhythm Section.
- Ron “Pigpen” McKernan (1945). Rock keyboardist born in San Bruno, CA. With the Grateful Dead. Died 3/8/1973.
- Patsy Cline (1932). Country singer (“I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “She’s Got You,” 1973’s Greatest Hits) born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, VA. Died in a plane crash on 3/5/1963.
- Harlan Howard (1927). Country songwriter (Ray Price’s “Heartaches by the Number,” Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces,” Ray Charles’ “Busted”) born in Detroit, MI. Died 3/3/2002.
- Jimmie Rodgers (1897). Country singer (“Blue Yodel #1 (aka ‘T for Texas’)”) born James Charles Rodgers in Merdian, MS. Died 5/26/1933.
- Howard Dietz (1983). Publicist, lyricist, and librettist (The Band Wagon) born in New York City, NY. Collaboarted with Arthur Schwartz. Died 7/30/1983.
- Antonin Dvorák (1841). Classical musician (Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Cello Concerto in B Minor) born in Nelahozeves, Bohemia, Austrian Empire. Died 5/1/1904.
- Afrojack (1987). Music programmer, record producer and remixer (“Give Me Everything,” “Hey Mama”) born Nick van de Wall in Spijkenisse, Netherlands.
- Dave Stewart (1952). Producer/musician born in Sunderland, England. With the Eurythmics (“Sweet Dreams Are Made of This”).
- John McFee (1950). Rock guitarist and violinist born in Santa Cruz, CA. With the Doobie Brothers.
- Bruce Palmer (1946). Rock bassist born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada. With Buffalo Springfield. Died 10/1/2004.
- Otis Redding (1941). R&B singer (“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”) born in Dawson, GA. Died 12/10/1967.
- Joe Negroni (1940). Doo-wop singer born in New York, NY. With Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”). Died 9/5/1978.
- Jake Carey (1926). R&B singer born Jacob Carey in Pulsaki, VA. With the Flamingos (“I Only Have Eyes For You”). Died 12/31/1997.
- Arthur Freed (1894). Lyricist and film producer (An American in Paris, Gigi, Singin’ in the Rain) born Arthur Grossman in Charleston, SC. Died 4/12/1973.
- Matthew Followill (1984). Rock bassist and backing singer with Kings of Leon (“Sex on Fire,” “Use Somebody,” 2008’s Only by the Night).
- Shayne Ward (1984). Singer.
- Big Daddy Kane (1968)
- Dave Lowry (Cracker) (1960)
- Siobhan Fahey (1957). Irish singer with Bananarama.
- Johnny Fingers (Boomtown Rats) (1956)
- Joe Perry (1950). Rock guitarist born Joseph Anthony Pereira in Lawrence, MA. With Aerosmith (“Dream On,” “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” Toys in the Attic).
- José Feliciano (1945). Puerto Rican singer (“Light My Fire,” “Feliz Navidad”). Born José Montserrate Feliciano García
- Danny Hutton (1942). Rock musician with Three Dog Night.
- Roy Brown (1925). Blues singer.
- Lou Handman (1894). Songwriter (“Are You Lonesome Tonight”) born in New York City, NY. Died 12/9/1956.
- Henry Purcell (1659). Classical composer born in Westminster, London, England. Died 11/21/1695.
- Jonny Buckland (1977). Britpop guitarist born in London, England. With Coldplay (“Clocks,” “Viva la Vida,” A Rush of Blood to the Head).
- Ludacris (1977). Rapper born Christopher Brian Bridges in Champaign, IL.
- Richard Ashcroft (1971). Britpop singer with the Verve (“Bittersweet Symphony”) born in Wigan, Lancashire, England.
- Harry Connick, Jr. (1967). American musician, singer, and actor.
- Moby (1965). American electronica artist (1999’s Play) born Richard Melville Hall.
- Jon Moss (1957). English drummer with Culture Club.
- Tommy Shaw (1953). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Montgomery, AL. With Styx (“Renegade,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” The Grand Illusion) and Damn Yankees (“High Enough”).
- Mickey Hart (1943). Rock drummer and musicologist born Michael Steven Hartman in Brooklyn, NY. with the Grateful Dead.
- Alan Bergman (1925). Songwriter born in Brooklyn, NY. Collaborated with wife Marilyn Bergman.
- Jimmie Davis (1899). Country singer (“You Are My Sunshine”) and Governor of Louisiana. Died 11/5/2000.
- Charles Harrison (1878). Tenor singer (“I’m Always Chasing Rainbows,” “I’ll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time”) born in Jersey City, NJ. Died 2/2/1965.
- Jennifer Hudson (1981). Academy-Award-winning actress for role in Dreamgirls.
- Ruben Studdard (1978). R&B singer (“Flying without Wings,” “Superstar”). Winner of second season of TV’s American Idol.
- Ben Folds (1966). American singer/songwriter.
- Gerry Beckley (1952). Texas folk-rock singer and guitarist with America (“A Horse with No Name”).
- Neil Peart (1952). Rock drummer and lyricist born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. With Rush (2112, “Tom Sawyer”).
- Barry White (1944). Soul singer (“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything”) born Barry Eugene Carter in Galveston, TX. Died 7/4/2003.
- George Jones (1931). Country singer/songwriter (“She Thinks I Still Care,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today”) born in Saratoga, TX. Died 4/26/2013.
- Eddy Howard (1914). Jazz bandleader (“To Each His Own,” “Sin (It’s No Sin)”) born in Woodland, CA. Died 5/23/1963.
- Shep Fields (1910). Jazz bandleader (“That Old Feeling,” “Thanks for the Memory,” “South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)”) born Saul Feldman in Brooklyn, NY. Died 2/23/1981.
- Maurice Chevalier (1888). French singer (“Thank Heaven for Little Girls”) and actor. Died 1/1/1972.
- Gus Cannon (1883). Blues musician with Cannon’s Jug Stompers. Died 10/15/1979.
- Swizz Beatz (1978). Record executive (Full Surface) born Kasseem Dean in the Bronx, NY. Married singer Alicia Keys.
- Fiona Apple (1977). Alternative-rock singer/songwriter (“Criminal”) born Fiona Apple McAfee-Maggart in New York City, NY.
- Zak Starkey (1965). Rock drummer (Oasis, The Who) born in London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London, England.
- Dave Mustaine (1961). American rock singer and guitarist with Megadeth.
- Don Was (1952)
- Peter Cetera (1944). Jazz-rock/pop singer/songwriter born in Chicago, IL. With Chicago (“If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” ) and solo artist (“Glory of Love,” “The Next Time I Fall”).
- David Clayton-Thomas (1941). English singer with Blood Sweat & Tears (“You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die,” 1969’s Blood, Sweat & Tears). Born David Thomsett.
- Lewie Steinberg (1933). Bassist born Lewie Polk Steinberg in Memphis, TN. With Booker T. & the MGs. Died 7/21/2016.
- Mel Tormé (1925). Jazz/big band singer/songwriter (“The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” “Careless Love”) born in Chicago, IL. Nicknamed “The Velvet Fog.” Died 6/5/1999.
- Charles Brown (1922). Bues singer and pianist (“Driftin’ Blues,” “Trouble Blues,” “Black Knight,” “Please Come Home for Christmas”) born Tony Russell Brown in Texas City, TX. Died 1/21/1999.
- Dick Haymes (1918). Singer (“You’ll Never Know,” “It Might As Well Be Spring,” “Long Ago and Far Away”) born Richard Benjamin Haymes in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Died 3/28/1980.
- Bill Monroe (1911). Country singer/songwriter and musician (“Blue Moon of Kentucky”) born in Rosine, KY. Often referred to as “The Father of Bluegrass.” Died 9/9/1996.
- Arnold Schoenberg (1874). Classical composer born in Vienna, Austria. Died 7/13/1951.
- Amy Winehouse (1983). Blue-eyed soul singer (“Rehab,” Back to Black) born in London, England. Died 7/23/2011.
- Nas (1973). Rapper born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones in Crown Heights, NY.
- Morten Harket (1959). New wave singer born in Kongsberg, Norway. With a-ha (“Take on Me”).
- Steve Gaines (1949). Rock guitarist born in Miami, OK. With Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1976-77. Died 10/20/1977.
- Ed King (1949). Rock guitarist born Edward Calhoun King in Glendale, CA. With Strawberry Alarm Clock and Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama”). Died 8/22/2018.
- Nick Jonas (1992). Singer born in Dallas, Texas. Youngest member of the sibling group the Jonas Brothers (“Sucker”).
- Flo Rida (1979). Rapper (“Low,” “Right Round”) born Tramar Lace Dillard in Carol City, Florida.
- Marc Anthony (1968). Latin pop singer born Marco Antonio Muñiz in New York City, NY.
- Richard Marx (1963). Pop/adult contemporary singer/songwriter (“Right Here Waiting”) born in Chicago, IL.
- David Bellamy (1950). Florida country singer and guitarist with the Bellamy Brothers (“Let Your Love Flow”).
- Ron Blair (1948). Rock bassist born in San Diego, CA. With Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (“Refugee,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” 1979’s Damn the Torpedoes).
- Kenney Jones (1948). Rock drummer born in Whitechapel, London, England. With The Small Faces, The Faces, and The Who.
- Betty Kelly (1944). R&B singer born in Attalla, AL. With Martha & the Vandellas.
- Bernie Calvert (1942). Rock bassist and keyboardist born Bernard Bamfort Calvert in Brierfield, England. With the Hollies (1966-81).
- Joe Butler (1941). Rock drummer born in Long Island, NY. With the Lovin’ Spoonful.
- B.B. King (1925). Blues singer/songwriter and guitarist (“The Thrill Is Gone,” 1965’s Live at the Regal) born Riley B. King in Itta Bena, MI. Died 5/14/2015.
- Xzibit (1974). Rapper.
- Ricky Bell (Bell Biv Devoe) (1967)
- Tim Pierce (1959). Los Angeles-based session guitarist who has worked with Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, Toy Matinee and more.
- Dee Dee Ramone (1952). Punk-rock bassist born Douglas Glenn Colvin in Fort Gregg-Adams, VA. With the Ramones (1976’s Ramones). Died 6/5/2002.
- Kerry Livgren (Kansas) (1949)
- Frankie Avalon (1939). Singer (“Venus”) and actor born Francis Thomas Avallone in Philadelphia, PA.
- Trisha Yearwood (1964). American country singer (“She’s in Love with the Boy,” “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl)”) born Patricia Lynn Yearwood.
- Nile Rodgers (1952). R&B guitarist born in New York City, NY. With Chic (“Le Freak,” “Good Times”). Also a producer (Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” Diana Ross’ Diana, David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, Madonna’s Like a Virgin, the B-52’s Cosmic Thing).
- Daniel Lanois (1951). Rock producer (Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, U2) born in Hull, Quebec, Canada.
- Lol Crème (1947). English guitarist and keyboardist with 10cc (“I’m Not in Love”). Born Laurence Neil Crème.
- Gloria Jones (1947). American singer (“Tainted Love”) and backup singer with T-Rex.
- Freda Payne (1945). American singer (“Band of Gold”).
- “Mama” Cass Elliot (1941). Folk-rock singer born Ellen Naomi Cohen in Baltimore, MD. With the Mamas & the Papas (1966’s “California Dreamin’,” “Monday Monday”). Died 7/29/1974.
- Bill Medley (1940) Blue-eyed soul bass/baritone singer born in Los Angeles, CA. With the Righteous Brothers (“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”).
- Paul Williams (1940). American pop/folk songwriter (Barbra Streisand’s “Evergreen,” Three Dog Night’s “An Old Fashioned Love Song,” Carpenters’ “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “We’ve Only Just Begun”).
- Brian Epstein (1934). Manager of the Beatles born in Liverpool, England. Died 8/27/1967.
- Brook Benton (1931). Singer/songwriter (“Rainy Night in Georgia”) born Benjamin Franklin Peay in Lugoff, SC. Died 4/9/1988.
- Nick Massi (1927). Bass singer/songwriter and guitarist born Nicholas E. Macioci in Newark, NJ. Original member and arranger with the Four Seasons (“Sherry,” “Rag Doll”). Died 12/24/2000.
- Fred Ahlert (1892). Composer/lyricist/songwriter born in New York City, NY. Died 10/20/1953.
- Ben Shepherd (1968). Rock bassist with Soundgarden (1994’s Superunknown).
- Matthew and Gunnar Nelson (Nelson) (1967)
- Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) (1966)
- Keef Cowboy (1960). Rap singer born Robert Keith Wiggins in the Bronx, NY. With Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five. Died 9/8/1989.
- Chuck Panozzo (1948). American rock bassist with Styx (1977’s The Grand Illusion). Twin brother John was also in Styx.
- John Panozzo (1948). American rock drummer with Styx (1977’s The Grand Illusion). Twin brother Chuck was also in Styx. Died 7/16/1996.
- “Jelly Roll” Morton (1885). Jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader born Ferdinand Joseph La Menthe Morton in New Orleans, LA. Died 7/10/1941.
- Joan Jett (1960). American rock singer/guitarist (“I Love Rock and Roll”) born Joan Marie Larkin in Wynnewood, PA.
- Andrea Bocelli (1958). Italian operatic tenor.
- Nick Cave (1957). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Warracknabeal, Victoria, Australia.
- Debby Boone (1956). New Jersey pop singer (“You Light Up My Life”). Daughter of singer Pat Boone.
- David Coverdale (1951). Rock singer born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England. With Deep Purple and Whitesnake (“Here I Go Again”).
- King Sunny Ade (1946). World music singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (1983’s Juju Music) born Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye on 9/22/1946 in Oshogbo, Nigeria.
- Toni Basil (1943). Philadelphia pop singer (“Mickey”) born Antonia Christina Basilotta.
- Joni James (1930). Tradtional pop singer. Born Giovanna Carmella Babbo.
- Horace Silver (1928). American jazz pianist born Horace Ward Martin Tavares Silva.
- Dave Dreyer (1894). Vaudeville pianist and composer (“Me and My Shadow”) born in Brooklyn, NY. Died 3/1/1967.
- Jermaine Dupri (1972). Singer/songwriter (Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and “We Belong Together,” Usher’s “U Make Me Wanna”), producer (Kris Kross, Xscape, Destiny’s Child), and record executive born Jermaine Dupri Maudlin in Asheville, NC.
- Ani DiFranco (1970). American singer/songwriter.
- Lita Ford (1959). Rock singer (“Kiss Me Deadly,” “Close My Eyes Forever”).
- Bruce Springsteen (1949). Rock singer/songwriter (“Born to Run,” Born to Run, Born in the U.S.A.) born Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen in Long Branch, NJ.
- Neal Smith (1947). Rock drummer born in Akron, OH. With Alice Cooper.
- Steve Boone (1943). Rock bassist born in Camp Lejeune, NC. With Lovin’ Spoonful.
- Julio Iglesias (1943). Latin singer (“To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”) born Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva in Madrid, Spain. Has sold over 100 million records. Father of singer Enrique Iglesias.
- Ray Charles (1930). R&B singer/songwriter and pianist (“What’d I Say,” “Georgia on My Mind,” 1962’s Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music) born Ray Charles Robinson in Albany, GA. Blind since age 6. Died 6/10/2004.
- John Coltrane (1926). Jazz saxophonist and composer (1959’s Giant Steps, 1965’s A Love Supreme) born in Hamlet, NC. Most influential jazz musician of the ‘60s. Died 7/17/1967.
- Linda McCartney (1941). Photographer, musician, wife of singer/songwriter Paul McCartney born Linda Louise Eastman in Scarsdale, New York. Died 4/17/1998.
- Steve Douglas (1938). Session musician and saxophonist (the Wrecking Crew) born Steven Douglas Kreisman in Los Angeles, CA. Died 4/19/1993.
- Mel Taylor (1933). Rock drummer born in Brownsville, NY. With the Ventures. Died 8/11/1996.
- Anthony Newley (1931). British actor, singer, and composer (the musical Stop the World, I Want to Get Off).
- Sheila MacRae (1924). English singer and actress.
- Wynonie Harris (1915). American blues shouter/R&B singer (“Good Rockin’ Tonight”). One of rock ‘n’ roll’s forerunners. Died 6/14/1969.
- Blind Lemon Jefferson (1893). Texas blues singer and guitarist (1927’s “Match Box Blues”). Died 12/19/1929.
- T.I. (1980). Rapper (“Whatever You Like,” “Live Your Life”) born Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Will Smith (1968). Rapper (Fresh Prince) and Oscar-winning actor born in Philadelphia, PA.
- Glenn Gould (1932). Classical pianist (Bach’s The Goldberg Variations) born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Died 10/4/1982.
- Shel Silverstein (1930). American children’s poet and songwriter (Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue,” Dr. Hook’s “The Cover of the Rolling Stone”). Born Sheldon Allan Silverstein. Died 5/10/1999.
- Dmitri Shostakovich (1906). Classical composer (Symphony No. 5 in D minor) born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Died 8/9/1975.
- Al Hoffman (1902). Songwriter (“Mairzy Doats”) born in Minsk, Russian Empire. Had songs recorded by Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Patsy Cline, Nat “King” Cole, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Bette Midler, Patti Page, and Frank Sinatra. Died 7/21/1960.
- Dr. Luke (1973). Songwriter and record producer (Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes” and “My Life Would Suck Without You”; Pink’s “Who Knew” and “U + Ur Hand”; Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend”; Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” “Hot n Cold” and “California Gurls”; Britney Spear’s “Circus”; Flo Rida’s “Right Round”; Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.”; and Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok”). Born Lukasz Gottwald in Providence, RI.
- Shawn Stockman (1972). Member of R&B group Boyz II Men (“End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day”).
- Craig Chaquico (1954). Rock musician with Jefferson Starship.
- Tony Sales (1951). American bassist with Utopia, The Stooges, and Tin Machine.
- Olivia Newton-John (1948). Pop/country singer (“I Honestly Love You,” “You’re the One That I Want,” “Physical”) born in Cambridge, England. Died 8/8/2022.
- Tiran Porter (1948). Rock bassist born in Los Angeles, CA. With the Doobie Brothers.
- Lynn Anderson (1947). Country singer (“I Never Promised You a Rose Garden”) born in Grand Fork, ND. Died 7/30/2015.
- Bryan Ferry (1945). Art-rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born in Washington, County Durham, England. With Roxy Music (“Love Is the Drug,” For Your Pleasure) and a solo artist.
- Julie London (1926). American singer (“Cry Me a River”) and actress. Died 10/18/2000.
- Marty Robbins (1925). Country singer/songwriter (“El Paso”) born Martin David Robinson in Glendale, AZ. Died 12/8/1982.
- Jimmy Reed (1925). Blues guitarist and singer born Mathis James Reed in Dunleith, MI. Died 8/29/1976.
- Ted Weems (1901). Bandleader and musician (“Heartaches”) born Wilfred Theodore Wemyes in Pitcairn, PA. Died 5/6/1963.
- George Gershwin (1898). Composer and pianist (Al Jolson’s “Swanee,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” Gertrude Lawrence’s “Someone to Watch Over Me,” Marion Harris’ “The Man I Love,” Red Nichols’ “Embraceable You,” Red Nichols’ “I Got Rhythm,” Billie Holiday’s “Summertime,” Fred Astaire’s “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” 1935’s Porgy and Bess, 1951’s An American in Paris) born Jacob Gershowitz in Brooklyn, NY. Died 7/11/1937.
- Frank Crumit (1889). Singer/songwriter born in Jackson, OH. Died 9/7/1943.
- Avril Lavigne (1984). Pop singer (“Complicated,” “Girlfriend,” Let Go) born in Bellville, Ontario, Canada.
- Lil Wayne (1979). Rapper (Tha Carter Vol. III) born Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. in New Orleans, LA.
- Mark Calderon (1970). Pop musician with Color Me Badd (“I Wanna Sex You Up”).
- Stephan Jenkins (1966). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist with Third Eye Blind.
- Shaun Cassidy (1958). American actor, pop singer (“Da Do Ron Ron”) and teen idol.
- Greg Ham (1953). Musician with Men at Work (“Who Can It Be Now?,” “Down Under,” 1982’s Business As Usual).
- Meat Loaf (1947). Rock singer (Bat Out of Hell, “I’d Do Anything for Love But I Won’t Do That”) born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, TX. Died 1/20/2022.
- Randy Bachman (1943). Canadian guitarist and singer with Bachman-Turner Overdrive (“Taking Care of Business,” “Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”) and the Guess Who (“American Woman”).
- Don Cornelius (1936). Radio and TV personality (Soul Train) born in Chicago, IL. Died 2/1/2012.
- Bud Powell (1924). American jazz pianist. Died 7/31/1966.
- Vernon Duke (1903). Composer/songwriter (“Taking a Chance on Love,” “I Can’t Get Started”) born Vladimir Aleksandrovich Dukelsky in Pskov Governorate, Russian Empire. Died 1/16/1969.
- Hilary Duff (1987). Pop singer.
- Moon Unit Zappa (1967). Daughter of musician Frank Zappa. Had lead vocal on Dad’s “Valley Girl” top 40 hit.
- Jennifer Rush (1960). American singer (“The Power of Love”).
- Alannah Currie (Thompson Twins) (1959)
- Ben E. King (1938). R&B singer born Benjamin Earl Nelson in Henderson, NC. With the Drifters and then a solo act (“Stand by Me,” “Spanish Harlem”).
- Koko Taylor (1928). American blues singer known as “The Queen of the Blues”. Born Cora Walton. Died 6/3/2009.
- Halsey (1994). Singer (“Closer,” “Without Me”) born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane in Edison, New Jersey.
- Les Claypool (1963). American rock bassist with Primus.
- Jerry Lee Lewis (1935). Rock ‘n’ roll/country singer and pianist (“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Great Balls of Fire”) born in Ferriday, LA. Known as “The Killer.” Died 10/28/2022.
- Gene Autry (1907). Actor and country singer (“Back in the Saddle Again,” “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman”) born Orvon Gene Autry in Tioga, TX. Known as “The Singing Cowboy.” Died 10/2/1998.
- T-Pain (1985). American rapper (2007’s “Low” with Flo Rida) and music producer known for his use of Auto-Tune. Born Faheem Rasheed Najm.
- Basia (1956)
- Marc Bolan (1947). Rock singer/songwriter and musician born Mark Feld in Stoke Newington, London, England. With T-Rex (“Get It On (Bang a Gong)”). Died 9/16/1977.
- Marilyn McCoo (1943). American R&B singer from the 5th Dimension (“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “One Less Bell to Answer”).
- Frankie Lymon (1942). R&B/doo-wop singer born Franklin Joseph Lymon I Washington Heights, NY. With Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”). Died 2/27/1968.
- Dewey Martin (1940). Rock drummer born Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff in Chesterville, Ontario, Canada. With Buffalo Springfield.
- Johnny Mathis (1935). Singer (“Chances Are”) born John Royce Mathis in Gilmer, TX.
- Cissy Houston (1933)
- Buddy Rich (1917). American jazz drummer (see Muppet Show clip here) and orchestral leader. Considered by some to be the greatest drummer ever. Died 4/2/1987.
- Fred Fischer (1875). Tin Pan Alley songwriter (“Come Josephine in My Flying Machine,” “Peg O’ My Heart”) and music publisher born Alfred Breitenbach in Cologne, Germany. Died 1/14/1942.
This page last updated September 29, 2023.
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