Click on a letter to choose a recording act (“S” for Bruce Springsteen, “B” for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards (see more here), short bios for select acts (generally taken or adapted from Joel Whitburn’s Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to all albums reviewed here at the DMDB.
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Jessie J
Song(s):
Price Tag (with B.o.B., 2011)
Domino (2011)
Born: Jeffrey Atkins on 2/29/1976 in Queens, New York Died: --
Rap singer.
Song(s):
Foolish (with Ashanti, 2002)
Terry Jacks
Song(s):
Seasons in the Sun (1974)
Al Jackson, Jr.
Born: 10/17/1958 Died:
Country singer.
Song(s):
Don’t Rock the Jukeox (1991)
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning (2001)
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (with Jimmy Buffett, 2003)
Album(s):
A Lot About Livin’ and a Little ‘Bout Love (1992)
Chuck Jackson
Hal Jackson
Born: 5/16/1966 in Gary, IN
R&B/pop singer. Sister of the Jacksons (youngest of 9 children). Debuted at age 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with her brothers. Regular on TV’s Good Times (1977-79), Diff’rent Strokes (1981-82) and Fame (1984-85). Married James DeBarge of DeBarge in August 1984; marriage annulled in March 1985. Signed a $32 million contract with Virgin Records in 1991.
Song(s):
What Have You Done for Me Lately (1986)
Nasty (1986)
Love Will Never Do without You (1990)
That's the Way Love Goes (1993)
Scream (with Michael Jackson, 1995)
Together Again (1997)
Album(s):
Control (1986)
Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
janet. (1993)
Design of a Decade 1986/1996 (compilation, 1996)
The Velvet Rope (1997)
Born: 10/26/1911 Died: 1/27/1972
As “The Queen of Gospel Music”, she became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world.
Song(s):
Move on Up a Little Higher (1948)
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (1958)
Precious Lord, Take My Hand (1956)
The DMDB Blog:
Mahalia Jackson charted with “Move on Up a Little Higher”: January 24, 1948 (1/24/12)
Links:
DMDB page
- official site
- Facebook
About: One of the most famous entertainers of all time. R&B/pop singer/songwriter and dancer. The 7th of 9 children. (Jackson 5: 66-76; solo: 72-; The Jacksons: 76-84). Michael’s 1979 Off the Wall album became only the second in history to score 4 top 10 hits. His 1982 Thriller album, with an estimated 60+ million sales worldwide, is the best-selling album in history; it was the first album to score 7 top 10 hits. His 1987 Bad album was the 1st to score 5 #1 songs.
Born: 8/29/1958 Died: 6/25/2009
Song(s):
Ben (1972)
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (1979)
Billie Jean (1982)
Beat It (1982)
Say, Say, Say (with Paul McCartney, 1983)
Thriller (1984)
Smooth Criminal (1988)
Black or White (1991)
Scream (with Janet Jackson, 1995)
Earth Song (1995)
Album(s):
Off the Wall (1979)
Thriller (1982)
Bad (1987)
Dangerous (1991)
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1 (compilation/studio album, 1995)
Invincible (2001)
Number Ones (2003) G
The DMDB Blog/Facebook Note(s):
Michael Jackson – Top 50 Songs
Michael Jackson: Icon or Ick? (7/6/09), also on Facebook.
Born: 10/20/1937 Died:
American rockabilly singer and guitarist.
R&B group of brothers from Gary, Indiana. Formed and managed by their father.
Active: 1966-1989 Members: Jackie (Jackson 5: 66-76; The Jacksons: 76-89; born 5/4/51), Tito (Jackson 5: 66-76; The Jacksons: 76-89; born 10/15/53), Jermaine (Jackson 5: 66-76; solo: 76-; The Jacksons: 84-89), Marlon (Jackson 5: 66-76; The Jacksons: 76-87; solo: 87-; born 3/12/57), Michael (Jackson 5: 66-76; solo: 72-; The Jacksons: 76-84), Randy (born 10/29/61; The Jacksons: 76-89). Sisters Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet backed the group; each had solo hits.
Song(s):
I Want You Back (1969)
ABC (1970)
I’ll Be There (1970)
Album(s):
ABC (1970)
Victory (1984)
The DMDB Blog:
The Jacksons Kick Off Their Victory Tour: July 6, 1984 (7/6/11)
The Jackson 5 land fourth consecutive #1 with “I’ll Be There”: October 17, 1970 (10/17/11)
Carrie Jacobs Bond
Born: 5/1/1930 Died: 2/15/1968
American blues singer and harmonica player.
Song(s):
Juke (& His Night Cats, 1952)
Album(s):
His Best (1964)
Boss Blues Harmonica (year?)
Born: 10/31/1922 Died: 7/22/2004
American jazz/big band leader and saxophonist.
Born: 7/26/1943 Died:
Rock singer/songwriter with the Rolling Stones.
The Jam
Song(s):
Down in the Tube Station at Midnight (1978)
Going Underground (1980)
That’s Entertainment (1981)
A Town Called Malice (1982)
Album(s):
All Mod Cons (1978)
Born: 7/2/1930 Died:
Jazz pianist.
Song(s):
Poinciana (1955)
Born: 1/29/1936 Died: --
R&B bassist with the session group the Funk Brothers.
James
Song(s):
Sit Down (1991)
Born: Elmore Brooks on 1/27/1918 Died: 5/24/1963
American blues guitarist and singer.
Song(s):
Dust My Broom (1952)
Shake Your Money Maker (year?)
Album(s):
The Original Flair & Meteor Sides (year?)
Born: Jamesetta Hawkins on 1/25/1938 in Los Angeles, California Died: 1/20/2011
R&B/blues singer.
Song(s):
The Wallflower (Roll with Me Henry) (with the Peaches, 1955)
At Last (1961)
Tell Mama (1967)
Album(s):
At Last (1961)
Tell Mama (1968)
The DMDB Blog:
Etta James 1938-2012 (1/20/12)
Born: 3/15/1916 in Albany, GA Died: 7/5/1983
Trumpeter who played with Ben Pollack (35-36) before achieving fame with Benny Goodman (36-38) and starting his own band (38-53?). His band, which featured Frank Sinatra in the early days, became one of the most popular bands of the 1940s. Built around his trumpet and featured singers, the band also included Juan Tizol (trombonist: 45), Buddy Rich (d: 50s), and arrangers Ray Conniff and Neal Hefti. Married to movie star Betty Grable.
Song(s):
I’ve Heard That Song Before (with Helen Forrest, 1943)
All or Nothing at All (with Frank Sinatra, 1943)
I'll Get By As Long As I Have You (with Dick Haymes, 1944)
Album(s):
Trumpet Blues and Cantabile (1942)
Young Man with a Horn (soundtrack with Doris Day, 1950)
Born: Giovanna Carmella Babbo on 9/22/1930 Died:
Traditional pop singer.
Song(s):
Why Don't You Believe Me (1952)
Born: 7/29/1892 in Dexter, Michigan Died: 2/19/1959
Tenor singer (“Till We Meet Again”, “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes”).
Born: 2/1/1948 Died: 8/6/2004
R&B singer and bassist.
Song(s):
Super Freak (1981)
Born: 6/21/1902 Died: 10/3/1969
Blues singer and guitarist.
Album(s):
The Complete 1931 Session (1931)
Born: 5/1/1929 Died:
American country singer/songwriter.
Song(s):
Young Love (1956)
Born: Thomas Gregory Jackson on 4/29/1947 Died: --
American rock singer/songwriter and guitarist.
Song(s):
Hanky Panky (1966)
Crimson and Clover (1968)
Jamiroquai
Song(s):
Virtual Insanity (1997)
Album(s):
Travelling without Moving (1996)
Jan & Dean
Song(s):
Surf City (1963)
Dead Man’s Curve (1964)
Jane’s Addiction
Song(s):
Jane Says (1988)
Been Caught Stealing (1990)
Album(s):
Nothing’s Shocking (1988)
Ritual de lo Habitual (1990)
Maurice Jarre
Album(s):
Doctor Zhivago (soundtrack, 1966)
Born: 3/12/1940 Died:
R&B/jazz singer.
Born: 5/8/1945 Died:
American jazz pianist and film composer.
Album(s):
The Koln Concert (live, 1975)
Standards Vol. 1 (1983)
Born: 12/4/1969 Died:
Rap singer and record executive. Married R&B/pop singer Beyoncé.
Song(s):
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (1998)
Big Pimpin’ (with UGK, 2000)
Crazy in Love (with Beyoncé, 2003)
99 Problems (2004)
Umbrella (with Rihanna, 2007)
Roc Boys (And the Winner Is…) (2007)
Empire State of Mind (with Alicia Keys, 2009)
Run This Town (with Rihanna & Kanye West, 2009)
Album(s):
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)
The Blueprint (2001)
The Black Album (produced by Rick Rubin, 2003)
Song(s):
Hips Don’t Lie (with Shakira, 2006)
Born: 9/24/1893 in Coutchman, TX Died: 12/1929
American blues singer and guitarist. Has been called “Father of the Texas Blues.” His recordings later influenced other blues legends such as Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, Son House, Lightnin’ Hopkins, T-Bone Walker, and B.B. King.
Song(s):
Match Box Blues (1927)
Rock group from San Francisco, CA. Jefferson Airplane evolved into Jefferson Starship with Kanter, Slick, Creach, and Freiberg. Balin and Casady were members in later versions. Hot Tuna was a spin-off formed by Kaukonen and Casady.
Active: 1965-1973, 1989 Members: Marty Balin (v: 65-71,89), Paul Kanter (v/g: 65-72,89), Jorma Kaukonen (g: 65-73, 89), Jack Casady (b: 65-73, 89), Signe Anderson (v: 65-66), Alexander “Skip” Spence (d: 65-66), Grace Slick (v: 66-72,89), Spencer Dyrden (d: 66-70), Joey Covington (d: 70-72), Papa John Creach (violin: 70?-73), David Freiberg (v/b – Quicksilver Messenger Service: 65?-71; Jefferson Airplane: 72-73), John Barbata (d;: 72-73), Kenny Aronoff (d – with John Cougar Mellencamp; Jefferson Airplane: 89).
Song(s):
Somebody to Love (1967)
White Rabbit (1967)
Album(s):
Surrealistic Pillow (1967)
After Bathing at Baxter’s (1967)
Crown of Creation (1968)
About: Rock band formed by Jefferson Airplane alumni Kanter, Slick, Creach, and Freiberg. Balin and Casady were also former members of Jefferson Airplane. Jefferson Starship later evolved into Starship with members Chaquico, Sears, Baldwin.
Active: 1974-1984, 1991-2001 Members: Paul Kanter (v/g: 74-84; 91-) and Grace Slick (v: 74-78, 81-84; 95; 99). Papa John Creach (violin: 74-84), David Freiberg (b: 74-84), Craig Chaquico (g – Jefferson Starship: 74-84; Starship: 85-89), Pete Sears (b – Jefferson Starship: 74-84; Starship: 85-89), John Barbata (d: 74-84), Marty Balin (v: 75-79; 95-), Mickey Thomas (v: 79-84), Aynsley Dunbar (d: 79-82), Don Baldwin (d – Jefferson Starship: 82-84; Starship: 85-89), Slick Aguilar (g – KBC Band: 86; Jefferson Starship: 91-), Prairie Prince (d – The Tubes; Jefferson Starship: 91-), Diana Mangano (v: 94-), Darby Gould (World Entertainment War; Jefferson Starship: 95), Darby Slick (The Great Society; Jefferson Starship: 95); Jack Casady (b: 99), T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs; Jazz Is Dead; Jefferson Starship: 99), Chris Smith (k: 01)
Jerry “Fingers” Jemmott
Ella Jenkins
Born: 5/12/1910 Died: 5/1/1984
American arranger, composer, and pianist.
Song(s):
I Can Dream, Can't I? (with the Andrews Sisters, 1949)
Goodnight Irene (with the Weavers, 1950)
Album(s):
Manhattan Tower (1956)
Born: 6/15/1937 Died: 2/13/2002
Country singer.
Song(s):
Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) (1977)
Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys (with Willie Nelson, 1978)
Highwayman (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, & Kris Kristofferson as The Highwaymen; 1985)
Album(s):
Wanted! The Outlaws (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, and Jessi Colter; 1976)
Will Jennings
Carly Rae Jepsen
Song(s):
Call Me Maybe (2012)
Jeremih
Song(s):
Down on Me (with 50 Cent, 2010)
Album(s):
Psychocandy (1985)
Song(s):
Aqualung (1971)
Album(s):
Aqualung (1971)
Thick As a Brick (1972)
The DMDB Blog:
Jethro Tull released Aqualung: March 19, 1971 (3/19/12)
Born: Joan Larkin on 9/22/60 in Philadelphia
Rock singer and guitarist who got started in the Runaways (75-79) and then fronted her own band, the Blackhearts (80-89), as well as recording solo. Blackhearts’ members included Ricky Byrd (g), Gary Ryan (b: 80-87), Lee Crystal (d: 80-87), Kasim Sulton (b – Utopia; Blackhearts: 87-), Thommy Price (d: 87-).
Song(s):
I Love Rock and Roll (1981)
Born: Jewel Kilcher on 5/23/1974 Died:
American pop singer/songwriter (“You Were Meant for Me”, “Foolish Games”).
Album(s):
Pieces of You (1995)
Born: James Samuel Harris III on 6/6/1959 in Minneapolis, MN Died:
R&B songwriter.
JLS
Song(s):
Beat Again (2009)
Born: Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim on 1/25/1927 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Died: 12/8/1994
Jazz songwriter.
Born: William Martin Joel on 5/9/1949 in Long Island, NY
Pop/rock singer/songwriter and pianist. (The Echoes: 64-67; changed name to The Emeralds and then The Lost Souls; piano on the Shangri-Las’ “Leader of the Pack,” The Hassles: 67-69; Attila: 69-70). Signed to Columbia Records in 1973.
Song(s):
Piano Man (1974)
Just the Way You Are (1977)
Uptown Girl (1983)
Album(s):
Cold Spring Harbor (1971)
Piano Man (1973)
Streetlife Serenade (1974)
Turnstiles (1976)
The Stranger (1977)
52nd Street (1978)
Glass Houses (1980)
The Nylon Curtain (1982)
An Innocent Man (1983)
Greatest Hits, Volume I & Volume II (1973-1985) G
The Bridge (1986)
Storm Front (1989)
River of Dreams (1993)
The DMDB Blog:
Billy Joel was born: May 9, 1949/ His Top 50 Songs (5/9/12)
Billy Joel charted with The Stranger: October 8, 1977 (10/8/11)
About: Pop/rock singer/songwriter and pianist. Formed his first group, Bluesology. Took the name of Elton John from the first names of Bluesology members’ Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. Teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1969. Formed Rocket Records in 1973. Played the "Pinball Wizard" in the movie version of Tommy. Elton was the #1 pop artist of the ‘70s; he is #3 all-time as of 2009’s 12 edition of Joel Whitburn’s Top Pop Singles.
Born: Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 3/25/1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England
Song(s):
Your Song (1970)
Tiny Dancer (1972)
Crocodile Rock (1972)
Rocket Man (1972)
Daniel (1973)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Bennie and the Jets (1974)
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee, 1976)
Sad Songs Say So Much (1984)
That's What Friends Are For (Dionne Warwick & Friends: Elton John, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder; written by written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, 1985)
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (1994)
Candle in the Wind 1997 (Goodbye England's Rose) (1997)
Something About the Way You Look Tonight (1997)
Album(s):
Elton John (1970)
Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
Madman Across the Water (1971)
Honky Château (1972)
Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player (1973)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Caribou (1974)
Greatest Hits (compilation, 1970-74)
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
Rock of the Westies (1975)
Greatest Hits Volume II (1971-1976) G
Greatest Hits 1976-1986 G
Greatest Hits Volume III (1977-1987) G
Very Best of (1970-1990) Gx2
with Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer (composers) – The Lion King (1994) ST
Greatest Hits 1970-2002 Gx2
Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits (1970-2007) G
The DMDB Blog:
The Lion King soundtrack hit #1: July 16, 1994 (7/16/12)
Elton John performs “Candle in the Wind” at Princess Di’s funeral: September 6, 1997 (9/6/11)
Song(s):
Fever (1956)
Mable John
Born: 2/15/1942 in Epsom, Surrey, England Died: --
About: English engineer and producer who worked with the Rolling Stones (Beggars Banquet, Sticky Fingers), The Who (Who’s Next), The Faces, Traffic, the Steve Miller Band, The Band, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, The Clash, Jimmy Page, John Hiatt, and David Crosby.
Song(s):
Lift Every Voice and Sing (1900)
Blind Willie Johnson
Song(s):
Motherless Children (year?)
Dark Was the Night – Cold Was the Ground (1927)
Born: 10/5/1948
English rock singer with AC/DC since 1980.
Ella Johnson
Eric Johnson
George W. Johnson
Song(s):
The Laughing Song (1898)
Howard Johnson
Born: 2/1/1894 Died: 11/17/1955
American jazz songwriter and pianist.
James W. Johnson
Johnnie Johnson
Born: Alonzo Johnson on 2/8/1899 in New Orleans, LA Died: 6/16/1970
Blues guitarist.
Louis Johnson
Born: 5/8/1911 in Hazlehurst, MS Died: 8/16/1938, reportedly from strychnine poisoning
Influential blues singer and guitarist (“I’m a Steady Rollin’ Man”, “Dust My Broom”). Influenced electric bluesmen Elmore James, Robert Nighthawk, Johnny Shines, Muddy Waters, and others.
Song(s):
Cross Road Blues (1936)
Sweet Home Chicago (1936)
Hellhound on My Trail (1937)
A Love in Vain (1937)
Album(s):
The King of the Delta Blues Singers Vol. 1 (archives, 1936-1937)
The Complete Recordings (archives, 1936-1937)
The DMDB Blog:
The Final Recordings of Robert Johnson: June 20, 1937 (6/20/2011)
Born: 1896 in Terry, MI Died: 11/1/1956
American blues singer and guitarist.
Arthur Johnston
Born: Asa Yoelson in St. Petersburg, Russia on 3/26/1886 Died: 10/23/1950
Russian-American jazz singer. One of the greatest popular entertainers in American history. Grew up in Washington D.C. First performed with a minstrel show troupe and in vaudeville. First on Broadway in 1911 with his dramatic vocal style, extraordinary stage presence, and personal rapport with audiences. For most of the next 20 years, Jolson was the king of the American musical. In 1927, The Jazz Singer ushered in the age of sound motion pictures, but by the ‘30s his career was in decline.
Song(s):
That Haunting Melody (1912)
Ragging My Baby to Sleep (1912)
The Spaniard That Blighted My Life (1913)
You Made Me Love You, I Didn't Want to Do It (1913)
I’m All Bound Round with the Mason Dixon Line (1918)
Hello Central, Give Me No Man’s Land (1918)
Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody (1918)
I’ll Say He Does (1919)
Swanee (written by George Gershwin, 1920)
Avalon (1920)
April Showers (written by Buddy DeSylva with Louis Silvers, 1922)
Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goo'bye) (1922)
California, Here I Come (with Isham Jones’ Orchestra, 1924)
I Wonder What's Become of Sally? (1924)
All Alone (written by Irving Berlin, 1925)
I'm Sitting on Top of the World (1926)
Sonny Boy (1928)
My Mammy (1928)
Album(s):
Songs He Made Famous (soundtrack, 1947)
Souvenir Album (1947)
Volume Three (1948)
Born: 6/1/1873 Died: 5/2/1922
Pop singer.
Song(s):
Waiting at the Church (My Wife Won’t Let Me) (1906)
When We Are M-A-R-R-I-E-D (with Billy Murray, 1908)
Cuddle Up a Little Closer, Lovey Mine (with Billy Murray, 1908)
The Yama Yama Man (with the Victor Light Orchestra Co., 1909)
My Pony Boy (1909)
Come, Josephine, in My Flying Machine (Billy Murray with Ada Jones & the American Quartet, 1911)
Be My Little Baby Bumble Bee (with Billy Murray, 1912)
Row! Row! Row! (1913)
Allan Jones
Billy Jones
Song(s):
Yes, We Have No Bananas (1923)
Born: 11/12/1944
American keyboardist who helmed Booker T. & the MGs. The instrumental R&B group recorded on their own, but also served as the house band for Stax Records’ artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett.
Song(s):
Green Onions (1962)
Born: Lewis Brian Hopkins-Jones in Cheltenham, England on 2/28/42 Died: 7/3/69
Guitarist with Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated and the Rolling Stones (63-69).
Eddie “Guitar Slim” Jones
Song(s):
The Things That I Used to Do (1952)
Elvin Jones
Etta Jones
Album(s):
Don’t Go to Strangers (1960)
Born: 9/12/1931 in Saratoga, TX Died: 4/26/2013
Country singer/songwriter and guitarist. Started singing on radio stations KTXJ in Jasper, TX, and KRIC in Beaumont, TX. Served in the U.S. Marines from 1950-52. Recorded rockabilly as Thumper Jones and Hank Smith. Married to Tammy Wynette from 1969-75. Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. Known as "No Show Jones" due to several missed shows in the late ‘70s and "Possum." CMA Awards: 1980 & 1981 Male Vocalist of the Year.
Song(s):
She Thinks I Still Care (1962)
He Stopped Loving Her Today (written by Bobby Braddock, 1980)
Grace Jones
Song(s):
Pull Up to the Bumper (1981)
Album(s):
Nightclubbing (1981)
Grandpa Jones
Born: Henry Jones on 7/31/1918 Died: 5/16/2010
American jazz pianist.
Born: 1/31/1894 Died: 10/19/1956
Jazz/big band leader and tenor saxophonist. Also one of the finest songwriters of his era (“It Had to Be You”, “I’ll See You in My Dreams”). Considered by some to have led the best dance band of the pre-“swing” era. Gordon Jenkins was the band’s main arranger in the ‘30s and the band featured Johnny Carlson (lead trumpet) and Milt Yaner (alto sax/clarinet).
Song(s):
Wabash Blues (1921)
Swingin' Down the Lane (1923)
It Had to Be You (1924)
California, Here I Come (with Al Jolson, 1924)
Nobody’s Sweetheart (1924)
I'll See You in My Dreams (with Ray Miller & Frank Bessinger, 1925)
Born: 1/14/1938 Died: --
Adult contemporary singer.
Born: 1/3/1946 Died: 9/25/1980 of asphyxiation
English rock bassist/keyboardist with Led Zeppelin.
About: Member of punk-rock group The Clash.
Rock musician and songwriter with Foreigner. Also produced others’ albums, including Billy Joel’s Storm Front and Van Halen’s 5150.
Born: 3/30/1979 Died:
Adult contemporary/light jazz singer.
Song(s):
Don’t Know Why (2002)
Come Away with Me (2002)
Here We Go Again (with Ray Charles, 2004)
Album(s):
Come Away with Me (2002)
Feels Like Home (2004)
The DMDB Blog:
Norah Jones’ Come Away with Me hit #1: January 25, 2003 (1/25/12)
Born: 3/14/1933 Died:
American R&B and jazz musician and bandleader. Also a producer, most notably for Michael Jackson’s 1982’s Thriller.
Album(s):
Back on the Block (1989)
Born: Lindley Armstrong Jones on 12/14/1911 in Long Beach, CA Died: 5/1/1965
Jazz/big band leader.
Song(s):
Der Fuehrere’s Face (1942)
Cocktails for Two (1945)
All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth (1948)
Born: 1928 in Littlefield, TX Died:
About: Musical theatre lyricist best known for the 1960 musical The Fantasticks, which partnered him with composer Harvey Schmidt. “Try to Remember” became the show’s most beloved song, being recorded by hundreds of artists including Ed Ames, Harry Belafonte, Placido Domingo, and Barbra Streisand. The pair also earned Tony Award nominations for Best Composer and Lyricist for 110 in the Shade and I DO! I DO!. They’ve also been inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame and the Broadway Hall of Fame.
Born: Thomas John Woodward on 6/7/1940 in Treforest, Pontypridd, Wales. Died:
About: Pop singer who has sold over 100 million records with songs like “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?”
Song(s):
Green, Green Grass of Home (1966)
About: White blues-rock singer nicknamed “Pearl.” To San Francisco in 1966; joined Big Brother & The Holding Company. Left band to go solo in 1968. The Bette Midler movie The Rose is inspired by Joplin’s life.
Born: 1/19/1943 in Port Arthur, TX Died: heroin overdose on 10/4/1970
Song(s):
Me and Bobby McGee (written by Kris Kristofferson, 1971)
Album(s):
Pearl (1971)
The DMDB Blog:
Janis Joplin charts with Cheap Thrills and “Piece of My Heart”: August 31, 1968 (8/31/11)
Born: 11/24/1868 Died: 4/1/1917
American jazz/ragtime songwriter and pianist.
Song(s):
The Entertainer (1902)
Links:
official site
- Wikipedia
Born: 7/8/1908 Died: 2/4/1975
About: Pioneering R&B/blues bandleader. Has been called “The Father of Rhythm & Blues” and “The King of the Jukebox”.
Song(s):
Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t Ma Baby (1944)
Caldonia Boogie (1945)
Choo Choo Ch'Boogie (1946)
Let the Good Times Roll (1946)
Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens (1946)
Saturday Night Fish Fry (1949)
The DMDB Blog:
Louis Jordan, the Father of R&B, Is Born: July 8, 1908 (7/8/11)
The Jordanaires
Joey Jordison
José José
Richard Jose
Song(s):
Silver Threads Among the Gold (1904)
Louis Jourdan
Rock group formed in San Francisco, CA. Schon and Rolie had been in Santana together. In 1991, Rolie, Valory, and Smith were all members of The Storm in the ‘90s. Schon, Cain, and Castronovo formed the group Bad English in the early ‘90s; Schon and Castronovo then went on to work in Hardline together.
Active: 1973-86, 1996, 2001- Members: Neal Schon (g: 73-86, 96-), Gregg Rolie (v/k: 73-81), Ross Valory (b: 73-83, 96, 08-), Aynsley Dunbar (d: 73-79), George Tickner (g: 73-75), Steve Perry (v: 78-86, 96), Steve Smith (d: 79-83, 96), Jonathan Cain (k: 81-86, 96-), Randy Jackson (b: 86), Michael Baird (d: 86), Steve Augeri (v: 98-06), Deen Castronovo (d: 98-), Jeff Scott Soto (v: 06-07), Arnel Pineda (v: 07-)
Song(s):
Feeling That Way/Anytime (1978)
Don’t Stop Believin’ (1981)
Album(s):
Journey (1975)
Look into the Future (1976)
Next (1977)
Infinity (1978)
Evolution (1979)
Departure (1980)
Dream after Dream ST (1980)
Escape (1981)
Frontiers (1983)
Raised on Radio (1986)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1978-87)
Trial by Fire (1996)
Arrival (2001)
Generations (2005)
Revelation (2008)
Eclipse (2011)
The DMDB Blog:
Journey charts with Escape: August 8, 1981 (8/8/11)
Pioneer group in the post-punk era. Group evolved into the influential college rock/dance/electronica group New Order after frontman Ian Curtis committed suicide in May 1980.
Active: 1976-1980 Members: Ian Curtis (v), Bernard Sumner (g/k), Peter Hook (b), and Stephen Morris (d)
Song(s):
Transmission (1979)
Love Will Tear Us Apart (1980)
Album(s):
Unknown Pleasures (1979)
Closer (1980)
The DMDB Blog:
Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” Charts: June 28, 1980 (6/28/11)
Leonard Joy
Song(s):
I Wanna Be Loved by You (with Helen Kane, 1928)
Don Juans
Song(s):
I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire (Horace Heidt with Larry Cotton, Donna Wood, & Don Juans; 1941)
About: British heavy metal band.
Active: 1969- Members: Al Atkins (v: 69-73), Ernie Chataway (g: 69-70), K.K. Downing (g: 70-11), Bruno Stapenhill (b: 69-70), John Partridge (d: 69-70), John Ellis (d: 70-71), Ian Hill (b: 70-), Alan Moore (d: 71-72, 75-76), Chris Campbell (d: 72-73), Rob Halford (v: 73-92, 03-), John Hinch (d: 73-75), Glenn Tipton (g/k: 74-), Les Binks (d: 77-79), Dave Holland (d: 79-89), Scott Travis (d: 89-), Tim Ownes (v: 96-03), Richie Faulker (g: 11-)
Album(s):
Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
Stained Class (1978)
British Steel (1980)
Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
The Judds
Song(s):
Mama, He’s Crazy (1984)
Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days (1986)
Love Can Build a Bridge (1990)
The Juice Crew
Rap collective assembled by Marley Marl. Includes Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G. Rap, & Big Daddy Kane.
Song(s):
The Symphony (1988)
Gary Jules
Song(s):
Mad World (with Michael Andrews, 2003)
Bill Justis & His Orchestra
Song(s):
Raunchy (1957)
Click on a letter to choose a recording act (“S” for Bruce Springsteen, “B” for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards (see more here), short bios for select acts (generally taken or adapted from Joel Whitburn’s Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to all albums reviewed here at the DMDB.
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Last updated April 26, 2013. 
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Joy Division