January 6th: Born on this day

January 6th: Born on this day        Syd Barrett

1929, Born on this day, Wilbert Harrison, singer, 1959 US No.1 single 'Kansas City.' Wrote 'Let's Work Together' a hit for Canned Heat & Bryan Ferry.

1935, Born on this day, Nino Tempo, US singer, songwriter, Nino Tempo and April Stevens had the 1963 US No.1 'Deep Purple', a No.17 hit in the UK.

1944, Born on this day, Van McCoy, singer and producer, who had a 1975 US No.1 and UK No.3 single with 'The Hustle'. He also produced Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin. McCoy died on July 6th 1979 aged 38.

1946, Born on this day, Syd Barrett, guitarist, singer, songwriter with Pink Floyd. Barrett, who was a co-founding member, left Floyd in 1968. He released 2 solo albums before going into self-imposed seclusion for more than 30 years, enjoying life as an artist and a keen gardener. Pink Floyd wrote many tributes to him after he left, the best-known being Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Barrett died, aged 60, on 7th July 2006 from complications arising from diabetes.

1947, Born on this day, Sandy Denny, UK folk singer and member of Fairport Convention. She died on April 21st 1978 after falling down the stairs at a friend's house. She sang on the Fairport Convention 1969 UK No.21 single 'Si Tu Dois Partir' and also worked as a solo artist. She is featured on the Led Zeppelin track 'Battle Of Evermore' on the bands fourth album.

1953, Born on this day, Malcolm Young, guitar, AC/DC, (1980 UK No.36 single 'Whole Lotta Rosie'. 1980 UK No.1 & US No.14 album 'Back in Black' sold over 49 million copies).

1959, Born on this day, Kathy Sledge, singer, Sister Sledge, (1979 US No.2 single 'We Are Family', 1985 UK No.1 'Frankie').

1960, Born on this day, Muzz Skillings, bass, Living Colour, (1991 UK No.12 single 'Love Rears Its Ugly Head').

1964, Born on this day, Mark O'Toole, bass, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, (1984 UK No.1 & US No.10 single 'Relax' and six other UK Top 40 singles).

1986, Born on this day, Alex Turner, guitar, vocals, Arctic Monkeys, (2005, UK No.1 single 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor', 2006 UK No.1 album 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not').  listen to ‘This Day in Music Jan 6th’ on audioBoom