Music Makers Encyclopedia: J

Click on a letter to choose an act ("S" for Bruce Springsteen, "B" for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards, short bios for select acts (generally adapted from Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to albums and songs reviewed by the DMDB.

Jessie J

Song(s):
Price Tag (with B.o.B., 2011)
Bang Bang (with Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj, 2014)

Ja Rule

Rap singer born Jeffrey Bruce Atkins on 2/29/1976 in Queens, NY.

Song(s):
I’m Real (2001) – see Jennifer Lopez
Ain’t It Funny (2001) – see Jennifer Lopez
Foolish (2002) – see Ashanti

Terry Jacks

Song(s):
Seasons in the Sun (1974)

Jack’s Mannequin

Song(s):
The Mixed Tape (2005)

Al Jackson, Jr.

Rock drummer born 11/27/1935 in Memphis, TN. Died 10/1/1975. With Booker T. & the MG’s.

Alan Jackson

Country singer born 10/17/1958 in Newnan, GA.

Song(s):
I’d Love You All Over Again (1990)
Don’t Rock the Jukeox (1991)
Someday (1991)
Dallas (1991)
Love’s Got a Hold on You (1991)
She’s Got the Rhythm and I Got the Blues (1992)
Chattahoochee (1992)
Summertime Blues (1994)
Livin’ on Love (1994)
Gone Country (1994)
I Don’t Even Know Your Name (1994)
Tall Tall Trees (1995)
I’ll Try (1995)
Little Bitty (1996)
There Goes (1996)
Right on the Money (1999)
It Must Be Love (1999)
Murder on Music Row (2000) – see with George Strait
Where I Come From (2000)
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning (2001)
Drive (For Daddy Gene) (2002)
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (with Jimmy Buffett, 2003)
Remember When (2003)
Small Town Southern Man (2007)
Good Time (2008)
Country Boy (2008)
As She’s Walking Away (2010) – see Zac Brown Band

Album(s):
Don't Rock the Jukebox (1991)
A Lot About Livin' and a Little 'Bout Love (1992)
Greatest Hits Collection (compilation: 1989-95, released 1995)
Drive (2002)
Greatest Hits Vol. 2 and Some Other Stuff (compilation: 1996-2003, released 2003)
Very Best of (compilation: 1989-2003, released 2004)

Chuck Jackson

R&B singer born 7/22/1937 in Latta, SC. Known for songs like "Any Day Now" and "I Keep Forgettin’."

Song(s):
I Don’t Want to Cry (1961)
Any Day Now (1962)
Beg Me (1964)

Doris Kenner Jackson

R&B singer born Doris Coley on 8/2/1941 in Greensboro, NC. With The Shirelles.

Freddie Jackson

R&B singer born 10/2/1956 in Harlem, NY.

Song(s):
Rock Me Tonight (For Old Time’s Sake) (1985)
Nice N Slow (1988)

Hal Jackson

Radio personality born 11/3/1915 in Charleston, SC. Died 5/23/2012. Broke a number of color barriers in American radio broadcasting.

Jackie Jackson

R&B singer born 5/4/1951 in Gary, Indiana. With The Jackson 5 (1966-76) and The Jacksons (1976-89).

Janet Jackson

R&B/pop singer born 5/16/1966 in Gary, IN. 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)
Control (1986)
Miss You Much (1989)
Rhythm Nation (1989)
Escapade (1989)
Love Will Never Do without You (1989)
That’s the Way Love Goes (1993)
Again (1993)
Scream (with Michael Jackson, 1995)
Together Again (1997)
All for You (2001)

Album(s):
Control (1986)
Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
janet. (1993)
Design of a Decade 1986/1996 (compilation: 1986-95, released 1995)

Jermaine Jackson

R&B/pop singer/songwriter and bassist born 12/11/1954 in Gary, Indiana. With The Jackson 5 (1966-76) and The Jacksons (1984-89). Also a solo artist ("Daddy’s Home," "Let’s Get Serious"). Older brother of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

Joe Jackson

Song(s):
Is She Really Going Out with Him? (1979)
It’s Different for Girls (1980)
Steppin’ Out (1982)

Album(s):
Look Sharp! (1979)

Joseph Jackson

Father and music manager for the Jackson 5. Born 7/26/1928 in Fountain Hill, Arkansas. Died 6/27/2018.

Mahalia Jackson

Gospel singer born 10/26/1911 in New Orleans, LA. Died 1/27/1972. Known as "The Queen of Gospel Music," she became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world.

Song(s):
Amazing Grace (1947)
Move on Up a Little Higher (1948)
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (1951)
Take My Hand, Precious Lord (1956)
Come Sunday (with Duke Ellington, 1958)

Marlon Jackson

R&B singer born 3/12/1957 in Gary, Indiana. With The Jackson 5 (1966-76) and The Jacksons (1976-87). Also worked solo.

Michael Jackson

Links: DMDB profile page - official site - Facebook

R&B/pop singer/songwriter and dancer born 8/29/1958 in Gary, Indiana. Died 6/25/2009. The 7th of 9 children, he was born into one of history's most musical families. Achieved fame at 11 years old with his brothers in the Jackson 5 (69-76); the group later became The Jacksons (76-84). Launched a solo career (72-09) while simultaneously working in The Jackson 5.

His 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, became the best-selling album in history; it was the first album to score 7 top 10 hits, fueled in part by breaking down the racial barrier on MTV with some of the most iconic videos of all time. His 1987 Bad album was the 1st to score 5 #1 songs.

DMDB Podcast: Michael Jackson’s Thriller: The 40th Anniversary

Song(s):
Michael Jackson: Top 50 Songs
Ben (1972)
Rockin’ Robin (1972)
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (1979)
Rock with You (1979)
The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney, 1982)
Billie Jean (1982)
Beat It (1982)
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (1982)
Human Nature (1982)
Thriller (1982)
Say, Say, Say (1983) – see Paul McCartney
Somebody’s Watching Me (1984) – see Rockwell
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett, 1987)
Bad (1987)
The Way You Make Me Feel (1987)
Man in the Mirror (1987)
Dirty Diana (1987)
Smooth Criminal (1987)
Black or White (1991)
Remember the Time (1992)
Scream (with Janet Jackson, 1995)
You Are Not Alone (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 (compilation: 1978-2003, released 2003)
The Ultimate Collection (box: 1969-2004, released 2004)
The Essential (compilation, 2005)
Thriller: 25th Anniversary Reissue (2008)
Michael (archives: 2010)

The DMDB Blog/Facebook Note(s):
Michael Jackson: Icon or Ick? (7/6/09)

Pervis Jackson

R&B bass singer with The Spinners (1954-2008). Born 5/17/1938 in New Orleans, LA. Died 8/18/2008.

Python Lee Jackson

Song(s):
In a Broken Dream (1972)

Tito Jackson

R&B singer born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on 10/15/1953 in Gary, Indiana. With The Jackson 5 (1966-76) and The Jacksons (1976-89).

Wanda Jackson

Rockabilly singer and guitarist born 10/20/1937 in Maud, OK. Known as "The Queen of Rockabilly."

Song(s):
I Gotta Know (1956)
Fujiyama Mama (1957)
Let’s Have a Party (1960)

The Jackson 5/The Jacksons

R&B group of brothers from Gary, Indiana. Formed and managed by their father. Jackie (Jackson 5: 66-76; The Jacksons: 76-89), Tito (Jackson 5: 66-76; The Jacksons: 76-89), Jermaine (Jackson 5: 66-76, The Jacksons: 84-89), Marlon (Jackson 5: 66-76; The Jacksons: 76-87), Michael (Jackson 5: 66-76, The Jacksons: 76-84), Randy (The Jacksons: 76-89). Sisters Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet backed the group; each had solo hits.

Song(s):
I Want You Back (The Jackson 5, 1969)
ABC (The Jackson 5, 1970)
The Love You Save (The Jackson 5, 1970)
I’ll Be There (The Jackson 5, 1970)
Shake Your Body Down to the Ground (The Jacksons, 1978)
State of Shock (with Mick Jagger, 1984)

Album(s):
ABC (1970)
Victory (1984)

The DMDB Blog:
The Jacksons Kick Off Their Victory Tour: July 6, 1984 (7/6/11)

Carrie Jacobs Bond

Little Walter Jacobs

Song(s):
Juke (& His Night Cats, 1952)
My Babe (1955)

Album(s):
His Best (1964)
Boss Blues Harmonica (year?)

Stanley Jacobsen

Song(s):
Don't Blame Me (1933) – see Charles Agnew

Illinois Jacquet

American jazz/big band leader and saxophonist born 10/31/1922. Died 7/22/2004.

Jade

Song(s):
Don't Walk Away (1992)

Samantha Jade

Song(s):
What You’ve Done to Me (2012)

Rami Jaffee

Rock keyboardist born 3/11/1969 in Los Angeles, CA. With Foo Fighters (2017-).

Jagged Edge

Song(s):
Let’s Get Married (2000)

Mick Jagger

Rock singer/songwriter born Michael Philip Jagger on 7/26/1943 in Dartford, Kent, England. With the the Rolling Stones (63-).

Song(s):
State of Shock (1984) – see The Jacksons
Dancing in the Street (1985) – see David Bowie

The Jaguars

Song(s):
The Way You Look Tonight (1956)

The Jam

Song(s):
In the City (1977)
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)
Sound Affects (1980)

Nicky Jam

Song(s):
El Perdon (Forgiveness) (with Enrique Iglesias, 2015)
Hasta El Amanecer (2016)
El Amante (2017)
Te Boté (2017) – see Casper Magico
X (with J. Balvin, 2018)

Ahmad Jamal

Jazz pianist born Frederick Russell Jones on 7/2/1930 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jamelia

Song(s):
Superstar (2003)

James Jamerson

R&B bassist born 1/29/1936 in Edisto, SC. Died 8/2/1983. With the session group the Funk Brothers.

James

Song(s):
Sit Down (1991)
Laid (1993)

Elmore James

Blues guitarist and singer born Elmore Brooks on 1/27/1918 in Richland, Mississippi. Died 5/24/1963.

Song(s):
I Believe I'll Dust My Broom (1952)
The Sky Is Crying (1960)
Shake Your Money Maker (1961)
One Way Out (1961)
It Hurts Me Too (1965)

Album(s):
The Original Flair & Meteor Sides (year?)
The Sky Is Crying: The History of… (compilation: 1951-63, released 1993)

Etta James

R&B/blues singer born Jamesetta Hawkins on 1/25/1938 in Los Angeles, CA. Died 1/20/2012.

Song(s):
The Wallflower (Roll with Me Henry) (with the Peaches, 1955)
At Last (1960)
Tell Mama (1967)
I’d Rather Go Blind (1968)

Album(s):
At Last (1961)
Tell Mama (1968)

The DMDB Blog:
Etta James 1938-2012 (1/20/12)

Harry James

Jazz/big band leader and trumpeter born 3/15/1916 in Albany, GA. Died 7/5/1983. 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):
All or Nothing at All (with Frank Sinatra, 1939)
You Made Me Love You, I Didn't Want to Do It (1941)
I’ll Get By As Long As I Have You (with Dick Haymes, 1941)
I Don’t Want to Walk Without You (1942)
Sleepy Lagoon (1942)
One Dozen Roses (with Jimmy Saunders, 1942)
I Had the Craziest Dream (with Helen Forrest, 1942)
Skylark (1942)
I’ve Heard That Song Before (with Helen Forrest, 1943)
I’m Beginning to See the Light (with Kitty Kallen, 1945)
It’s Been a Long, Long Time (with Kitty Kallen, 1945)
Stella by Starlight (1947)

Album(s):
Trumpet Blues and Cantabile (1942)
Young Man with a Horn (soundtrack with Doris Day, 1950)

Joni James

Traditional pop singer born Giovanna Carmella Babbo on 9/22/1930 in Chicago, IL.

Song(s):
Why Don't You Believe Me (1952)

Lewis James

Tenor singer born 7/29/1892 in Dexter, Michigan. Died 2/19/1959.

Song(s):
Till We Meet Again (1919) – see Charles Hart
Let the Rest of the World Go By (with Charles Hart, 1920)
I Love You (1923)
Just a Girl That Men Forget (1924)
Linger Awhile (with Marcia Freer, 1924)
What’ll I Do? (1924)
All Alone (1925)
Always (1926)
Dancing with Tears in My Eyes (1930) – see Nat Shilkret

Mark James

Rick James

R&B singer and bassist born James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. on 2/1/1948 in Buffalo, NY. Died 8/6/2004.

Song(s):
Super Freak (1981)
Give It to Me Baby (1981)

Album(s):
Street Songs (1981)

Skip James

Blues singer and guitarist born Nehemiah Curtis James on 6/21/1902 in Bentonia, Mississippi. Died 10/3/1969.

Song(s):
Devil Got My Woman (1931)
I’m So Glad (1931)
Hard Time Killiin’ Floor (1931)

Album(s):
The Complete Early Recordings (compilation: 1930-31, released 1994)
The Complete 1931 Session (1931)

Sonny James

Country singer/songwriter born James Hugh Loden on 5/21/1929 in Hackleburg, AL. Died 2/22/2016.

Song(s):
Young Love (1956)
You’re the Only World I Know (1964)
Behind the Tear (1965)
Take Good Care of Her (1966)
Need You (1967)
I’ll Never Find Another You (1967)
It’s the Little Things (1967)
A World of Our Own (1968)
Heaven Says Hello (1968)
Born to Be with You (1968)
Only the Lonely (1969)
Running Bear (1969)
Since I Met You Baby (1969)
It’s Just a Matter of Time (1970)
My Love (1970)
Don’t Keep Me Hangin’ On (1970)
Endlessly (1970)
Empty Arms (1971)
Bright Lights, Big City (1971)
Here Comes Honey Again (1971)
That’s Why I Love You Like I Do (1972)
When the Snow Is on the Roses (1972)
Is It Wrong for Loving You (1974)

Tommy James (& the Shondells)

Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born Thomas Gregory Jackson on 4/29/1947 in Dayton, OH.

Song(s):
Hanky Panky (1966)
Crimson and Clover (1968)
Mony Mony (1968)
Crystal Blue Persuasion (1969)

James Gang

Rock group formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1966. Members included Jimmy Fox (d/k/backing vocals: 66-77 ), Dale Peters (b/percussion/backing vocals: 69-77 ), Joe Walsh (v/g/k: 68-71 )

Song(s):
Funk #49 (1970)

Jamiroquai

Song(s):
Virtual Insanity (1997)

Album(s):
Travelling without Moving (1996)

Jam Master Jay

Rapper born Jason Mizell on 1/21/1965 in Brooklyn, NY. With Run-D.M.C..

Jan & Dean

Song(s):
Baby Talk (1959)
Surf City (1963)
Schlock Rod (1963)
Honolulu City (1963)
Linda (1963)
Dead Man’s Curve (1964)
The Little Old Lady from Pasadena (1964)

Jane's Addiction

Song(s):
Jane Says (1988)
Mountain Song (1988)
Been Caught Stealing (1990)

Album(s):
Nothing's Shocking (1988)
Ritual de lo Habitual (1990)

Japan

Song(s):
Ghosts (1981)

Al Jardine

Rhythm guitarist and sometime singer ("Help Me Rhonda") with the Beach Boys (1961-). Born Alan Charles Jardine on 9/3/1942 in Lima, Ohio.

El Jarocho

Song(s):
La Bamba (1939)

Maurice Jarre

Song(s):
Theme from Lawrence of Arabia (1963)

Album(s):
Doctor Zhivago (soundtrack: 1966)

Jean Michel Jarre

Song(s):
Oxygène Part IV (1976)

Al Jarreau

R&B/jazz singer born 3/12/1940 in Milwaukee, WI. Died 2/12/2017.

Song(s):
Mornin’ (1983)
Moonlighting (1987)

Keith Jarrett

Jazz pianist and film composer born 5/8/1945 in Allentown, PA.

Album(s):
The Köln Concert (live, 1975)

Jars of Clay

Song(s):
Flood (1996)

Chris Jasper

R&B singer/songwriter born on 12/30/1951 in Cincinnati, OH. Member of the Isley Brothers.

Jawsh 685

Song(s):
Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat) (with Jason Derulo, 2020)

Jay & the Americans

Song(s):
Only in America (1963)
Come a Little Bit Closer (1964)
Let’s Lock the Door and Throw Away the Key (1964)
Cara Mia (1965)
This Magic Moment (1968)

The Jayhawks

Song(s):
Blue (1995)

The Jaynetts

Song(s):
Sally Go 'Round the Roses (1963)

Jay-Z

Rap singer and record executive (Roc-A-Fella) born Shawn Corey Carter on 12/4/1969 in Brooklyn, NY. Married R&B/pop singer Beyoncé Knowles.

Song(s):
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (1998)
Beware of the Boys (Mundian To Bach Ke) (1998) – see Panjabi MC
Big Pimpin' (with UGK, 2000)
Izzo (H.O.V.A.) (2001)
Crazy in Love (2003) – see Beyoncé
99 Problems (2004)
Umbrella (2007) – see Rihanna
Roc Boys (And the Winner Is…) (2007)
Swagga Like Us (with Kanye West & Lil Wayne, 2008)
Empire State of Mind (with Alicia Keys, 2009)
Run This Town (with Rihanna & Kanye West, 2009)
DOA (Death of Auto-Tune) (2009)
On to the Next One (with Swizz Beatz, 2009)
Niggas in Paris (with Kanye West, 2011)
Otis (with Kanye West, 2011)
Drunk in Love (2013) – see Beyoncé
Apeshit (with Beyoncé as The Carters, 2018)

Album(s):
Reasonable Doubt (1996)
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)
Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life (1998)
The Blueprint (2001)
The Black Album (2003)
The Blueprint 3 (2009)
Watch the Throne (with Kanye West, 2011)
4:44 (2017)
Everything Is Love (with Beyoncé as The Carters, 2018)

Wyclef Jean

Hip-hop singer born Nel Ust Wycelf Jean on 10/17/1969 in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. With the Fugees and a solo artist.

Song(s):
Gone ‘Til November (1997)
Hips Don’t Lie (2006) – see Shakira

Blind Lemon Jefferson

Blues singer and guitarist born Lemon Harry Jefferson on 9/24/1893 in Couchman, TX. Died 12/19/1929. 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):
Matchbox Blues (1927)
Black Snake Moan (1927)

Album(s):
King of the Country Blues (compilation: 1926-29, released 1990)

Jefferson Airplane

Rock group from San Francisco, CA. Active: 1965-1973, 1989. Marty Balin (v/g: 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 – John Mellencamp; Jefferson Airplane: 89). 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.

Song(s):
Somebody to Love (1967)
White Rabbit (1967)
Volunteers (1969)
We Can Be Together (1969)

Album(s):
Surrealistic Pillow (1967)
After Bathing at Baxter's (1967)
Crown of Creation (1968)

Jefferson Starship

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; 91-01) 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/g: 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)

Song(s):
Miracles (1975)

Garland Jeffries

Song(s):
Wild in the Streets (1977)

Herb Jeffries

Jem

Song(s):
24 (2003)

Jerry "Fingers" Jemmott

Ella Jenkins

Album(s):
You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song (1966)

Gordon Jenkins

American arranger, composer, and pianist born 5/12/1910. Died 5/1/1984.

Song(s):
Mam’selle (1947) – see Dick Haymes
I Can Dream, Can't I? (1949) – see Andrews Sisters
Don’t Cry Joe (Let Her Go, Let Her Go, Let Her Go) (with Betty Brewer, 1949)
I Wanna Be Loved (1950) – see Andrews Sisters
My Foolish Heart (with Eileen Wilson, 1950)
Goodnight Irene (1950) – see The Weavers
Bewitched, Bothered, & Bewildered (with Mary Lou Williams, 1950)

Album(s):
Manhattan Tower (1956)

Waylon Jennings

Country singer born 6/15/1937 in Littlefield, TX. Died 2/13/2002.

Song(s):
This Time (1974)
I’m a Ramblin’ Man (1974)
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way (1975)
Good Hearted Woman (with Willie Nelson, 1975)
Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) (1977)
The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want to Get Over You) (1977)
Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys (with Willie Nelson, 1978)
I’ve Always Been Crazy (1978)
Amanda (1979)
Come with Me (1979)
I Ain’t Living Long Like This (1979)
Just the Good Ol' Boys (Theme from ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’) (1980)
Just to Satisfy You (with Willie Nelson, 1982)
Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will) (1983)
Highwayman (1985) – see The Highwaymen
Rose in Paradise (1987)

Album(s):
Honky Tonk Heroes (1973)
Wanted! The Outlaws (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, and Jessi Colter; 1976)
Greatest Hits (1979)

Will Jennings

Carly Rae Jepsen

Song(s):
Call Me Maybe (2011)
Good Time (2012) – see Owl City

The Jesters

Song(s):
It’s a Great Day for the Irish (1941)

The Jesus and Mary Chain

Song(s):
Just Like Honey (1985)

Album(s):
Psychocandy (1985)

Jesus Jones

Song(s):
The Devil You Know (1993)

Jet

Song(s):
Are You Gonna Be My Girl? (2003)
Look What You've Done (2003)
Cold Hard Bitch (2003)

Album(s):
Get Born (2003)

Jethro Tull

Song(s):
Aqualung (1971)
Locomotive Breath (1971)

Album(s):
Stand Up (1969)
Aqualung (1971)
Thick As a Brick (1972)

Joan Jett (& The Blackhearts)

Rock singer and guitarist born Joan Marie Larkin on 9/22/1960 in Wynnewood, PA. Started in the Runaways (75-79) and then fronted her own band, the Blackhearts (80-), as well as recording solo. Blackhearts' members included Ricky Byrd (g: 81-91), Gary Ryan (b: 79-86), Lee Crystal (d: 80-87), Kasim Sulton (b – Utopia; Blackhearts: 87-), Thommy Price (d: 87-).

Song(s):
Bad Reputation (1980)
I Love Rock and Roll (1981)
Crimson and Clover (1982)
The French Song (1983)
Kiss on the Lips (2004)

Jewel

Pop singer/songwriter born Jewel Kilcher on 5/23/1974 in Payson, UT.

Song(s):
You Were Meant for Me (1995)
Foolish Games (1995)
Who Will Save Your Soul? (1995)
Hands (1998)

Album(s):
Pieces of You (1995)

The Jewels

Song(s):
Hearts of Stone (1954)

Flaco Jiménez

Brother of Santiago Jiménez, Jr.

Album(s):
Partners (1992)

Santiago Jiménez, Jr.

Tex-Mex/folk musician born 4/8/1944 in San Antonio, TX. Brother of Flaco Jiménez.

Jimin

Song(s):
Like Crazy (2023)

Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Jam

R&B songwriter born James Samuel Harris III on 6/6/1959 in Minneapolis, MN.

Song(s) written by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis:
Top 50 Songs

Jive Bunny & the Mastermixers

Song(s):
Swing the Mood (1989)

The Jive Five

Song(s):
My True Story (1961)
What Time is It (1962)
Hully Gully Callin’ Time (1962)

JLS

Song(s):
Beat Again (2009)

Antonio Carlos Jobim

Jazz songwriter born Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim on 1/25/1927 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Died 12/8/1994.

Album(s):
Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim (1967) – see Frank Sinatra

Steve Jobs

Eddie Jobson

Art-rock keyboardist born 4/28/1955 in Billingham, England. With Curved Air, Roxy Music (1973-76, 2019), Frank Zappa (1976-77), U.K. (1977-78), Jethro Tull (1980-81).

Jodeci

Song(s):
Come and Talk to Me (1991)
Lately (live, 1993)

Album(s):
Forever My Lady (1991)

Joe Public

Song(s):
Live and Learn (1992)

Billy Joel

DMDB profile page

Pop/rock singer/songwriter and pianist born William Martin Joel on 5/9/1949 in Long Island, NY. Played piano on the Shangri-Las' "Leader of the Pack." With the Echoes – later the Emeralds and then the Lost Souls (64-67), the Hassles (67-69), Attila (69-70). Signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist in 1973.

Song(s):
Billy Joel: Top 50 Songs
Piano Man (1974)
Just the Way You Are (1977)
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) (1977)
Only the Good Die Young (1977)
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant (1977)
The Stranger (1977)
My Life (1978)
Until the Night (1978)
You May Be Right (1980)
It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me (1980)
Goodnight Saigon (1982)
Tell Her About It (1983)
Uptown Girl (1983)
The Longest Time (1984)
A Matter of Trust (1986)
Baby Grand (with Ray Charles, 1986)
Why Should I Worry? (from Oliver & Company, 1988)
We Didn’t Start the Fire (1989)
And So It Goes (1989)
Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) (1993)
The River of Dreams (1993)

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 and Volume II (compilation: 1973-85, released 1985)
The Bridge (1986)
Storm Front (1989)
River of Dreams (1993)
The Ultimate Collection (compilation: 1973-93, 2000)
Piano Man: The Very Best of (compilation: 1973-93, released 2004)
The Hits (compilation: 1971-93, released 2010)
Greatest Hits Volume III (compilation: 1983-97, released 1997)
The Essential (compilation: 1973-2001, released 2001)

Jaimoe Johanson

Rock drummer born John Lee Johnson on 7/8/1944 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. With the Allman Brothers Band (1969-76, 1989-).

Elton John

DMDB profile page

DMDB podcast: Elton John’s Top 20 Hits

Pop/rock singer/songwriter and pianist born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 3/25/1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. At age 7, he started formal piano lessons. At 11, he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. He joined his first group, Bluesology, in 1962. He took his name from members Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. Teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1967; they've since collaborated on more than 30 albums. Formed Rocket Records in 1973. Played the "Pinball Wizard" in the movie version of Tommy. Elton was the #1 pop artist of the '70s; in 2013, Billboard ranked him the third all-time Hot 100 artist behind The Beatles and Madonna.

Song(s):
Elton John: Top 100 Songs
Your Song (1970)
Levon (1971)
Tiny Dancer (1971)
Madman Across the Water (1971)
Rocket Man (I Think It’s Gonna Be a Long Time) (1972)
Crocodile Rock (1972)
Honky Cat (1972)
Daniel (1973)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Bennie and the Jets (1973)
Candle in the Wind (1973)
Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (1973)
Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (1973)
Step into Christmas (1973)
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (1974)
The Bitch Is Back (1974)
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (1974)
Philadelphia Freedom (1975)
Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975)
Island Girl (1975)
Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee, 1976)
Song for Guy (1978)
Little Jeannie (1980)
Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) (1982)
I’m Still Standing (1983)
I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (1983)
Sad Songs Say So Much (1984)
Nikita (1985)
That's What Friends Are For (1985) – see Dionne Warwick
I Don’t Wanna Go on with You Like That (1988)
Healing Hands (1989)
Sacrifice (1989)
You Gotta Love Someone (1990)
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (live, 1991) – see George Michael
The One (1992)
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (from The Lion King, 1994)
Circle of Life (from The Lion King, 1994)
I Just Can't Wait to Be King (from The Lion King, 1994)
Believe (1995)
Candle in the Wind 1997 (Goodbye England's Rose) (1997)
Something About the Way You Look Tonight (1997)
Written in the Stars (from Aida, 1999)
Ghetto Gospel (2004) – see Tupac Shakur
I’m Gonna Love Me Again (with Taron Egerton, 2019)
Cold Heart (Pnau Remix) (with Dua Lipa, 2021)
Hold Me Closer (with Britney Spears, 2022)

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, released 1974)
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
Rock of the Westies (1975)
Greatest Hits Volume II (compilation, 1971-76, released 1977)
Greatest Hits Volume III (compilation: 1979-86, released 1987)
Greatest Hits 1976-1986 (compilation: 1976-86, released 1992)
To Be Continued (box: 1965-90, released 1990)
Very Best of (compilation: 1970-90)
The Lion King (composed with Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer, soundtrack: 1994, musical: 1997)
Aida (composed with Tim Rice, musical: 1999)
Greatest Hits 1970-2002 (compilation: 1970-2002)
Billy Elliot: The Musical (composed with Lee Hall, musical: 2005)
Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits (compilation: 1970-2007)
Diamonds (compilation: 1969-2016, released 2017)

Little Willie John

Singer born William Edward John on 11/15/1937 in Cullendale, AR.

Song(s):
All Around the World (1955)
Fever (1956)
Need Your Love So Bad (1956)
There Is Someone in This World for Me (1958)
Let Them Talk (1960)
She Thinks I Still Care (1962)

Mable John

Robert John

Song(s):
Sad Eyes (1979)

Johnnie & Jack

Song(s):
Poison Love (1950)
Oh Baby Mine, I Get So Lonely (1954)

Johnny & the Hurricanes

Song(s):
Crossfire (1959)
Beatnik Fly (1960)

Glyn Johns

Engineer and producer born 2/15/1942 in Epsom, Surrey, England. Worked with the Rolling Stones, The Who, The Faces, Traffic, the Steve Miller Band, The Band, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, The Clash, Jimmy Page, John Hiatt, and David Crosby.

Albums produced by Johns:
Get Yer Ya Ya's Out (live, 1969) – see the Rolling Stones
Who's Next (1971) – see The Who
Quadrophenia (1973) – see The Who
Desperado (1973) – see Eagles
Slowhand (1977) – see Eric Clapton

Billy Johnson

R&B guitarist born 8/20/1924 in Hartford, CT. With The Moonglows.

Blind Willie Johnson

Blues guitarist born 1/22/1897 in Pendleton, TX. Died 9/18/1945. Worked with Howlin' Wolf.

Song(s):
Motherless Children (1927)
Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground (1927)
John the Revelator (1930)
The Soul of a Man (1931)

Album(s):
Praise God I'm Satisfied (compilation: 1927-30, released 1977)

Brian Johnson

English rock singer born 10/5/1948. With AC/DC since 1980.

Budd Johnson

Cody Johnson

Song(s):
Til You Can’t (2021)

Eldridge Johnson

Ella Johnson

Eric Johnson

George Washington Johnson

Song(s):
The Whistling Coon (1891)
The Laughing Song (1898)

Howard Johnson

Jack Johnson

Song(s):
Flake (2001)
Good People (2005)
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing (2005)
Upside Down (2006)
If I Had Eyes (2007)
Sleep Through the Static (2008)
You and Your Heart (2010)
Don't Let Me Down (2020) – see Milky Chance

Album(s):
In Between Dreams (2005)
Sleep Through the Static (2008)
To the Sea (2010)

James P. Johnson

Jazz songwriter and pianist born James Price Johnson on 2/1/1894 in New Brunswick, NJ. Died 11/17/1955.

Song(s):
Harlem Strut (1921)
Carolina Shout (1922)

James W. Johnson

Jimmy Johnson

Johnnie Johnson

R&B pianist born Johnnie Clyde Johnson on 7/8/1924 in Fairmont, WV. Died 4/13/2005.

Lonnie Johnson

Blues guitarist born Alonzo Johnson on 2/8/1899 in New Orleans, LA. Died 6/16/1970.

Song(s):
Careless Love Blues (1928)

Louis Johnson

Ralph Johnson

R&B singer born 7/4/1951 in Los Angeles, CA. With Earth, Wind & Fire.

Robert Johnson

Blues singer and guitarist ("I'm a Steady Rollin' Man," "Dust My Broom") born 5/8/1911 in Hazlehurst, MS. Died 8/16/1938, reportedly from strychnine poisoning. Influenced electric bluesmen Elmore James, Robert Nighthawk, Johnny Shines, Muddy Waters, and others.

Song(s):
Cross Road Blues (aka "Crossroads") (1936)
Sweet Home Chicago (1936)
I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom (1936)
Terraplane Blues (1936)
Hell Hound on My Trail (1937)
A Love in Vain (1937)
Come on in My Kitchen (1937)
Me and the Devil Blues (1937)
Stop Breakin’ Down (1937)
Travelling Riverside Blues (1937)

Album(s):
The King of the Delta Blues Singers Vol. 1 (recorded 1936-37, released 1961)
The King of the Delta Blues Singers Vol. 2 (recorded 1936-37, released 1970)
The Complete Recordings (recorded 1936-37, released 1990)

The DMDB Blog:
The Final Recordings of Robert Johnson: June 20, 1937 (6/20/2011)

Terry Johnson

R&B singer born 11/12/1938 in Baltimore, MD. With The Flamingos.

Tommy Johnson

Blues musician born in 1896 in Terry, MI. Died 11/1/1956.

Song(s):
Big Road Blues (1928)
Cool Drink of Water Blues (1928)
Canned Heat Blues (1928)

Willie Johnson

Arthur Johnston

Tom Johnston

Rock guitarist and singer born 4/15/1948 in Visalia, CA. With Doobie Brothers (1970-77, 1987-).

Joji

Song(s):
Slow Dancing in the Dark (2018)
Glimpse of Us (2022)

JoJo

Song(s):
Leave (Get Out) (2004)

Jo Jo Gunne

Song(s):
Run Run Run (1972)

Al Jolson

Jazz singer born Asa Yoelson on 3/26/1886 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Died 10/23/1950. 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 (with Walter B Rogers' Orchestra, 1912)
Ragging the Baby to Sleep (with Walter B. Rogers' Orchestra, 1912)
The Spaniard That Blighted My Life (with Walter B. Rogers' Orchestra, 1913)
You Made Me Love You, I Didn't Want to Do It (1913)
I Sent My Wife to the Thousand Isles (1916)
Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula (1916)
I’m All Bound Round with the Mason Dixon Line (with Charles Prince's Orchestra, 1918)
Hello Central, Give Me No Man's Land (with Charles Prince's Orchestra, 1918)
Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody (1918)
I'll Say She Does (with Charles Prince's Orchestra, 1919)
I’ve Got My Captain Working for Me Now (1919)
Swanee (1920)
Avalon (with Charles Prince's Orchestra, 1920)
O-H-I-O (O-My!-O!) (1921)
April Showers (1922)
Yoo-Hoo (1922)
Angel Child (with Charles Prince's Orchestra, 1922)
Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goo'bye) (1922)
California Here I Come (with Isham Jones' Orchestra, 1924)
I Wonder What’s Become of Sally? (with Carl Fenton’s Orchestra, 1924)
All Alone (1925)
Remember (1925)
I’m Sitting on Top of the World (1926)
When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along (1926)
I’d Climb the Highest Mountain if I Knew I’d Find You (1926)
Sonny Boy (1928)
My Mammy (1928)
There’s a Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder (1928)
Little Pal (1929)
Just a Little Street Where Old Friends Meet (with Frank Hazzard, 1932)
The Anniversary Song (1947)
When You Were Sweet Sixteen (1947)

Album(s):
Songs He Made Famous (soundtrack: 1946)
Souvenir Album (1947)
Volume Three (1948)
Best of (compilation: 1913-1949, released 1997)

Nick Jonas

Jonas Brothers

Sucker (2019)

Ada Jones

Singer born 6/1/1873 in Lancashire, England. Died 5/2/1922. Her family movied to Philadelphia when she was 6. She was one of the earliest female singers to be recorded. She made her first recordings in 1893 on wax cylinders for Edison Records. She frequently sang with Billy Murray.

Song(s):
Keep a Cosey Little Corner in Your Heart for Me (1905)
Waiting at the Church (My Wife Won't Let Me) (1906)
Peaches and Cream (1906) – see Len Spencer
Let's Take an Old-Fashioned Walk (with Billy Murray, 1907)
I Just Can't Make My Eyes Behave (1907)
Poor John! (1907)
Cuddle Up a Little Closer, Lovey Mine (with Billy Murray, 1908)
When We Are M-A-R-R-I-E-D (with Billy Murray, 1908)
Wouldn't You Like to Have Me for a Sweetheart? (with Billy Murray, 1908)
Shine on, Harvest Moon (with Billy Murray, 1909)
The Yama Yama Man (with the Victor Light Orchestra Co., 1909)
I've Got Rings on My Fingers (1909)
My Pony Boy (1909)
Call Me Up Some Rainy Afternoon (with the American Quartet, 1910)
Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly? (1910)
Any Little Girl That's a Nice Little Girl Is the Right Little Girl for Me (1910)
Come, Josephine, in My Flying Machine (with Billy Murray & the American Quartet, 1911)
Be My Little Baby Bumble Bee (with Billy Murray, 1912)
Row! Row! Row! (1913)
By the Beautiful Sea (with Billy Watkins, 1914)

Allan Jones

Billy Jones

Song(s):
Peggy O’Neil (as Victor Roberts, 1921)
Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Shean (1922) – see Ernest Hare
Yes! We Have No Bananas (1923)
Barney Google (1923) – see Ernest Hare
That Old Gang of Mine (1923) – see Ernest Hare
Hinky Dinky Parlay Voo (Mademoiselle from Armentieres) (1924) – see Ernest Hare
If You Knew Susie Like I Knew Susie (1925) – see Ernest Hare

Booker T. Jones

American keyboardist born 11/12/1944. Helmed Booker T. & the MG’s. 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.

Brian Jones

Rock guitarist born Lewis Brian Hopkins-Jones in Cheltenham, England on 2/28/42. Died 7/3/69. With Blues Incorporated (1962) and the Rolling Stones (1962-69).

Dub Jones

R&B/doo-wop bass singer born Will Jones on 5/14/1928 in Shreveport, LA. Died 1/16/2000. With The Coasters (1958-67).

Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones

Song(s):
The Things That I Used to Do (1952)

Elvin Jones

Jazz drummer with John Coltrane.

Etta Jones

Album(s):
Don't Go to Strangers (1960)

George Jones

Country singer/songwriter and guitarist born 9/12/1931 in Saratoga, TX. Died 4/26/2013. 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):
George Jones: Top 50 Songs
White Lightning (1959)
Tender Years (1961)
She Thinks I Still Care (1962)
Walk Through This World with Me (1967)
A Good Year for the Roses (1970)
We’re Gonna Hold On (with Tammy Wynette, 1973)
The Grand Tour (1974)
The Door (1974)
Golden Ring (with Tammy Wynette, 1976)
Near You (with Tammy Wynette, 1976)
He Stopped Loving Her Today (1980)
Still Doin’ Time (1981)
Yesterday’s Wine (1982) – see Merle Haggard
I Always Get Lucky with You (1983)

Album(s):
I Am What I Am (1980)

Grace Jones

Song(s):
Pull Up to the Bumper (1981)

Album(s):
Nightclubbing (1981)

Grandpa Jones

Song(s):
Get Things Ready for Me, Ma (1946)

Hank Jones

Jazz pianist born Henry Jones, Jr. on 7/31/1918 in the Bronx, NY. Died 5/16/2010.

Howard Jones

Song(s):
No One Is to Blame (1985)

Isham Jones

Jazz/big band leader, tenor saxophonist, and songwriter born 1/31/1894 in Coalton, OH. Died 10/19/1956. 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)
My Mammy (1921)
On the Alamo (1922)
The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise (1922)
Swingin’ Down the Lane (1923)
Who’s Sorry Now? (1923)
Spain (1924)
It Had to Be You (1924)
California Here I Come (1924) – see Al Jolson
I'll See You in My Dreams (with Ray Miller & Frank Bessinger, 1925)
Remember (1925)
Stardust (1930)

Jack Jones

Adult contemporary singer born John Allan Jones on 1/14/1938 in Hollywood, CA.

Song(s):
The Impossible Dream (from Man of La Mancha, 1966)
Love Boat Theme (1980) ec

John Paul Jones

Rock bassist/keyboard born John Richard Baldwin on 1/3/1946 in Sidcup, Greater London, England. With Led Zeppelin.

Kenney Jones

Rock drummer born 9/16/1948 in London, England. With The Small Faces (1965-69, 1975-78, The Faces (1969-75), and The Who.

Mick Jones

Rock guitarist and songwriter with the The Clash. Born Michael Geoffrey Jones on 6/26/1955 in Wandsworth, London, England.

Mick Jones

Rock musician and songwriter with Foreigner. Also produced others' albums, including Billy Joel's Storm Front and Van Halen’s 5150.

Norah Jones

Adult contemporary/light jazz singer and pianist born Geetali Norah Shankar on 3/30/1979 in Brooklyn, NY. Daughter of Indian musician Ravi Shankar.

Song(s):
Don't Know Why (2002)
Come Away with Me (2002)
Here We Go Again (2004) – see Ray Charles
Sunrise (2004)
Thinking About You (2006)
Chasing Pirates (2009)

Album(s):
Come Away with Me (2002)
Feels Like Home (2004)
Not Too Late (2007)

Orville "Hoppy" Jones

R&B bass singer born 2/17/1905 in Chicago, IL. Died 10/8/1944. With The Ink Spots.

Quincy Jones

R&B/jazz musician and bandleader born 3/14/1933 in Chicago, IL. Also a producer, most notably for Michael Jackson's 1982's Thriller.

Song(s):
Quincy Jones: Top 40 Songs
The Streetbeater (1972)
Back on the Block (with Big Daddy Kane, Ice-T, Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel, & Quincy Jones III, 1990)

Album(s):
Back on the Block (1989)

Rickie Lee Jones

Singer, songwriter, and musician born 11/8/1954 in Chicago, IL.

Song(s):
Chuck E.’s in Love (1979)
The Horses (1989)

Spike Jones

Jazz/big band leader born Lindley Armstrong Jones on 12/14/1911 in Long Beach, CA. Died 5/1/1965

Song(s):
Der Fuehrere's Face (1942)
Cocktails for Two (1945)
All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth (1948)

Steve Jones

Punk-rock guitarist born on 9/3/1955 in Shepherd’s Bush, London, UK. With Sex Pistols (1975-78, 1996).

Sugar Jones

Song(s):
Days Like That (2001)

Tom Jones

Musical theatre lyricist born 1928 in Littlefield, TX. 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.

Song(s):
Try to Remember (from The Fantasticks, performed by Jerry Orbach, 1960)

Tom Jones

Pop singer born Thomas John Woodward on 6/7/1940 in Treforest, Pontypridd, South Wales. Has sold over 100 million records.

Song(s):
It's Not Unusual (1965)
What’s New, Pussycat? (1965)
Green, Green Grass of Home (1966)
Delilah (1968)
Help Yourself (1968)
Without Love There Is Nothing (1969)
She’s a Lady (1971)
Say You’ll Stay Until Tomorrow (1976)
Kiss (1988) – see Art of Noise

Janis Joplin

White blues-rock singer born 1/19/1943 in Port Arthur, TX. Died of a heroin overdose on 10/4/1970. 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.

Song(s):
Piece of My Heart (1968) – see Big Brother & the Holding Company
Little Girl Blue (1969)
Me and Bobby McGee (1971)
Cry Baby (1971)
Move Over (1971)
Mercedes Benz (1971)

Album(s):
Cheap Thrills (1968) – see Big Brother & the Holding Company
Pearl (1971)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1967-71, released 1973)

Scott Joplin

Jazz/ragtime songwriter and pianist born 11/24/1868 in Texas. Died 4/1/1917.

Song(s):
Maple Leaf Rag (1899)
Swipesy Cake Walk (1900)
Sunflower Slow Drag (1901)
The Entertainer (1902)
Elite Syncopations (1902)
Weeping Willow (1903)
Bethena (Ragtime Waltz) (1905)
Maple Leaf Rag (1907) – see Vess Ossman
Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)

Album(s):
Treemonisha (musical, 1911)

Louis Jordan

Links: official site - Wikipedia

Pioneering R&B/blues bandleader born 7/8/1908 in Brinkley, AR. Died 2/4/1975. Has been called "The Father of Rhythm & Blues" and "The King of the Jukebox".

Song(s):
Ration Blues (1943)
G.I. Jive (1944)
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)
I Know What You're Putting Down (1947)
Saturday Night Fish Fry (1949)

The DMDB Blog:
Louis Jordan, the Father of R&B, Is Born: July 8, 1908 (7/8/11)

Montell Jordan

Song(s):
This Is How We Do It (1995)

The Jordanaires

Joey Jordison

Rock drummer with Slipknot.

José José

Richard Jose

Song(s):
Silver Threads Among the Gold (1904)

Louis Jourdan

Journey

DMDB profile page
DMDB podcast: The Best of Journey, 1978-2022

Rock group formed in San Francisco, California in 1973. Steve Augeri (v: 98-06), Michael Baird (d: 86), Jonathan Cain (k: 81-86, 96-), Deen Castronovo (d: 98-15), Aynsley Dunbar (d: 73-79), Randy Jackson (b: 86), Steve Perry (v: 78-86, 96), Arnel Pineda (v: 07-), Gregg Rolie (v/k: 73-81), Neal Schon (g: 73-86, 96-), Steve Smith (d: 79-83, 95-98, 15-20), Jeff Scott Soto (v: 06-07), George Tickner (g: 73-75), Ross Valory (b: 73-83, 96, 08-20).

Schon and Rolie had been in Santana together. Schon, Cain, and Castronovo were in Bad English (87-91). Rolie, Valory, and Smith were in The Storm (90-96). Schon and Castronovo worked in Hardline (92) together.

Song(s):
Journey et al: Top 100 Songs
Wheel in the Sky (1978)
Feeling That Way/Anytime (1978)
Lights (1978)
Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ (1979)
Any Way You Want It (1980)
Who’s Crying Now (1981)
Don't Stop Believin’ (1981)
Open Arms (1981)
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (1983)
Faithfully (1983)
Ask the Lonely (1983)
Only the Young (1985)
Be Good to Yourself (1986)

Album(s):
Journey (1975)
Look into the Future (1976)
Next (1977)
Infinity (1978)
Evolution (1979)
Departure (1980)
Dream after Dream (soundtrack: 1980)
Captured (live, 1981)
Escape (1981)
Frontiers (1983)
Greatest Hits Live (live: 1981-83, released 1998)
Raised on Radio (1986)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1978-87, released 1988)
Time ³ (box: 1975-1987, released 1992)
The Essential (compilation: 1978-1996, released 2001)
Trial by Fire (1996)
Greatest Hits 2 (compilation: 1978-1996, released 2011)
Arrival (2001)
Generations (2005)
Revelation (2008)
Eclipse (2011)

Joy Division

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)
Disorder (1979)
Love Will Tear Us Apart (1980)

Album(s):
Unknown Pleasures (1979)
Closer (1980)