Events in 1934
- American singer, songwriter and manager Merle Kilgore was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He co-wrote the song “Ring of Fire” with June Carter Cash.
- Country-rock musician, songwriter and steel guitarist Peter “Sneaky Pete” Kleinow was born in South Bend, Indiana. He was one of the original members of The Flying Burrito Brothers, alongside The Byrds' Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons. He also worked with John Lennon and Joni Mitchell. He died on January 6, 2007, aged 72.
- Russ Columbo died after an antique pistol belonging to his friend accidentally discharged and struck him in the eye. The 26-year-old singer died under circumstances that his friends and family concealed from his ill mother because they feared the news would shock her to death. Through a carefully devised system of fake letters and old recordings made to simulate live broadcasts, they created the impression that Columbo was still alive and merely busy. The deception continued until her death ten years later.
- American soul singer Sam Gooden of The Impressions was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1965, the group had the US hit “Lilies Of The Field” at number seven.
- American blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Freddie King was born in Gilmer, Texas. He became known as one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” alongside Albert King and B. B. King.
- American singer and songwriter Beverly Ross, co-writer of “Lollipop” and “The Girl of My Best Friend,” was born.
- American blues singer and guitarist James Milton Campbell, known as Little Milton, was born in Inverness, Mississippi. He became known for songs including “We're Gonna Make It” and “Baby, I Love You”. He began recording with Sun Records in 1953. He died on August 4, 2005, from complications following a stroke.
- English songwriter and record producer Geoffrey Stephens was born in London. He later wrote numerous hits and founded The New Vaudeville Band.
- Baritone singer Doc Green of The Drifters was born in Harlem, New York.
- American R&B musician James “Sugar Boy” Crawford is born. He wrote the 1954 song “Jock-A-Mo,” later made famous as “Iko Iko” in a version by The Dixie Cups.