About maketodayrock.com: We celebrate musicians' birthdays, remember those we've lost, and highlight key moments in music such a release dates, chart peak dates, or anything else tied to a specific date. Pick any day from the menu in the top right. The front page shows recent obituaries.
April 13, 2026 ~ Máire Philomena Ní Bhraináin, commonly known as singer Moya Brennan, passed away in Gweedore, Ireland ~ Regarded as “the First Lady of Celtic Music”, Brennan would rise to fame with Clannad, originally a family outfit named Clann as Dobhar. The group was founded in the early 1970s, and initially performed traditional songs in Irish, later expanding their sound to include elements from rock, new age, smooth jazz, and Gregorian chant. Clannad would rise to international fame in the early 1980s, when Theme From Harry's Game recorded as the theme song to the British television drama series became an international hit. The group is also well known for their 1984 soundtrack album Legend recorded for the television series Robin Of Sherwood, their 1985 masterpiece album Macalla, and for Landmarks which won the group a Grammy Award for Best New Age album in 1999. The internationally successful solo career of Brennan's younger sister Enya, who had sung with Clannad in the early 1980s, also helped the group expand their fanbase. Brennan was praised for the clarity of her voice, while the group has been acknowledged as one of Ireland's finest musical exports, able to bring Irish music to an international audience. U2 singer Bono has said of Brennan she has “one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced”. Over the course of her career, either with Clannad, with the all-female Irish quartet T with the Maggies, as a solo artist, or as an in-demand collaborator with the likes of the Chieftains, Robert Plant, Michael McDonald, Shane MacGowan, Mick Jagger, and Bono, Brennan has sold over an estimated 30 million records. Brennan, a constant and enthusiastic ambassador for Irish culture and a native Irish Gaeilge speaker, was keen to keep her traditional arts and music in the forefront. She has been quoted as saying: “Ireland is changing rapidly but one thing that remains constant is our love of music and wanting the whole world to hear it. I love being part of that” ~ Ní Bhraináin was born in 1952April 13, 2022 ~ Pop bassist Lennart Hegland passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Hep Stars, known for songs such as Farmer John, Cadillac and Bald Headed Woman all of which would top the charts in the band's native Sweden. The band would also be noted for including Benny Anderson of future ABBA fame. By the time the band broke up in the early 1970s Hegland was the sole remaining original member ~ Hegland was born in 1943
April 13, 2022 ~ Rock, math rock, post-hardcore bassist Tim Feerick passed away ~ Best known as member of Dance Gavin Dance, initially as a touring member. Feerick became an official full-time member in 2013. The band is best known as thriving force behind and regular headliner of Swanfest music festival and for their 2016 Mothership album which reached top 20 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts ~ Feerick was born ca.1988
April 13, 2020 ~ Antônio Carles Moreira Pires, commonly known as singer, guitarist Moraes Moreira, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ One of the most versatile songwriters in Brazilian rock, drawing from rock, samba, choro, balão and classical music. Co-founding member and along with Pepeu Gomes principal songwriter of Novos Baianos. The band is especially acclaimed for Acabou Chorare released in 1972, generally considered one of the all-time greatest and most influential albums in Brazilian rock. Moreira has also recorded well over two dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Moraes Moreira album released in 1975 ~ Moreira was born in 1947
April 13, 2020 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion guitarist Ryo Kawasaki passed away in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Inspired to study jazz after hearing Kenny Burrell's 1963 Midnight Blue album. Kawasaki is one of the first to embrace, and help develop, fusion jazz. Played with various Japanese bands, including as leader, before relocating to New York in the early 1970s. Recorded well over a dozen albums, and is especially acclaimed for Juice, generally considered his masterpiece. An in-demand sideman, Kawasaki has appeared on albums by Gil Evans, Elvin Jones, Masahiko Satoh, Cedar Walton, Ted Curson ('Round About Midnight), Gato Barbieri, Puff Daddy, Miko Kono (Are You Married), and Sam Morrison. Interested in technology since a young age, Kawasaki also helped develop the guitar synthesizer in collaboration with the Roland Corporation and Korg, and wrote music software for computers ~ Kawasaki was born in 1947April 13, 2019 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist Paul Raymond, full name Paul Martin Raymond, passed away ~ Best known as intermittent member of UFO from 1976 onwards, and member of the Michael Schenker Group during the early 1980s including on the acclaimed eponymous Michael Schenker Group album. Raymond had previously worked with Plastic Penny, Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown, and Danny Kirwan ~ Raymond was born in 1945
April 13, 2018 ~ Cornelis Tol, commonly known as guitarist Cees Tol, passed away ~ Best known as member of BZN from 1966 through 1988. Co-wrote songs such as Pearlydumm, Just An Illusion and Amore. Formed the duo Tol & Tol with his brother Thomas Tol, known for the 1990 hit Eleni. Has also written for Jan Smit ~ Tol was born in 1947
April 13, 2016 ~ Jazz, jazz-rock flutist Jeremy Steig passed away in Yokohama, Japan ~ One of the earliest jazz-rock flutists, and considered an outstanding soloist on practically the entire flute family. Recorded some two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially noted for Flute Fever, This Is Jeremy Steig, and Mama Kuku. Composed the music for several animated adaptations of books written by his father, cartoonist William Steig. Performed the role of the Pied Piper, exclusively on flute, in the film Shrek Forever After, based on the character created by his father. As a sideman, Steig has worked with the likes of Sandy Hurvitz, Richie Havens, Johnny Winter, Yoko Ono, Eddie Palmieri, Hank Crawford, Urbie Green, Mike Mainieri, and Joe Henderson. For their 1994 single Sure Shot, the Beastie Boys would prominently sample Steig's song Howlin' For Judy ~ Steig was born in 1942
April 13, 2016 ~ Jazz saxophonist Pete Yellin, full name Peter Michael Yellin, passed away in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader, specifically noted for It's The Right Thing released in 1973. Inspired to take up the saxophone in the late 1950s after hearing Art Pepper. During the 1960s and early 1970s backed the likes of Chick Corea, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, Tito Puente, and notably Joe Henderson. Other notable associations include Mario Bauzá, Charles Earland, Maynard Ferguson, George Benson, Eddie Palmieri, and Bob Mintzer ~ Yellin was born in 1941
April 13, 2013 ~ Producer, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Vincent Montana Jr passed away in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Godfather of Disco”. Founding member of MFSB. Founding member of the Salsoul Orchestra. Active since the late 1940s, initially working with jazz giants such as Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Clifford Brown, and Red Garland, later venturing into R&B and pop with artists such as Frankie Avalon (Venus), Chubby Checker, and Bobby Rydell. Teamed up with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell by the 1970s to play a key role in the development of disco. Has worked with the Intruders, the Delfonics, the Spinners, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, the Trammps, Eddie Kendricks, William DeVaughn, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, the Stylistics, and Teddy Pendergrass ~ Montana was born in 1928
April 13, 2009 ~ Numa Smith Moore, commonly known as jazz, R&B saxophonist Pee Wee Moore, passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Not to be confused with Sol Moore, who at times would also go by Pee Wee. Switched his major from pre-med to music after his first semester in college. Played with Lucky Millinder, Louis Jordan, and Wynonie Harris early on in his career. Would go on to work with Illinois Jacquet, James Moody, and notably Dizzy Gillespie, including on the At Newport album recorded in 1957. Other notable associations include Mary Lou Williams and Bill Doggett. Moore would semi-retire from music by the 1970s, focusing on recovering from his alcohol condition and caring for his mother while earning his living as a handyman. However, Moore would continue to perform locally ~ Moore was born in 1928
April 13, 2005 ~ Salvador Camarata, commonly known as trumpeter, producer, composer, arranger Tutti Camarata, passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Lead trumpeter for Jimmy Dorsey early on in his career, also arranging tracks such as Tangerine, Green Eyes, and Your. Has also worked with the likes of Benny Goodman, the Casa Loma Orchestra, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington prior to relocating to the UK where he co-founded London Records with Decca Records executive Edward Lewis with the aim of distributing classical music from the UK to America. Camarata is also known for his association with Walt Disney, serving as music director and producer for Disneyland Records, and from the 1980s onwards as owner of The Sound Factory, one of the top recording studios in California used by numerous top artists ~ Camarata was born in 1913
April 13, 2004 ~ Richard Joel Rosenblatt, commonly known as songwriter, producer Ritchie Cordell passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote and produced several songs for Tommy James & the Shondells, including the hits I Think We're Alone Now and Mony Mony. Also co-produced Joan Jett's smash hit I Love Rock 'n Roll and the Ramones 1983 Subterranean Jungle album. Funny thing, in 1987 a cover of one of Rosenblatt's Shondells hits, Tiffany's I Think We're Alone Now, replaced another, namely Billy Idol's Mony Mony, at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Rosenblatt was born in 1943
April 13, 2003 ~ Tenor, alto saxophonist Allen Eager passed away in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA ~ Started at 15 briefly playing with Woody Herman. Went on to play with artists such as Bobby Sherwood, Sonny Dunham, Shorty Sherock, Hal McIntyre, Tommy Dorsey, and Johnny Bothwell. His recording debut as a leader was for Savoy Records in 1946, backed by pianist Edwin Finckel, bassist Bob Carter and drummer Max Roach. Other notable associations include Coleman Hawkins, Fats Navarro, Charlie Parker, Red Rodney, Stan Getz, Tadd Dameron, Gerry Mulligan, Terry Gibbs, and Buddy Rich ~ Eager was born in 1927
April 13, 2002 ~ Alessandro Guido Baroni, commonly known as pop singer, balladeer Alex Baroni, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Developed a passion for music from a young age onward, turned to singing when bed-ridden for a year after a motorcycle accident at age 17. Drew from funk, soul, and blues. Released four albums during his lifetime, starting with Fuorimetrica in 1994. Following his death at age 35, after a second severe motorcycle accident, several more albums would be released posthumously ~ Baroni was born in 1966April 13, 2000 ~ Nii Lante Augustus Kwamiah Quaye, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist Cab Kaye, passed away in London, UK ~ Mixed blues, stride piano and scat singing with his Ghanaian heritage. Son of music hall singer Doris Balderson and bandleader Ernest Mope Desmond. First gained attention in a song contest winning a touring spot with Billy Cotton. Kaye would go on to record close to a dozen albums as a leader, and become a trailblazer for black British musicians and racial equality in the music business. Notable associations include Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Ball, Ronnie Scott, and Shirley Bassey ~ Quaye was born in 1921
April 13, 1986 ~ Dorothy Jeanne Thompson, commonly known as harpist Dorothy Ashby, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Hailed as one of the most accomplished jazz harpists, establising the harp as a valid improvisational instrument. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially noted for the late 1950s albums The Jazz Harpist and Hip Harp. An in-demand sidewoman in jazz and R&B, Ashby has guested on albums by Bill Withers, Bobbi Humphrey, Minnie Riperton (Adventures In Paradise), Sonny Criss, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder (Songs In The Key Of Life), Stanley Turrentine, the Gap Band, the Manhattan Transfer, Freddie Hubbard, Billy Preston, Bobby Womack (The Poet), and Hubert Laws ~ Thompson was born in 1932April 13, 1985 ~ Jon Kevin Freeman Jr, commonly known as hip hop rapper, producer, songwriter Jon Connor, born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Has been releasing mixtapes since the mid 2000s. Best known for his 2013 full-length Unconscious State debut album. Has collaborated with the likes of Statik Selektah, Keke Palmer, Dr Dre, Chris Webby, and Locksmith
April 13, 1985 ~ Tyrone William Griffin Jr, commonly known as producer, rapper, singer, songwriter Ty Dolla $ign, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention as featured vocalist, producer and co-writer on YG's 2010 hit Toot It And Boot It. Released his full-length Free TC solo debut album in 2015. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Paranoid, Or Nah and Blasé. Has worked, in one capacity or another, with artists such as Young Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, BoB, Trey Songz, E-40, Damian Marley, Lupe Fiasco, Fifth Harmony (Work From Home), Chris Brown, Omarion, Rihanna, and Jason Derülo
April 13, 1982 ~ Pop, rock singer Marcel Veenendaal born in Ede, the Netherlands ~ Best known as frontman, lead singer of Di-rect since 2009, replacing original member Tim Akkerman. Appears on hits such as The Times Are Changing, This Is Who We Are and The Chase, all of which reached top 30 in the Netherlands. Had previously gained attention as runner-up in the talent show Sterrenjacht aired by AVRO in 2004 and starred in Dutch theater productions of musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz, Hair and Tommy
April 13, 1979 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Tony Lundon, full name Anthony William James Lundon, born in Galway, Ireland ~ Best known as member of Liberty X, a group formed through the 2001 talent contest Popstars. The group would score a string of UK hits, including the top 10 hits Thinking It Over, Just A Little, Got To Have Your Love, Holding On For You, Being Nobody featuring Richard X, Jumpin', Song 4 Lovers, A Night To Remember, before disbanding in 2006
April 13, 1973 ~ Jazz trumpeter Lammar Wright Sr passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ First gained attention playing with Bennie Moten's band in the 1920s, prior to relocating to New York by 1927 to join the Missourians, staying with the group after Cab Calloway became its leader, serving as lead trumpeter through the early 1940s. Wright has subsequently also worked with Don Redman, Claude Hopkins, Cootie Williams, Lucky Millinder, Sy Oliver, and Louis Armstrong, in addition to from time to time leading his own ensembles. Wright's sons Lammar Wright Jr and Elmon Wright would both follow in their father's footsteps, and become professional trumpeters ~ Wright was born in 1907
April 13, 1973 ~ R&B, vocal R&B group the Spinners release One Of A Kind (Love Affair), lifted off their eponymous Spinners album ~ The band were on a roll, their eponymous Spinners album, the first for Atlantic Records, producing three consecutive Billboard R&B charttopppers with I'll Be Around, Could It Be I'm Falling In Love, and One Of A Kind (Love Affair). Upon its release, One Of A Kind (Love Affair), however, did cause some controversy when the lyrics were thought to contain a curse word. In the section following the instrumental break, it sounded as if Philippé Wynne sang “one of a kind love affair, makes you want to love her, you just got to f-ck her, yeah”, while others thought the line to be “you just got to hug her”. Atlantic Records quickly responded to the complaints, and reissued the single with the three lines edited out. Over the years, both the ‘censored’ and ‘uncensored’ cuts have found their way to album reissues and compilation sets
April 13, 1972 ~ Nu metal, alternative metal, post-grunge, alternative rock, country rock, alternative country singer, guitarist Aaron Lewis born in Turland, Vermont, USA ~ Best known as lead singer, rhythm guitarist, co-founding member of nu metal band Staind, acclaimed for their 2011 eponymous Staind. Has also recorded as a solo artist, focusing on country music, starting with the 2011 Town Line EP featuring guests such as George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and Chris Young. Guested on Limp Bizkit's No Sex of their 1999 Significant Other album. Has also worked with Linkin Park, Sevendust, Cold, and Fred Durst
April 13, 1967 ~ Olga Teresa Tañón Ortiz, commonly known as singer Olga Tañón, born in Santurce, Puerto Rico ~ Rose to fame as a member of merengue group Chantelle, present on their biggest hit Aunque Tu No Quieras. Has recorded about a dozen solo albums since, starting with Sola. Well known for songs such as Presencie Tu Amor, Entre La Noche Y El Dia, Basta Ya, Me Subas Me Bajas, Como Olcidar, and Asi Es La Vida. Also notably known for her 2006 collaborative recording Nuestro Himo with Pitbull, Carlos Ponce and Wyclef Jean, a Spanish translation of the United States national anthem The Star-Spangled Banner in support of Latin American immigrants