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 21, 1978 ~ Singer Sandy Denny passed away in London, UK ~ Pre-eminent British folk-rock singer. Briefly a member of Strawbs with whom she recorded one album, belatedly released in 1973. Joined Fairport Convention in 1968. Formed Fotheringay in 1970. Her composition Who Knows Where The Time Goes was recorded by Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy, Nina Simone, 10,000 Maniacs, and by Cat Power ~ Denny was born in 1947
April 21, 1977 ~ Adam Drucker, commonly known as rapper, keyboardist, producer, poet Doseone, born in Idaho, USA ~ Co-founded the indie hip-hop label Anticon. As a musician served as member of numerous alternative hip-hop, indie rock acts including Deep Puddle Dynamics, Greenthink, Clouddead, Themselves, Subtle, 13 & God, Go Dark, Nevermen and Subtle
April 21, 1977 ~ Joseph Copeland Garland, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger Joe Garland, passed away in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Best remembered for penning In The Mood, first recorded by Glenn Miller. Has worked with Elmer Snowden, Joe Steele, Leon Abbey, Jelly Roll Morton, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Lucky Millinder, Edgar Hayes, Don Redman, Louis Armstrong, Claude Hopkins, Herbie Fields, and Earl Hines ~ Garland was born in 1903
April 21, 1975 ~ Pop, electronic, EDM producer, songwriter Dom Capuano, full name Domenico Capuano, born in Turin, Italy ~ Best known for his associations with frequent collaborator Gabry Ponte and with Eiffel 65, including on the hits Blue (Da-ba-dee) and Move Your Body. Has also worked with artists such as Toni Braxton, S Club 7, Busta Rhymes, Jean-Michel Jarre, Kool & the Gang, Laura Pausini, 883, Aqua, Zucchero, Nek, Andreas Johnson, and Alphaville
April 21, 1975 ~ Jessica Ada Hoop, commonly known as singer, guitarist Jesca Hoop, born in Santa Rosa, California, USA ~ Worked as nanny to Tom Waits' children, with Waits subsequently helping her land a music publishing deal. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Kismet released in 2007. Has collaborated with Stewart Copeland, Guy Garvey, Iron & Wine, Willy Mason, Blake Mills, Shearwater, Erika Wennerstrom, and the Ditty Bops
April 21, 1974 ~ Jazz trumpeter Michael Leonhart born ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, notably Slow released in 2002. Well-known for playing with Steely Dan including on the Grammy Award-winning Two Against Nature album released in 2000. Produced Donald Fagen's 2012 Sunken Condos album. Leonhart has also appeared on albums by Vinicius Cantuária, Arto Lindsay, Steve Tyrell, the Doobie Brothers, Sharleen Spiteri (Melody), Yoko Ono, Jadakiss, Arif Mardin, Aloe Blacc (Good Things), Natalie Merchant, Martha Wainwright, Nels Cline, and Elvis Costello (Hey Clockface)
April 21, 1972 ~ Singer Bill Withers releases Lean On Me, lead single off his Still Bill sophomore album ~ Just As I Am, the singer's debut album released the previous year, had spawned the Billboard Hot 100 No.3 hit Ain't No Sunshine. It was, however, his second album, that would give Bill Withers his first and only charttopper, with Lean On Me spending nineteen weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, including three weeks at the top spot. With its uplifting message of helping your fellow man, the song had a broad appeal and would be covered by over an estimated 150 artists. Withers, the most likeable guy you'd ever meet, also lived the message of the song, an attitude of it being only natural to offer or expect a helping hand he credited to his upbringing. As he would later comment in an interview with Songfacts, that might be a bit naive: “My socialization was, it was very likely and very practical to expect a Lean On Me circumstance to exist. My experience was trying to adjust to a world where that circumstance was not the rule rather than the exception”
April 21, 1972 ~ Rock, jazz, pop drummer Craig Pilo born in Connecticut, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid 1990s backing Maynard Ferguson. Would go on to work with the Red Elvises, Edgar Winter, Deniece Williams, Player, the Four Seasons. As a solo artist acclaimed for his 2007 Just Play debut album
April 21, 1972 ~ Severina Vuckovic, mononymously known as singer, actress, songwriter Severina, born in Split, Yugoslavia ~ Active since the mid-1980s, releasing her eponymous Severina debut album in 1990 and recording consistently since. Best known for songs such as Vodi Me Na Ples, Dalmatinka, Trava Zelena, and Tridesete. Represented her native Croatia at the 2006 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 12th place with Moja Stikla
April 21, 1970 ~ Blues guitarist Earl Hooker, full name Earl Zebedee Hooker, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by T-Bone Walker and Robert Nighthawk. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Junior Wells, John Lee Hooker, Kansas City Red, Johnny O'Neal, Little Sammy Davis, Boyd Gilmore, Pinetop Perkins, the Dells, Arbee Stidham, Lorenzo Smith, Harold Tidwell, Little Arthur Duncan, Lillian Offitt, Magic Sam, AC Reed, Ricky Allen, Reggie Guitar Boyd, Jackie Brenston, Carey Bell, Geno Skaggs, Andrew Odom, Freddie Roulette, and Jimmy Witherspoon ~ Hooker was born in 1930
April 21, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Glen Hansard, full name Glen James Hansard, born in Ballymum, Ireland ~ Dropped out of school at age 13 and honed his musical skills during his teens busking on the streets. When a demo of his songs landed him a record deal, Hansard quickly assembled the Frames with whom he would record over half a dozen albums starting with Another Love Song issued in 1991. The folk-tinged indie rock outfit would become one of the most important band's on Dublin's 1990s music scene, influential on bands such as Turn and Bell X1, and on singers such as Mundy, Paddy Casey, David Kitt, and Damien Dempsey. Hansard also formed the side project the Swell Season with Markéta Irglová, with whom he starred in the semi-autobiographical film Once. The duo also provided the soundtrack for the film, earning the couple a Grammy Award nomination, while Falling Slowly would be awarded an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Hansard has also recorded several albums as a solo artist, of which Rhythm And Repose and Didn't He Ramble both reached top 5 in his native Ireland. Hansard was considered among the finest songwriters of his day, praised for his literate songwriting, nuanced vocals and stylistic diversity, drawing from 1970s songwriters, soul, folk, and indie rock, and considered a major influence on the Dublin and Irish music scene, and was held in the highest regards by the likes of Ronan Keating, Bob Geldof, and Ed Sheeran, some of which credited Hansard as inspiration in their own careers. Hansard himself has cited Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan as his main influences. Hansard passed away at age 56 following a single-vehicle motorcycle accident. Upon hearing of his passing, Irish prime minister Micheál Martin hailed Hansard as “a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape over many years” while U2 frontman Bono commented Hansard was “a smiling rascal if you needed him to be, this most musical and mischievous archangel of Ballymum” ~ Hansard passed away in 2026
April 21, 1967 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Holiday at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb who also shared lead vocals. Produced by Robert Stigwood and Ossie Byrne. Released the following September in the USA, b/w Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You. It would reach top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In some territories, specifically Europe, the single would be released with an alternate flip side, featuring Red Chair Fade Away
April 21, 1967 ~ Singer, songwriter Michael Franti born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Spearhead, blending hip-hop, funk, reggae, jazz, folk and rock. Activist for a wide array of social justice issues, especially as an advocaate for peace in the Middle East. Key member of the Beatnigs and of Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy. Has also worked with Deee-lite, Dub Syndicate, Zap Mama, and Steel Pulse
April 21, 1965 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion drummer Hans van Oosterhout born in Oosterhout, the Netherlands ~ In-demand collaborator. Member of Baseline. Has also worked with Philip Catherine, Nathalie Loriers, Toots Thielemans, Lee Konitz, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Olivier Hutman, Cor Bakker, Spike Robinson, David Linx, Jack van Poll, Michel Herr, and Vaya Con Dios ~ Van Oosterhout passed away in 2025
April 21, 1963 ~ Trumpeter Frank David Greene born in Fort Meade, Maryland, USA ~ Lead trumpeter in both the Alum Rock Jazz Band and the One O'Clock Lab Band. Has also worked with the likes of Maynard Ferguson, Christian McBride, Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Bob Mintzer, Jon Faddis, and Roy Hargrove
April 21, 1963 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Johnny McElhone, full name John Francis McElhone, born in Glasgow, UK ~ First gained attention as co-founding member of early 1980s outfit the Altered Images, known for their 1981 Happy Birthday debut album mostly produced by Siouxsie & the Banshees-bassist Steven Severin. Subsequently co-founded Hipsway, known for the 1986 UK top 20 hit Honeythief. To mainstream audiences best known as co-founder, co-lead singer of Texas, known for their 1989 single I Don't Want A Lover which reached top 30 across Europe including top 10 spots in Ireland and the UK
April 21, 1963 ~ Pop rock drummer Peter Jones, full name Peter Robert Jones, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Latter-day member of Crowded House, replacing founding member Paul Hester in 1994 and remaining until the band's initial disbandement in 1996. Jones was present for the band's initial farewell tour, documented on the Farewell To The World album, but did not return when the band reformed about a decade later. Jones has also worked with Deadstar, Reggaebites, Stephen Cummings, Tess McKenna, and with Rebecca Barnard. Following his musical career, Jones has also worked as a drum instructor and classroom teacher. Jones passed away age 49 of brain cancer ~ Jones passed away in 2012
April 21, 1961 ~ Singer James Melton passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s balladeer, traditional pop singer worked with Roxy's Gang, the Revelers, Jane Froman before moving into opera by the late 1930s performing roles with the Cincinatti Zoo Opera Company, the Philadelphia La Scala Opera Company, and the Chicago Civic Opera ~ Melton was born in 1904
April 21, 1959 ~ Post-punk, new wave, alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Robert Smith born in Blackpool, UK ~ Frontman and sole constant member of pivotal and hugely influential new wave band the Cure, known for songs such as The Walk, The Love Cats, Caterpillar, In Between Days, Lullaby, High and Friday I'm In Love. Also lead guitarist of Siouxsie & the Banshees from 1982 through 1984
April 21, 1958 ~ Keyboardist Mike Barson born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of Madness, remaining with the band through 1983 and present on the band's biggest hits such as One Step Beyond, My Girl, Night Boat To Cairo, Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, Grey Day, House Of Fun and Our HouseApril 21, 1954 ~ Rock guitarist, mandolinist, percussionist, singer Luiz Brasil, full name Luiz Alberto Brasil De Carvalho, born in Salvador, Brazil ~ Active since the 1970s. Member of acts such as Mar Revolto, Scorpius, Zezé Motta. Has also backed singers such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Nando Reis, and Cassia Eller. As a solo artist debuted in 2005 with the album Brasileru
April 21, 1954 ~ Singer, actress Manoella Torres born in New York, New York, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid 1960s. Broke through with her 1971 single El Ultimo Verano, a smash hit in Mexico, and has recorded consistenly since. Known as a fine interpreter of compositions by Cuco Sánchez, Los Panchos, Lucha Villa
April 21, 1953 ~ Keith Lewis, commonly known as rock, blues harpist, singer Lew Lewis, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Influenced by Little Walter. Member of Eddie & the Hot Rods, present on the band's early work including Writing On The Wall and Wooly Bully. Member of the Southside Jug Band. Has recorded as a solo artist, best known for his 1979 Save The Wall album, merging pub rock and blues-rock. Has guested on a number of pivotal albums of the era, including the Stranglers' Black And White, the Clash's Sandinista and Kirsty MacColl's Desperate Character. Served seven years for armed robbery after holding up a postal office in 1987 with a fake pistol ~ Lewis passed away in 2021
April 21, 1951 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter David Mallett born in Sebec, Maine, USA ~ Influenced by Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Dylan. Although Mallett recorded well over a dozen albums to critical acclaim and peer admiration, the first three produced by mentor Noel Paul Stookey of folk trio Peter Paul & Mary, he never became a household name. However, his songs have been recorded by many including notably John Denver (Garden Song), Emmylou Harris (Red Red Rose), and Kathy Mattea (Summer Of My Dreams). Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Mallett include Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Marty Stuart, Hal Ketchum, Alison Krauss, and Maria Muldaur. In his native Maine, Mallett was considered a cultural icon, his songs portraying the small town life in the Pine Tree State. In 2014, Mallett received an honorary doctorate from the University of Maine in recognition of his contribution to the state's cultural heritage. Upon hearing of his passing, longtime friend and fellow Mainer Tim Sample remarked: “Mallett took this raw material about his life and family in Maine, the fabric of Maine, and wove them into songs that anyone in the country could identify with. He loved the state of Maine and his passion came out in his music” ~ Mallett passed away in 2024
April 21, 1951 ~ Punk rock, art punk, post-punk drummer Robert Grey, also known as Robert Gotobed, born in Leicestershire, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of Wire. The band, active since the mid 1970s is widely regarded as the most innovative British punk band of their day and critically acclaimed especially for their first three albums, Pink Flag, Chairs Missing and 154. After Grey departed the band in 1990 they would drop the last e in their name, renaming themselves Wir. Grey rejoined in 2000