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 25, 1973 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal drummer Nicholas Barker born in Chesterfield, UK ~ Influenced by Rush's Neil Peart, Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain, Slayer's Dave Lombardo, and Morbid Angel's Pete Sandoval. Original member of Cradle Of Filth, appearing on the band's first four albums. Member of Dimmu Borgir from 1999 through 2004. Barker has also worked with Brujeria, Atrocity, Leaves' Eyes, Gorgoroth, and God Seed
April 25, 1971 ~ Jazz saxophonist Trygve Seim born in Oslo, Norway ~ Co-founded Airamero, teaming up with pianist Christian Wallumrød and drummer Per Oddvar Johansen. Also worked with Jon Blake, Morten Halle, Torbjørn Sunde, 1300 Oslo, Anne-Lise Berntsen, Tore Augestad, Atle Sponberg, Trio Mediaeval, Mats Eilertsen, Jacob Young, Sinikka Langeland, Iro Haarlo, Arild Andersen, and Manu Katché
April 25, 1970 ~ In its 7th week on the charts, ABC by the Jackson 5 hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the first of two consecutive weeks ~ When the song hit No.1, it bumped Let It Be by the Beatles off the top position. ABC was the second of four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers for the young sibling act, preceded by I Want You Back, and followed by The Love You Save, and I'll Be There. Written by the newly formed team the Corporation, consisting of Freddie Perren, Fonce Mizell, Deke Richards, and Motown owner and executive Berry Gordy Jr, the song was packed with hooks that would become hallmarks of lead singer Michael Jackson's style, both with the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, from the call-and-response in the opening to vocal interjections throughout the song
April 25, 1970 ~ Jazz singer, songwriter Kjersti Stubø, full name Kjersti Aasan Stubø, born in Narvik, Norway ~ Daughter of jazz guitarist Thorgeir Stubø. Sister of guitarist Håvard Stubø. Mother of DJ, producer Mathias Stubø. First gained attention in the mid 1990s as a member of Oofotr, and subsequently Kvitretten. Has recorded a number of albums with her own quartet and quintet, starting with My Shining Hour released in 2001, and collaborated with the likes of Vigleik Storsaas, Tore Brunborg, Odd Magne Gridseth, Ernst-Wiggo Sandbakk, Olaf Kamfjord, Per Oddvar Johansen, Magne Thormodsæter, Herbie Hancock, Bernt Rosengren, Ira Coleman, Doug Raney, Jesper Lundgaard, Palle Mikkelborg, Hallgeir Pedersen, Alex Acuña, and Frode Nymo
April 25, 1966 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, composer Karen Mantler born in New York, New York, USA ~ Daughter of pianist, singer Carla Bley and trumpeter Michael Mantler. Made her recording debut backing her mother on 1971's Escalator Over The Hill. Karen has since worked as leader and sidewoman working with artists such as Robert Wyatt, Steve Swallow, Motohiko Hino, Terry Adams, Robbie Dupree, Artie Traum, Peter Blegvad, John Greaves, Chris Cutler, Dagmar Krause, Annie Whitehead, Anton Fier (in Fier's the Golden Palominos), and with Tony ScherrApril 25, 1966 ~ Rock & roll, folk, Americana singer, guitarist, songwriter Tim Easton born in Lewiston, New York, USA ~ Member of the Haynes Boys, known for their sole album, 1996's The Haynes Boys. Released his solo debut, Special 20, in 1998 and has recorded consistently since backed by artists such as Jay Bennett, Mike Campbell, Jim Keltner, Jai Winding, Greg Leisz, Lucinda Williams, and Aaron Lee Tasjan
April 25, 1965 ~ Bassist Eric Avery, full name Eric Adam Avery, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Best known as bassist, co-founding member of alternative rock band Jane's Addiction, remaining with the band through 1991 and rejoining on later occasions. Present on the band's pivotal first two albums, 1988's Nothing's Shocking and 1990's Ritual De Lo Habitual
April 25, 1965 ~ Singer, songwriter Rory Feek, full name Rory Lee Feek, born in Atchison, Kansas, USA ~ Half of country, bluegrass duo Joey & Rory, the other half being his wife Joey Feek, known for songs such as 2008's Cheater Cheater and 2012's When I'm Gone. The couple were married from 2002 until Joey's death in 2016. Feek is also an accomplished songwriter who wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Collin Raye (Someone You Used To Know), Clay Walker (The Chain Of Love), Mark Wills, Kenny Chesney, Terri Clark, Randy Travis, Lorrie Morgan, Tracy Byrd (The Truth About Men), and Blake Shelton (Some Beach)
April 25, 1964 ~ Andrew Ivan Bell, commonly known as singer Andy Bell, born in Peterborough, UK ~ Formed synth-pop duo Erasure with Vince Clarke. The band has sold over 20 million records, enjoying popularity especially from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, with openly gay lead singer Bell, known for his energetic and brazen performance, revered as an icon of the gay community. The band scored over two dozen top 20 hits in their native UK, with Sometimes, Victim Of Love, The Circus, Ship Of Fools, Stop, Drama, Blue Savannah, Chorus, Love To Hate You, and Breath Of Life all reaching the top 10. The singles Chains Of Love, A Little Respect, and Always would also do well in America, reaching top 20 Billboard Hot 100
April 25, 1962 ~ Producer, DJ Christian Falk born in Sweden ~ Member of Madhouse, founding member of post-punk outfit Imperiet. Best known as DJ, producer emerging in the early 1990s Swedish hip-hop, soul and club scene. Worked with Papa Dee, the Stonefunkers, Petter, Timbuktu, the Teddybears, Kayo. Internationally known for the 2008 hit Dream On featuring Robyn. his 2000 single Make It Right featuring Demetreus, and for producing the Neneh Cherry/Youssou n'Dour collaborative single 7 Seconds which topped the charts in several countries in 1994
April 25, 1962 ~ Jazz violinist, bandleader Eddie South, full name Edward Otha South, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ South is considered one of the top pre-bop violinists. Child prodigy, studied classical music but turned to jazz as the classical world offered little career opportunities for African-American musicians. Toured Europe as early as the late 1920s, leading Eddie South's Alabamians. Employed sidemen such as Milt Hinton and Everett Barksdale, and recorded with the likes of Stéphane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt, and Michel Warlop through the 1930s. In later years South would work for radio and TV, and perform around New York, New York, though he never became a household name. As a recording artist perhaps best remembered for The Distinguished Violin Of Eddie South, released in 1959 ~ South was born in 1904April 25, 1962 ~ Trumpeter, conductor Ole Edvard Antonsen born in Vang, Norway ~ Actively recording since the late 1980s in various genres including classical music, chamber music, baroque, jazz and pop. Acclaimed for his 1992 Tour De Force album. As a conductor best known for his association with the Norwegian Air Force Band. Has worked with the English Chamber Orchestra, Wayne Marshall, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Solveig Kringlebotn, and Willem Breuker
April 25, 1954 ~ Bass singer Jabulani Dubazana born in Ladysmith, South Africa ~ Member of Sout African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, remaining with the band from 1976 through 2005. The group is internationally best known for backing Paul Simon on his acclaimed 1986 Graceland album
April 25, 1954 ~ Robert Crosby Hoar, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Rob Crosby born in Sumter, South Carolina, USA ~ As a singer known for the singles Love Will Bring Her Around, She's A Natural and Still Burnin' For You, all of which reached top 20 Billboard Country and all taken of his 1990 Solid Ground debut album. Also known as an in-demand songwriter, writing or co-writing songs for Luke Combs, Eric Paslay (Friday Night), Lady Antebellum, Paul Simon, the Common Linnets (Calm After The Storm), Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride (Concrete Angel), Restless Heart, Blackhawk, Darryl Worley, Andy Griggs (She's More), Boy Howdy, Ty Herndon, Don Williams, Lee Greenwood (Holdin' A Good Hand), Ilse de Lange, Trace Adkins, and Lee Brice
April 25, 1952 ~ Singer, arranger Cory Daye born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Member of Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, lead vocalist on the band's Cherchez La Femme Billboard Hot 100 top 30 hit taken of their 1976 eponymous Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band debut album. Day has also worked with Kid Creole & the Coconuts
April 25, 1952 ~ Pianist, composer Ketil Bjørnstad born in Oslo, Norway ~ Classically trained, ventured into third stream, chamber jazz, folk jazz and new age. Drew comparisons to Leonard Cohen. Recorded prolifically since the earl 1970s with over 50 albums to his name. Best known for his 1978 Leve Patagonia album featuring Cornelis Vreeswijk and Lill Lindfors. Has also collaborated with artists such as Randi Stene, Frøydis Armand, Svante Henryson, David Darling, Jon Christensen, Terje Rypdal, Anneli Drecker, Ole Paus, and Palle Danielsson. Also known as an author with numerous poems and novels publishedApril 25, 1951 ~ Alejandro Zuker, commonly known as bassist, songwriter Alex Zuker, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Honed his skills working with the likes of Pedro y Pablo and Mahatma before finishing college. Best known for co-founding tango fusion band ALAS with Gustavo Moretto and Carlos Riganti, with whom he toured extensively throughout Latin America. Has also worked with the likes of Edgar Winter, Steve Katz, Miguel Cantilo, Nito Mestre, and Los Iracundos
April 25, 1950 ~ Drummer, percussionist, songwriter Steve Ferrone born in Brighton, UK ~ Member of funk, pop, R&B outfit the Average White Band from 1974 to 1983, including on the acclaimed 1975 album Cut The Cake. Member of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers from 1994 to 2017, replacing original drummer Stan Lynch. Has also worked with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Duran Duran, Stevie Nicks, Laura Pausini, Christine McVie, Rick James, Slash, Chaka Khan, the Bee Gees, Scritti Politti, Aerosmith, Al Jarreau, and Johnny Cash
April 25, 1949 ~ Rock, jazz bassist John Mole born in Stratford, UK ~ Member of Colosseum II. Member of jazz-funk outfit Morrissey-Mullen, known for the call-and-response interaction between saxophonist Dick Morrisey and guitarist Jim Mullen. Has also worked with Gary Moore, Don Airey, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Dankworth, and was first-call bassist for Andrew Lloyd Webber, the latter employing him for musicals such as Cats and Starlight Express during the 1980s and 1990s ~ Mole passed away in 2006April 25, 1946 ~ Richard John Charles Fairweather, commonly known as jazz cornetist, author Digby Fairweather, born in Essex, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Louis Armstrong, Ruby Braff, Billy Butterfield, Red Nichols and particularly Nat Gonella. Led 1970s ensemble Dig's Half Dozen. Has subsequently worked with Alex Welsh, Velvet, the Midnite Follies Orchestra, the Pizza Express All-Stars, George Chisholm, Tiny Winters, Brian Priestley, and the Jazz Superkings
April 25, 1945 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Björn Ulvaeus, full name Björn Kristian Ulvaeus, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Key member and along with Benny Anderson primary songwriter of ABBA, known for Ring Ring, the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Waterloo, SOS, Mamma Mia, Fernando, Dancing Queen, Knowing Me Knowing You, and Take A Chance On Me
April 25, 1945 ~ Rock, progressive rock singer, keyboardist Dave Lawson born in Alton, UK ~ Member of Greenslade during the 1970s, known for their dual keyboards line-up and acclaimed for their eponymous 1973 Greenslade album. Following the band's disbandement in 1976 Lawson went on to join Stackridge, present on the Mr Mick, and worked as a session and touring musician. Also well known for his contributions to numerous soundtracks, including working with composers such as John Williams, George Fenton, Trevor Jones. Soundtrack credits include Star Wars, Superman, and The Fury
April 25, 1945 ~ Stuart Alden Cook, commonly known as rock bassist Stu Cook, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Member of pivotal 1960s rock, roots rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, best known for songs such as Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son and Tombstone Shadow. Post-Creedence Cook would work with Roky Erickson, country-rock band Southern Pacific, Tom Fogerty, Doug Sahm, and the Sir Douglas QuintetApril 25, 1943 ~ Anthony Fitzgerald, commonly known as singer, actor Tony Christie, born in Conisbrough, UK ~ Best known for a number of early 1970s UK hits including Las Vegas, I Did What I Did For Maria and perhaps his best known (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. A 2005 remake of the latter, now featuring Peter Kay, would top the charts in both the UK and Ireland
April 25, 1942 ~ Composer Martin Dalby born in Aberdeen, UK ~ Organist of St Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen. Best known for his roles with BBC Radio, initially serving as producer for BBC's Music Programme from 1965 forward and promoted to Head of Music at BBC Scotland in 1972. As a composer wrote for orchestra, chamber music, choral music, choir music, brass and wind ensembles, and for film, radio and TV. Well known compositions include his Viola Concerto, The Mary Bean commissioned by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and The White Maa written for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra ~ Dalby passed away in 2018