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 8, 2025 ~ Leon Welch, commonly known as singer Lenny Welch, passed away in Kissimmee, Florida, USA ~ While in his mid-teens, Welch joined a local Asbury Park, New Jersey, vocal group the Mar-Keys, not to be confused with the more famous Stax studio band of the same name. As a solo artist, Welch would score several hits with cover versions during the 1960s, most notably with his 1963 Billboard Hot 100 No.4 hit and millionseller Since I Fell For You, originally a big band standard. Other well known songs include You Don't Know Me, Ebb Tide, A Taste Of Honey, and the Neil Sedaka cover Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, the latter sung as a torch song. Inspired by Welch's cover, Sedaka would later also re-record the song as a torch song, which reached No.8 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Welch was born in 1938
April 8, 2025 ~ Robert Antonio Pérez Herrera, commonly known as merengue singer, guitarist Rubby Pérez, passed away in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ~ Initially aspired to become a professional baseball player, turning to music after a car accident caused permanent damage to his leg. Known for his distinctive vocals, earning him the nickname “the Highest Voice of Merengue”. Over the course of his career, Pérez has recorded over a dozen albums starting with Con Altura in 1986. Well known songs include Buscando Tus Besos, Enamorado De Ella, and Tú Vas A Volar. Pérez was among over 200 persons killed when the roof of the Jet Set night club in Santo Domingo, where he performed that night, collapsed. Upon hearing of his death, longtime collaborator bandleader Wilfrido Vargas commented: “(Pérez's) voice, powerful and full of life will continue to resonate in every corner of our Dominican Republic and beyond. Rubby was not just a singer, he was a symbol of courage, passion and artistic excellence” ~ Pérez was born in 1956
April 8, 2023 ~ Songwriter, producer Bob Heatlie, full name Robert Raymond Heatlie, passed away in Edinburgh, UK ~ Best known for penning the 1980s hits Japanese Boy for Aneka, and Merry Christmas Everyone for Shakin' Stevens. Both songs would top the UK singles charts, the latter became a mainstay popular to this day and would be covered by over 50 artists. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Heatlie include Cliff Richard, Hungarian singer Éva Csepregi, Ann-Louise Hanson, and Local Hero. In later years, Heatlie focused primarily on composing theme songs for children's TV series ~ Heatlie was born in 1946April 8, 2022 ~ Gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu passed away in Abuja, Nigeria ~ Rose to notoriety in her native Nigeria with the single Ekwueme featuring Prospa Ochimana. Nwachukwu was the victim of domestic violence, perpetruated by her husband Peter Nwachukwu, and after several days on life support succumbed to her injuries ~ Nwachukwu was born in 1979
April 8, 2022 ~ Singer Pastelle LeBlanc passed away ~ Formed folk group Vishtèn with Emmanuelle LeBlanc and instrumentalist Pascal Miousse. The band has recorded about half a dozen albums since the mid 2000s and is best known for their acclaimed Horizons, released in 2018 ~ LeBlanc was born in 1980April 8, 2020 ~ Rapper, DJ, model Chynna Rogers, full name Chynna Marie Rogers, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco, Paramore. Closely associated with A$AP Mob. As a solo artist known for a handful of mid-2010s EP's and singles, notably 2013's Selfie and 2014's Glen Coco ~ Rogers was born in 1994
April 8, 2017 ~ Classical concert pianist John Bell Young passed away in Brattleboro, Vermont, USA ~ Acclaimed for his performances and recordings of the works of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, earning the approval of Scriabin's daughters. Consultant to the first Scriabin International Piano Competition in Moscow in 1995, where a special prize was awarded in his name. Also known as a music critic and author. Retired from performing following a stroke in 2013, yet continued to mentor young aspiring artists ~ Young was born in 1953
April 8, 2013 ~ Singer Annette Funicello, full name Annette Joanne Funicello, passed away in Bakersfield, California, USA ~ Rose to fame as one of the most popular Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club. Would go on to release a number of recordings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Noted for singles such as Tall Paul, First Name Initial, O Dio Mio and Pineapple Princess ~ Funicello was born in 1942
April 8, 2009 ~ Drummer, actor Herbie Lovelle, full name Herbert Edward Lovelle, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Played with Hot Lips Page, Hal Cornbread Singer, Johnny Moore, Earl Hines, Lucky Thompson, and Jimmy Rushing, prior to becoming the house drummer at the Savoy Ballroom, New York, a job he held for much of the 1950s. Following tours with saxophonist Arnett Cobb, and pianist Teddy Wilson, Lovelle became an in-demand session musician in jazz, blues, R&B, and pop. Has appeared on albums by Art Farmer, Buddy Lucas, Bob Dylan (The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan), Sonny Stitt, Lightnin' Hopkins, Jimmy Witherspoon, Illinois Jacquet, David Blue (David Blue), the Monkees (Headquarters), Richard Groove Holmes, Solomon Burke, Fats Domino, John Denver, Evie Sands (Any Way That You Want Me), Big Joe Turner, Van Morrison (TB Sheets), and Gordon Lightfoot. From the 1980s forward, Lovelle has also ventured into acting for film and TV ~ Lovelle was born in 1924
April 8, 2009 ~ Musical director, choral conductor John McCarthy, full name Eugene Patrick John McCarthy, passed away in London, UK ~ Co-founded the Ambrosian Singers with Denis Stevens, a choral group known best for their association with the BBC. The group would also serve as a training ground for artists such as Heather Harper, Dorothy Dorow, Margaret Price, Robert Tear, and John Shirley-Quirk. McCarthy also served as the chorus master for the London Symphony Orchestra for most of the 1960s ~ McCarthy was born in 1916April 8, 2006 ~ Heinz Lewy, commonly known as engineer, producer Henry Lewy, passed away in Prescott, Arizona, USA ~ Best known for his association with singer Joni Mitchell, engineering and producing albums such as Blue, Court And Spark, and Hejira. Other notable credits include Stephen Bishop, Neil Young (Harvest), Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Minnie Riperton (Minnie), Joan Armatrading, and Van Morrison ~ Lewy was born in 1926
April 8, 2001 ~ Rock, pop rock, country rock singer, guitarist Van Stephenson, full name Van Wesley Stephenson, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ As a solo artist known for a number of 1980s recordings, notably You've Got A Good Love Coming, What The Big Girls Do and perhaps his best known Modern Day Delilah. Co-wrote songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Juice Newton, Restless Heart (The Bluest Eyes In Texas), Laura Branigan. Co-founded country rock band Blackhawk in 1992, known for songs such Every Once In A While, I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No and There You Have It. Stephensen left the band in 2000 for health reasons ~ Stephenson was born in 1953
April 8, 1997 ~ Laura Nigro, commonly known as singer, pianist Laura Nyro, passed away in Danbury, Connecticut, USA ~ Drew from Brill building pop, jazz, R&B, show tunes and rock. Critically acclaimed, especially for her late 1960s albums Eli And The Thirteenth Confession and New York Tendaberry. Had her songs covered by the 5th Dimension (Stoned Soul Picnic), Blood Sweat & Tears (When I Die), Barbra Streisand (Stoney End), the Supremes (Time And Love), and Three Dog Night (Eli's Coming) ~ Nyro was born in 1947
April 8, 1991 ~ Per Yngve Ohlin, commonly known as heavy metal singer, songwriter Dead, passed away in Krakstad, Norway ~ Influenced by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Motörhead, and Metallica. One of the most prominent frontmen in metal, known for his morbid personality and obsesssion with death. Ohlin rose to fame in the metal scene as lead singer of black metal outfit Mayhem from 1988 until his death in 1991. Prior to his tenure with Mayhem, Ohlin co-founded and fronted Morbid, with whom he recorded a handful of demo albums. From the beginning of his career, Ohlin would wear so-called “corpse paint” in an attempt to look like a corpse, making him the first black metal artist to do so. According to Mayhem bandmate bassist Necrobutcher “it wasn't anything to do with the way Kiss and Alice Cooper used makeup, Dead actually wanted to look like a corpse, he didn't do it to look cool.” Struggling with depression throughout his life, Dead's personality and demeanor would only become more withdrawn over time leading up to his suicide at age 22. Some have speculated that Dead suffered from Cotard's Syndrome, a rare condition that manifests in believing one's body is not that of a living human but instead of a corpse ~ Ohlin was born in 1969April 8, 1991 ~ Larry Eugene Hendricks II, commonly known as rapper Larry June, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Released several singles prior to his full-length Sock It To Me Pt.2 debut album, available as digital download in 2018. Has collaborated with Cardo, Harry Fraud, Cookin' Soul, and with Berner
April 8, 1990 ~ Folk singer Royston Wood, full name Royston Michael Wood, passed away in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Member of the Young Tradition alongside Peter Bellamy and Heather Wood, no relation. The trio recorded three albums through the late 1960s, The Young Tradition, So Cheerfully Round, and Galleries, and unlike other British folk outfits of the era are known for their traditional material and stripped down sound. The group would split in 1969 over artistic differences, with Bellamy wanting to pursue pure traditional music. Following the band's disbandement, Royston has worked with the Albion Band, and briefly Swan Arcade, as well as with the Young Tradition bandmate Heather Wood, the duo especially known for their aptly titled 1977 No Relation album ~ Wood was born ca.1935April 8, 1987 ~ Pianist, composer Ervin Nyiregyházi passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity throughout the 1920s before descending into relative obscurity. Known for his distinctive playing style, reminiscent of the Romantic pianism associated with Franz Liszt, which divided critical opinion ~ Nyiregyhazi was born in 1903
April 8, 1985 ~ Songwriter J Fred Coots, full name John Frederick Coots, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote over 700 songs, over a dozen Broadway shows. Best known for co-penning Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town with Haven Gillespie. The song, first recorded by banjoist Harry Reser, would become a Holiday classic recorded by over 200 artists including Bing Crosby, the Crystals, Mariah Carey, Chris Isaak, the Temptations, and Bruce Springsteen ~ Coots was born in 1897
April 8, 1982 ~ Singer, songwriter, film composer, actor Keegan DeWitt born in Bend, Oregon, USA ~ Lead singer for indie rock band Wild Cub, especially acclaimed for their 2014 Youth aptly described by some as infectuous 80s-inspired synth-pop. DeWitt is also known as a prolific film composer with well over two dozen soundtracks to his name starting in the mid 2000sApril 8, 1979 ~ Heavy metal, power metal, neoclassical metal guitarist, singer, songwriter Alexi Laiho, full name Markku Uula Aleksi Laiho, born in Espoo, Finland ~ Best known as co-founding member, lead singer of Children Of Bodom. Has also worked with Sinergy, the Local Band, Kylähullut, Thy Serpent, Impaled Nazarene, Warmen, Hypocrisy and with Bodom After Midnight, the latter formed just prior to his death ~ Laiho passed away in 2020
April 8, 1979 ~ Folk rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Josh Ostrander, also known as Mondo Cozmo, born ~ Fronted alt-rock band Laguardia from 2000 through 2005, known for their 2003 Welcome To The Middle album released in 2003. Co-founding member, frontman of the Eastern Conference Champions, releasing three albums from 2005 through 2015. Has since recorded as a solo artist using the moniker Mondo Cozmo, best known for the 2016 single Shine. Served as producer for Voxhaul Broadcast, and collaborated with producers such as Brendan O'Brien, Owen Morris, Brad Wood, Thom Panunzio, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
April 8, 1975 ~ Anouk Teeuwe, mononymously known as rock, pop rock singer, songwriter Anouk, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Member of blues-rock outfit Shotgun Wedding. Discovered by radio DJ Alfred Lagarde. Protegé of the Golden Earring singer Barry Hay who wrote and produced her 1996 solo break-through single Mood Indigo. Has recorded consistently since to critical acclaim and commercial succes. Well known songs include R U Kiddin' Me, Michel, Lost, Modern World, Three Days In A Row and Woman. Represented the Netherlands in the 2013 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 9th place with Birds co-written with Tore Johansson and Martin GjerstadApril 8, 1972 ~ Pop, rock drummer Mario Goossens born in Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium ~ Best known as member of Triggerfinger. Has also worked with the Hoodoo Club, Hooverphonic, Noordkaap, Monza, Winterville, the Arsenal, Tom Helsen, Milow, Creature With The Atom Brain, Cowboys & Aliens, Cesar Zuiderwijk. As a producer known for his associations with Black Box Revelation, Jacle Bow, STAKE, Anton Walgrave, Team William, Roza Parks, Rusty Roots and the Damned & Dirty
April 8, 1969 ~ Singer, songwriter Dulce Pontes, full name Dulce Jose Silva Pontes, born in Montiho, Portugal ~ Named “successor and heir to Amália Rodrigues”. Known for songs such as Lusitana Paixão and Canção do Mar. Collaborated with Cesária Évora, Caetano Veloso, Marisa Monte, Daniela Mercury, Carlos Núnez, the Chieftains, Eleftheria Arvanitaki, George Dalaras, Andrea Bocelli, Wayne Shorter, Ennio Morricone, and José Carreras
April 8, 1968 ~ Benjamin Foster, commonly known as punk rock, punk pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Ben Weasel, born in Prospect Heights, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for fronting punk rock outfit Screeching Weasel. Also worked with the Riverdales and the Vindictives and recorded as a solo artist starting with Fidatevi released in 2002April 8, 1968 ~ Folk singer, violinist, guitarist, mandolinist Tracy Grammer born in Homestead, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention in the late 1990s, forming a duo with Dave Carter. The duo were heralded as “the new voice of modern folk music” and heralded by the likes of Joan Baez. Following Carter's death in 2002 Grammer has performed and recorded as a solo artist, her first full-length album Flower Of Avalon released in 2005