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.
August 12, 2023 ~ Berit Maria Jonsson, commonly known as operatic dramatic soprano Berit Lindholm, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Closely associated with the Royal Opera House, the Bayreuth Festival, and the Vienna State Opera. Known best for portraying heroines such as Brunnhilde in Richard Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen and Chrysothemis in Richard Strauss's Elektra ~ Jonsson was born in 1934
August 12, 2022 ~ Country singer, songwriter Keith Jamieson, full name Keith Ross Jamieson, passed away in Rockhampton, Australia ~ Influenced by Slim Dusty, Buddy Williams, Tex Morton, Stan Coster. Has worked in manual day jobs most of his life such as coal miner and taxi driver while writing and performing his songs on the side. Actively recording since the late 1970s. Known for songs such as Good Morning Australia, Bush Ballad Rock and One Tree Plain ~ Jamieson was born in 1948
August 12, 2021 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, composer Ronnell Bright, full name Ronnell Lovelace Bright, passed away ~ Classically trained from a young age, Bright won a piano competition at age nine and played with the Chicago Youth Piano Symphony Orchestra before turning to jazz while in a Navy band. Had his compositions recorded by Sarah Vaughan, Horace Silver, and Blue Mitchell. Accompanist for Vaughan, Lena Horne, and Gloria Lynne. Sideman on albums by Carmen McRae, Coleman Hawkins (The Hawk Relaxes), Charles Kynard, Buddy Tate (Groovin' With Buddy Tate), Johnny Pate, and Shirley Scott. Member of Supersax in the early 1970s. In a 2008 Jazzwax interview, Bright would look back on one of his first jazz performances, gigging with Cannonball Adderley, Nat Adderley, and Eric Dolphy on a Washington DC date: “When we got there, Cannonball Adderley called for Blue Room. I said, ‘ Blue Room, what is that, the blues?’ They teased me about that for years. Once they started playing the song, though, my ear figured out the chord changes. I'm not saying what I played was correct, but I worked it out” ~ Bright was born in 1930
August 12, 2013 ~ Pianist, singer John Legend releases All Of Me, lifted off his Love In The Future album ~ This tender ballad featuring stripped-down arrangements, described as a “mountainous piano crusher” by Rolling Stone, finds John Legend returning to his piano roots. All Of Me would reach No.1 Billboard Hot 100, ending a ten-week run at the top spot for Happy by Pharrell Williams. A massive global hit, All Of Me also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and reached the top 10 in over two dozen countries, selling over 12 million copies worldwide. Co-written by Legend with Toby Gad, the song was dedicated to his then-fiancée Chrissy Teigen. Legend later commented that the first time he sang the song to her, she cried. The couple had met in 2006 on the set when filming the music video for Legend's Stereo, and married in September 2013
August 12, 2010 ~ Richard Hayward, commonly known as drummer Richie Hayward, passed away in Victoria, Canada ~ Best known as member of Little Feat. Also worked with the Fraternity Of Man, the Factory, Joan Armatrading, Delaney Bramlett, Kim Carnes, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, James Cotton, the Doobie Brothers, Bob Dylan, Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, Arlo Guthrie, Al Kooper, Jonny Lang, Barbra Streisand, Nils Lofgren, Taj Mahal, Coco Montoya, Robert Palmer, Van Dyke Parks, Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Seger, Carly Simon, Nancy Sinatra, Stephen Stills, Tom Waits, John Cale, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and Helen Watson ~ Hayward was born in 1946
August 12, 2009 ~ Robert Patterson, commonly known as jazz drummer Rashied Ali, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with John Coltrane, notably present on the latter's last recordings The Olatunji Concert and Interstellar Space. Has also worked with Phalanx, Prima Materia, Carlos Ward, Greg Tardy, Marion Brown, Gary Bartz, Charles Gayle, Jackie McLean, Tisziji Muñoz, Alice Coltrane, and Archie Shepp ~ Patterson was born in 1933
August 12, 1997 ~ R&B girl group Allure release All Cried Out, lifted off their eponymous debut album ~ The song had been a hit for Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam about a decade earlier. Allure's cover is noted most for featuring backing vocals from R&B group 112 as well as Mariah Carey, the latter also co-producing the single with Cory Rooney and Walter Afanasieff. Despite warm and encouraging reception from critics, Music Week stating “this ballad shows the four girls' voices at their full potential”, All Cried Out would remain Allure's sole hit and only one of two to reach the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. The Allure cover peaked at No.4 Billboard Hot 100, surpassing the Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam original which had reached No.8August 12, 1997 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger Dick Marx, full name Richard Henry Marx, passed away in Highland Park, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Also known as composer for film and TV. Worked with Johnny Frigo, Eddie Harris, Helen Merrill, Ken Nordine, Lucy Reed, and Pee Wee King ~ Marx was born in 1924
August 12, 1997 ~ Blues, Chicago blues, electric blues singer, guitarist Luther Allison, full name Luther Sylvester Allison, passed away in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Member of family gospel group the Southern Travellers. Member of 1950s band the Rolling Stones, which also included his brothers Ollie Allison and Grant Allison, later renamed to the Four Jivers. Backed blues singers such as Howlin' Wolf and Freddie King. Has also worked with Jimmy Dawkins, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, James Cotton, Shakey Jake Harris, Sunnyland Slim. As a solo artist actively recording since his 1969 acclaimed Love Me Mama solo debut album ~ Allison was born in 1939
August 12, 1997 ~ R&B outfit Total release What About Us featuring Missy Elliott and Timbaland, recorded for the soundtrack of Soul Food ~ Produced by Timbaland, who co-wrote the song with Missy Elliott, with both also appearing on the record. Like the trio's debut single, 1995's Can't You See recorded for the soundtrack of New Jersey Drive, What About Us was written and recorded specifically for a soundtrack, namely the comedy-drama Soul Food. Both the film and Total's single, issued as the lead single of the soundtrack, would do well. What About Us would reach No.16 Billboard Hot 100, making it the group's third top 20 hit, and No.4 Billboard R&B. Other artists who contributed to the soundtrack include Dru Hill, Boyz II Men, and the fictional quintet Milestone, which consisted of K-Ci, JoJo, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Kevon Edmonds, and Melvin Edmonds
August 12, 1995 ~ Opal Jean Amburgey, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jean Chapel, passed away in Port Orange, Florida, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Mattie O'Neil. Member of sibling outfit the Sunshine Sister Band. Married to singer Salty Holmes from 1947 until 1956, the duo working together under the moniker Mattie & Salty. As a solo singer recorded a number of rockabilly singles in the mid 1950s, notably Welcome To The Club. Following her divorce from Holmes she would focus on songwriting, her songs recorded by artists such as Eddy Arnold (Lonely Again), Dean Martin (Lay Some Happiness On Me), and Jerry Wallace (To Get To You) ~ Amburgey was born in 1925
August 12, 1993 ~ Pop rock, pop singer, drummer, keyboardist Ewa Farna, also known as Ewa Chobott, born in Trinec, Czech Republic ~ Of Polish descent, yet born and raised in the Czech Republic, Farna has recorded in both Czech and Polish and enjoys popularity in both countries. Farna holds dual citizenship and has energetically campaigned for the rights of the Polish minority in the Czech Republic. Farna has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Mels Me Vubes Rad in 2006, and has scored several top 10 hits in both countries. Well-known Czech songs include La La Laj, Jaky To Je, Touzim, and Leporelo, while Polish hits includ Ewakuacja, Nie Przegap, and Znak. From the 2010s onwards, she has also served as a judge in several talent contests including Cesko Slovenska Superstar and the Polish edition of X FactorAugust 12, 1993 ~ Park Sun-young, commonly known as K-pop singer, actress Luna, born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Member of girl group fx, known for songs such as Nu Abo, Pinocchio (Danger), Electric Shock, and Rum Pum Pum Pum. Sun-young has also starred in musicals, released her Free Somebody solo debut EP in 2016, and ventured into acting for film and TV
August 12, 1991 ~ Country singer Garth Brooks releases Rodeo, lifted off his Ropin' The Wind album ~ Brooks came across the song, written by Larry Bastian and intended to be sung by a woman, and pitched the song all over town. However, nobody took it and when finally Trisha Yearwood suggested he record it himself, he did. Issued as the lead single off his third studio album, Rodeo would reach No.3 Billboard Country. Rodeo champion turned singer Chris LeDoux would become a big fan of the tune, once complimenting Garth Brooks: “Rodeo is what cowboy music is all about”
August 12, 1990 ~ Jazz, pop trumpeter John Madrid passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the mid 1960s. Appeared on the Outsiders' Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Time Won't Let Me. Would go on to work with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Si Zentner, Louie Bellson, Butane, Blood Sweat & Tears, Boz Scaggs, and Wayne Newton ~ Madrid was born in 1948
August 12, 1988 ~ Hip-hop rapper, keyboardist, guitarist, producer Erick Elliott, commonly known as Erick Arc Elliott, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known as member and producer of hip-hop trio the Flatbush Zombies. Has also worked with the Underachievers, Pro-Era, MC Chaussin, A$AP Mob, Bodega Bamz, Action Bronson, and James Blake
August 12, 1986 ~ Pop, soul singer, songwriter, TV personality Alessandra Amoroso born in Galatina, Italy ~ Winner of the 2009 edition of the talent show Amici Di Maria De Filippe. Has recorded consistly to commercial succes since. In 2014 became the first female Italian artist to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best European Act. Best known for songs such as Immobile, Stupida, Senza Nuvole, La Mia Storia Con Te and Amore Puro, all of which reached top 10 in her native ItalyAugust 12, 1986 ~ Pop singer Chiara Galiazzo born in Padua, Italy ~ First gained attention in 2012, winning the 6th edition of Italian talent show The X-Factor. Her subsequent debut single, Due Respiri was written by Eros Ramazzotti and would debut atop the Italian charts. Would follow up with her full-length debut album Un Posto Nei Mondo the following year and has recorded consistently since
August 12, 1982 ~ Punk rock, rock & roll singer, guitarist, drummer, actor Ian Blackwood born in Burlington, Canada ~ Brother of singers Sarah Blackwood and Jen Blackwood. Best known as guitarist, singer of punk rock outfit the Artist Life. Blackwood has also worked with Jersey, Fullblast, Always Outnumbered, and This Is The Noise
August 12, 1979 ~ Sertanejo, country singer João Neto, full name João Neto Nunes Golás, born in Goiânia, Brazil ~ Formed the duo João Neto & Frederico with Frederico, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. The duo is perhaps best known for their 2004 Se Não Foi Por Amor debut album, internationally perhaps for their 2012 Lê Lê Lê single
August 12, 1978 ~ In its 9th week on the charts, Three Times A Lady by the Commodores hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the first of two consecutive weeks ~ The band had enjoyed considerable chart success since the mid 1970s, racking up about half a dozen Billboard R&B top 10 charts, of which Sweet Love, Just To Be Close To You, Easy, and Brick House had all also reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. It would be their love ballad Three Times A Lady, however, penned by lead singer Lionel Richie, that gave the band their first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. The song was inspired by Richie's father toasting his mother at their 37th wedding anniversary with the words: “She's a great lady, she's a great mother, and she's a great friend”August 12, 1977 ~ Dominick Newton, commonly known as rapper the Jacka, born in Pittsburg, California, USA ~ Member of rap group Mob Figaz. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, his best known being 2011's Flight Risk. Over the course of his career has collaborated with Ampichino, Berner, Andre Nickatina, Blanco, and Lee Majors. Shot and killed at age 37, his murder unresolved to this day ~ Newton passed away in 2015
August 12, 1976 ~ Rock, indie pop, experimental keyboardist, guitarist, trumpeter, bassist Adam Deibert, also known as Prince Adam, born ~ Member of the Aquabats from 1994 through 2004, present on the band's acclaimed albums The Return Of The Aquabats, The Fury Of The Aquabats, and Aquabats Vs The Floating Eye Of Death. Deibert has also worked with Digital Unicorn, known for their sole Theirs Travel Began And Loaded The Dream album released in 2001, and recorded as a solo artistAugust 12, 1976 ~ Mikko Viljami Lindström, commonly known as rock, hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, bassist, singer Linde Lindström, born in Klaukkala, Finland ~ Influenced by Black Sabbath and Steve Vai. Best known as guitarist of gothic rock band HIM, one of the most successful Finnish bands of all-time. Fronts his own band Daniel Lioneye. Member of the Flat Earth. Member of supergroup WhoCares, which also includes noted guitarist Tony Iommi
August 12, 1975 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dean Brody born in Smithers, Canada ~ Released his eponymous Dean Brody debut album in 2009. Has regularly reached the higher echelons of the Canadian country charts since. Well known songs include Dirt Road Scholar, Canadian Girls, Bounty, Time, 8th Day and Canadian Summer
August 12, 1975 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, singer Robert Burås born in Narvik, Norway ~ Influenced by Led Zeppelin, Burås regularly citing Rock And Roll as the song that turned him on to music. Co-founding member of Madrugada with whom he recorded four albums including the highly acclaimed The Nightly Disease released in 2001. After Burås was found dead at age 31 in his apartment, holding his beloved guitar, the remaining members finished the band's final album in its original line-up, the eponymous Madrugada released the following year. Burås also formed and fronted the side project My Midnight Creeps, with whom he recorded the albums My Midnight Creeps and Histamin ~ Burås passed away in 2007