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 14, 1951 ~ R&B, pop, funk, jazz trumpeter Harry Kim, full name Harry Dixon Kim, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Phil Collins, backing the singer on tour and record for decades starting in the mid 1980s including on albums such as No Jacket Required and But Seriously. Kim is also especially noted for founding and leading the Vine Street Horns, with whom he toured with Collins for the extensive Both Sides world tour, and as bandleader, arranger, and music director of the Phil Collins Big Band performing jazzified versions of Collins' and Genesis's best known. Prior to teaming up with Phil Collins, Kim has appeared on albums by Sérgio Mendes, Le Pamplemousse (Le Spank), Luis Conte, Syl Johnson, Edwin Starr, Gil Scott-Heron, Bobby Womack, and David Byrne, and was a member of the Phenix Horns with whom he backed Earth Wind & Fire. Other notable associations include Brian Wilson, Rodney Friend, José Feliciano, David Benoit, Candi Sosa, Zachary Breaux, Herb Alpert, and Johnny Hallyday. Kim has also led and arranged horn sections for TV shows such as American Idol, America's Got Talent, and Celebrity Duets ~ Kim passed away in 2026
August 14, 1951 ~ Avant-garde rock, experimental rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Peter Blegvad born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of avant-pop unit Slap Happy, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Acnalbasac Noom and Casablanca Moon. The band also collaborated with Henry Cow on the mid 1970s albums Desperate Straights and its successor In Praise Of Learning. Blegvad has also appeared on albums by John Greaves, National Health, John Zorn, the Golden Palominos, the Lodge, and Andy Partridge, and has recorded over half a dozen solo albums starting with Kew Rhone released in 1977. Outside music circles, Blegvad is best known as a cartoonist, especially known for his strangely surreal comic strip Leviathan which ran in the Independent for most of the 1990sAugust 14, 1948 ~ Keyboardist Terry Adams born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Co-founded NRBQ in 1965. The band can count numerous artists among its fans including Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Keith Richards, Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian, and Dave Edmunds. Adams has also formed the Rock & Roll Quartet and recorded as a solo artist, notably the jazz album Terrible released in 1995
August 14, 1947 ~ Folk rock singer, percussionist, banjoist Maddy Prior, full name Madelaine Edith Prior, born in Blackpool, UK ~ One of the leading female vocalists of British folk, folk rock to come out of the 1970s alongside Shirley Collins and Sandy Denny. Co-founding member, lead singer of Steeleye Span, with whom she recorded over a dozen albums including the acclaimed Below The Salt and Parcel Of Rogues. Prior also teamed up with June Tabor, recording two albums under the monniker Silly Sisters, and guested on albums by the Albion Band, Martin Carthy (Shearwater), Jack The Lad, Michael Chapman, Ralph McTell (Streets), Jethro Tull, the Mandalaband (The Eye Of Wendor), and Mike Oldfield
August 14, 1946 ~ Composer Bjørn Kruse, full name Bjørn Howard Kruse, born in London, UK ~ Composed over 150 works, including chamber music, choral music, orchestral works, and operas. Best known for the opera The Green Knight, which premiered in Kristiansand, Norway, in 2004. To pop audiences, Kruse is perhaps best known as a member of vocal group the Bendik Singers, which also included his brother Philip Kruse. The group would represent their native Norway at the 1973 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with It's Just A Game. Kruse is also an author and professor of composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, Norway
August 14, 1946 ~ Funk, soul, R&B bassist, singer Larry Graham born in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Member of Sly & the Family Stone from 1966 through 1972 including on the quintessential albums Dance To The Music, Stand and There's A Riot Goin' On. Graham subsequently founded and fronted the exuberant 1970s funk outfit Graham Central Station with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Release Yourself. Said to have pioneered the use of slap-pop playing on the electric bass adding rhythmic and percussive effects, a style which has become archetypal of modern funk and since used by artists such as Bootsy Collins, Bernard Edwards, Louis Johnson, Mark King, Keni Burke, and Victor Wooten. Graham also notably collaborated with Betty Davis in the mid 1970s, and toured and recorded with Prince in the late 1990s
August 14, 1946 ~ Vivian Neville Jackson, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Yabby You, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a recording artist best known for his 1972 single Conquering Lion off his debut album of the same name, which earned him his nickname “Yabby You” taken from the song's lyrics: “Be-you, yabby-yabby-you”. Although Jackson would continue to release material as a singer, notably the mid 1970s albums Chant Down Babylon Kingdom and Deliver Me From My Enemies, he would become best known as a producer working with both upcoming and established artists including Wayne Wade, Michael Rose, Tommy McCook, Michael Prophet, Big Youth, Trinity, Dillinger, and Tapper Zukie. Jackson's productions would usually feature dominant basslines, aided by organs, horns, and soaring harmonies to create a meditative, spiritual atmosphere. When performing as a singer, Jackson would usually do so with crutches as he had been suffering from severe arthritis and crippled legs since his teens ~ Jackson passed away in 2010
August 14, 1943 ~ Jazz, rock, pop pianist, singer Ben Sidran, full name Ben Hirsh Sidran, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of early 1960s outfit the Ardells, which also included Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs. Has rejoined Miller on several occasions, most notably from the late 1960s onwards as member of the Steve Miller Band. Recorded as a leader since the early 1970s. Has also worked with artists such as Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Peter Frampton, Charlie Watts, Clémentine, Aya Matsuura, Jon Hendricks, Van Morrison, Paul Pena, and Jorge Drexler
August 14, 1942 ~ Frank Seals, commonly known as electric blues guitarist Son Seals born in Osceola, Arkansas, USA ~ Started performing professionally at age 13, serving as drummer with Robert Nighthawk. Later switched to guitar. Has worked with Albert King, Rufus Thomas, Junior Parker, Rosco Gordon. Debuted in 1973 with his solo album, The Son Seals Blues Band, after being spotted by Alligator Records' Bruce Iglauer. Has recorded steadily to crtical acclaim and a dedicated fan base since. The jam band Phish would cover his Funky Bitch and on occasion would have Seals join them on-stage ~ Seals passed away in 2004
August 14, 1941 ~ Constance June Meador, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Connie Smith born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Influential on future female country singers. Praised for her contralto singing voice, her vocal delivery often compared to Patsy Cline. Held in the highest regards by peers including George Jones, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton. Debuted in 1963 with the single Once A Day, which would reach top position on the Billboard Country charts. Other well known songs include Nobody But A Fool Would Love You, Ain't Had No Lovin', Cincinnati Ohio, Just One Time and Just For What I Am
August 14, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter David Crosby, full name David Van Cortlandt Crosby, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Crosby Stills & Nash, a pivotal group emerging from the 1960s and noted especially for their harmonies. The trio would on occasion be joined by guitarist Neil Young, including on the seminal 1970 Déjà Vu album for which Crosby wrote Almost Cut My Hair and Déjà Vu. Also a member of the Byrds, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Lady Friend, Why and Eight Miles High. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with If I Could Only Remember My Name released in 1971. Formed CPR with guitarist Jeff Pevar and his son James Raymond ~ Crosby passed away in 2023
August 14, 1938 ~ Darrel George Crofts, commonly known as folk pop, soft rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Dash Crofts, born in Cisco, Texas, USA ~ Crofts got his nickname as a baby, when their mother entered him and his twin sister Dorothy Crofts in a baby beauty contest, thinking the pair would look even cuter when using the names “Dot & Dash”. Crofts would take up the piano at age five and switch to drums five years later. Crofts would first team up with saxophonist Jim Seals while still in high school. Following graduation, Crofts' father landed him a job but the teen would quit after one day and along with Seals move to California where the pair joined the Champs. Following a stint with the Champs bandmate Glen Campbell as Glen Campbell & the GC's, each went their own way. However, by the end of the decade, Crofts and Seals would team up as a duo, both on vocals and guitars, to score some of the most memorable soft rock hits of the 1970s. The pair would issue about a dozen albums, and provide vocals for the Charles Fox-composed soundtrack of the 1977 sports drama film One On One, before disbanding in 1983. Especially Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl, both of which reached No.6 Billboard Hot 100, endured well beyond the Seventies, the laidback tunes widely considered to have kickstarted the soft rock genre, and remain radio staples to this day. Although the pair were not overly religious, themes such as unity and love stood at the basis of their sound, a sound once described by noted music critic Robert Christgau as “classic folk-schlock”. Crofts himself has been known to comment to Record Mirror: “About the same time as people like Crosby Stills & Nash, we realized that we had to get out of the money-making aspect of loud rock & roll into some music which we really believed in” ~ Crofts passed away in 2026
August 14, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Jimmy Wormworth, full name James Edward Wormworth III, born in Utica, New York, USA ~ Son of jazz drummer, pianist James Wormworth II. Father of drummer James Wormworth and bassist Tracy Wormworth. Leader and sideman. Worked with Nellie Lutcher, Les Jazz Modes, Lou Donaldson, Phineas Newborn Jr, Mal Waldron, Lambert Hendricks & Ross, Jon Hendricks, Al Haig, JR Monterose, Allen Eager, Hod O'Brien, Annie Ross, Tardo Hammer, Charles Davis, Julius Watkins, Charlie Rouse, Stephanie Nakasian, Gil Coggins, and Joe HaiderAugust 14, 1937 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Terry Evans born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Elmore James, Little Walter, Albert King, BB King. Songs Evans wrote were recorded by Pops Staples and by Louis Jordan. Collaborated with artists such as Ry Cooder, Bobby King, John Fogerty, Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, John Lee Hooker, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur and by Hans Theessink ~ Evans passed away in 2018
August 14, 1935 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by the Dorsey Brothers, records I Wished On The Moon ~ Written by Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker. Introduced in the 1936 musical The Big Broadcast Of 1936. Bing Crosby's single would peak at No.2. Other successful recordings the same year were done by Teddy Wilson featuring Billie Holiday, Ray Noble featuring Al Bowlly, Jack Little, and Ruth Etting
August 14, 1930 ~ Jazz pianist, vibraphonist, composer, arranger Eddie Costa born in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known for a percussive, driving piano style. Appeared on over a 100 albums during an eight-year career, cut short by a car accident at age 31. Played under bandleaders including Manny Albam, Gil Evans, Woody Herman, Tal Farlow, Coleman Hawkins, Gunther Schuller, and Phil Woods. Costa is also particularly known for accompanying singers such as Tony Bennett and Chris Connor. Recorded five albums as a leader, starting in 1956 with Eddie Costa Vinnie Burke Trio with bassist Vinnie Burke and drummer Nick Stabulas ~ Costa passed away in 1962
August 14, 1929 ~ Dolores Alexandria Turner, commonly known as jazz, gospel singer Lorez Alexandria, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Drew comparisons to Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald. Described as one of the most gifted and underrated jazz singers of the 20th century. Backed by musicians such as King Fleming, Paul Serrano, Cy Touff, Ramsey Lewis, Howard McGhee, Wynton Kelly, Paul Horn, Bud Shank, Victor Feldman, Ray Crawford, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, Gildo Mahones, Herman Riley, Andy Simpkins, Carl Burnett, Gordon Brisker, Houston Person, Bruce Forman, Stan Hope, Peter Weis, and Michael Carvin ~ Turner passed away in 2001
August 14, 1925 ~ Keyboardist Paul Beaver, full name Paul Henry Beaver Jr, born in Columbiana, Ohio, USA ~ Pioneering electronic musician. Closely associated with Bernie Krause, recording under the moniker Beaver & Krause. Has also played the Moog synthesizer on songs such as the Monkees' Star Collector and the Byrds' Goin' Back. Member of Scientology and a right-wing Republican ~ Beaver passed away in 1975
August 14, 1924 ~ Folk singer, guitarist Rolf Cahn born ~ As a child fled Nazi-led Germany with his family. As a singer known for a number of 1950s recordings, notably the album California Folk Concert With Rolf Cahn released in 1959. Also known as co-founder of The Cabale, an early 1960s folk club in Berkeley noted for featuring performers such as Mississippi John Hurt, Jesse Fuller, Lightnin' Hopkins, and the Chamber Brothers ~ Cahn passed away in 1994
August 14, 1913 ~ Conductor, violinist Frank Pourcel, full name Franck Marius Louis Pourcel, born in Marseille, France ~ Recorded some 250 albums, over 3000 songs and conducted numerous famous orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Orchestra, and the Lamoureux Orchestra. To pop audiences best known for his 1956 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Only You, a cover of the Platters-classic. Co-wrote and first recorded the instumental Chariot, which would notably be covered by Little Peggy March with English lyrics added and retitled to I Will Follow Him ~ Pourcel passed away in 2000August 14, 1911 ~ Nunzio Mondello, commonly known as alto saxophonist Toots Mondello born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Played with Mal Hallett, Irving Aaronson, Joe Haymes, Buddy Rogers, Ray Noble, Phil Harris, Benny Goodman, Chick Bullock, Bunny Berigan, Miff Mole, Claude Thornhill, Larry Clinton, Teddy Wilson, Louis Armstrong, and Lionel Hampton ~ Mondello passed away in 1992
August 14, 1909 ~ Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith, commonly known as jazz violinist Stuff Smith, born in Portsmouth, Ohio, USA ~ Regarded as one of the leading jazz violinists of the swing era, considered by some as a bridge between swing and bebop. Best known for penning and first recording If You're A Viper with his the Onyx Boys featuring Jonah Jones as lead vocalist, one of the most covered songs about marijuana. Has worked with Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Stéphane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole ~ Smith passed away in 1967