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 22, 1992 ~ Classical violinist Paul Winter passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Virtuoso violinist best known for his association with the NBC Symphony Orchestra serving under Arturo Toscanini. When he joined in 1937, at its inception, he was the youngest member of the orchestra. Also known for co-founding the American String Quartet with violinist Max Hollander, viola player Carlton Cooley and cellist Carl Stern in 1939 ~ Winter was born in 1914
August 22, 1990 ~ Pop rapper Vanilla Ice releases Ice Ice Baby, lifted off his To The Extreme debut album ~ One of the earliest examples of pop rap, one of the first rap records to cross over to mainstream white audiences, and the first rap song to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Although heavily criticized by the predominantly black hip hop and rap community, the song helped warm up mainstream audiences to hip hop, and helped make sampling an acceptable practice. Ice Ice Baby was initially used for the B-side of Vanilla Ice's Play That Funky Music. The A-side flopped, but when a radio DJ flipped the single over, the B-side gained traction and Ice Ice Baby was released as an A-side. Other than topping the charts in America, Ice Ice Baby would reach top 10 in over a dozen other countries including the No.1 spot in the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, and the UK. The song heavily relies on a sample from Under Pressure, a Queen single featuring David Bowie, and although initially not credited as songwriters all members of Queen and Bowie were given co-writing credit on later releases. Vanilla Ice would later explain: “The way I do stuff is to go through old records that my brother has. He used to listen to rock and roll and stuff like that. I listened to funk and hip hop because rock wasn't really my era. But having a brother like that, well, I just mixed the two, and he had a copy of Under Pressure. And putting those sounds to hip hop was great”
August 22, 1988 ~ Singer Phil Collins releasese A Groovy Kind Of Love, recorded for the soundtrack of Buster ~ Written by Carole Bayer Sager and Toni Wine, and a UK hit for the Mindbenders back in 1965, Phil Collins would revive A Groovy Kind Of Love for Buster, a romantic crime comedy-drama based on events from the Great Train Robbery in which Collins portrayed the male lead role. For Collins, A Groovy Kind Of Love was not the first song he recorded specifically for a soundtrack to reach No.1 on the American charts, as he had previously reached the Billboard Hot 100 top spot with Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) from the 1984 film Against All Odds. Collins had also provided another song for the soundtrack, Two Hearts written by Collins Lamont Dozier, which would also reach the top spot on the American pop chartsAugust 22, 1985 ~ Jazz guitarist Kim Johannesen born in Bærum, Norway ~ Worked with Peter Wettre, Revolver, Speakeasy, Golden Dawn, John Butcher, Axel Dörner, Raymond Strid, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Chris Corsano, Pat Thomas, Frode Gjerstad, Per Zanussi, Klaus Holm, Tatsuya Nakatani, Joel Grip, Svein Magnus Furu, and Tore Sandbakken
August 22, 1984 ~ Dominic Ross Hunn, commonly known as rapper Dom Kennedy born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his well-received full-length 2010 From The Westside With Love II album, the sequel to an earlier mixtape, and for his 2012 single My Type Of Party. Has collaborated with artists such as Curren$y, Nipsey Hussle, Schoolboy Q, Ty Dolla $ign, YG, DJ Quik, Eric Bellinger, and Larry June
August 22, 1983 ~ Pop rock outfit Genesis release Mama, lifted off their eponymous Genesis album ~ Written by all three band members, Mama tells of a young man's longing for a particular prostitute. As Phil Collins would later explain: “(It's) about a young teenager that's got a mother fixation with a prostitute that he's just happened to have met in passing and he has such a strong feeling for her and doesn't understand why she isn't interested in him. It's a bit like David Niven (in his memoir) The Moon's A Balloon, I don't know if you've read that book, he's very young, just come out of cadet college or whatever, and he meets this quite, you know, 45-year-old prostitute who he has a fantastic time with. He's special to her but it definitely can't go any further than what it is and that's really what the song is about, with sinister overtones.” The single would reach No.4 in the band's native UK, making it their highest-charting up to this point in their career. Mama also reached top 10 in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Ireland. The single bombed in America, where it stalled at No.73, while its direct successor That's All as well as all five singles of their next album Invisible Touch would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100August 22, 1982 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, percussionist, songwriter Richard Laviolette, full name Richard Andrew Laviolette, born in Port Colborne, Canada ~ Fused indie rock, contemporary folk, and alt-country. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Mary Carl released in 2005. Perhaps best known for his 2017 Taking The Long Way Home album. Suffering from Huntington's disease Laviolette passed away at age 41 in an assisted suicide ~ Laviolette passed away in 2023
August 22, 1980 ~ Singer Diana Ross releases I'm Coming Out, lifted off her Diana album ~ Diana Ross had commissioned Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, founders and key members of Chic, to write material for her new album. It was Rodgers who came up with the title for I'm Coming Out, as he had noticed many drag queens impersonated Ross and thought it would be nice to have a song that would have the same power for the gay community as James Brown's Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud had had for the black community. When Ross first heard the song she didn't know the meaning of the phrase “coming out”, and some in her management feared the song would be misinterpreted by audiences as Ross coming out as gay herself, which could hurt her career. Nevertheless, Ross went ahead and I'm Coming Out has served as an anthem of pride and self-consciousness for the LGBT community since. At the time of its release, the single would reach No.5 Billboard Hot 100. The album's previous single Upside Down, as with all tracks also written and produced by Bernard and Rodgers, had also been a hit, topping both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chartsAugust 22, 1978 ~ Alternative rock, garage rock, shoegaze singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Robert Levon Been born in Felton, California, USA ~ Also recorded under the moniker Robert Locke. Son of the Call's guitarist Michael Been. Member of the Beggars. Member of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
August 22, 1974 ~ Ivana Pavlovic, commonly known as pop rock singer Ivana Peters, born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Member of 1990s dance-pop group Tap 011 with whom she recorded four albums. Would join pop rock outfit Negative by the end of the decade, the band would become one of the most popular acts during the 2000s and is best known for songs such as Zbunjena, Jutro Posle Dodira, Jad Se Svetla Ugase, and Prava Stvar
August 22, 1973 ~ Anthony Moses Davis, commonly known as dancehall singer, rapper Beenie Man, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Widely considered to be one of the leading dancehall artists. Known for singles such as Who Am I, Girls Dem Sugar featuring Mya, and Dude featuring Ms Thing and Shawnna. Has collaborated with Doug E Fresh, Maxi Priest, Jamelia, and TIAugust 22, 1972 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer Paul Doucette, full name Paul John Doucette, born in North Huntington, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as drummer, rhythm guitarist of Matchbox Twenty, scoring Billboard top 10 hits in the early 2000s with Bent, If You're Gone, and Unwell. Film composer and frontman of the Break And Repair Method. Married to actress Moon Zappa, daughter of Frank Zappa, from 2002 to 2014
August 22, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, songwriter Craig Finn born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Gifted storyteller, literary but open and honest without any pretenses. Best known for fronting Hold Steady. Previously fronted Lifter Puller. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with 2012's Clear Heart Full Eyes. Has also worked with Brokerdealer, Titus Andronicus, and Chris Cheney
August 22, 1970 ~ In its 11th week on the charts, Make It With You by Bread hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by the band's co-lead singer David Gates. Issued as a single off their On The Waters sophomore album, it would be their first of half a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits and their only one to reach the top spot. Other than Gates, who play guitars, bass, and strings, drummer Mike Botts is the only other band member to appear on Make It With You. The song would be covered by well over a hundred artists, including Peggy Lee, Aretha Franklin, Lou Donaldson, Earth Wind & Fire, Teddy Pendergrass, and Marc AnthonyAugust 22, 1970 ~ Frederick George Lays, commonly known as country singer, guitarist George Canyon, born in New Glasgow, Canada ~ First gained serious attention in 2004 as runner-up in the talent contest Nashville Star 2. Had been recording since the mid 1990s, releasing his Ironwolf debut album in 1996. Known best for songs such as My Name, Somebody Wrote Love, Just Like You and Surrender
August 22, 1970 ~ Baroque pop, bubblegum pop outfit the Partridge Family release I Think I Love You, lifted off their eponymous The Partridge Family debut album ~ Issued as the group's debut single a month prior to the start of the musical sit-com of the same name centered around the fictional Partridge family, it took the song seven weeks to reach the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, the first of three consecutive top 10 hits. Loosely based on the Cowsills, an actual real-life sibling outfit which enjoyed popularity in the late 1960s and early-1970, the TV show would run for four seasons and serve as a launching pad for both Shirley Jones, the mother of the fictional family, and David Cassidy, who became somewhat of a teen throb, popular especially in Europe. I Think I Love You was written by Tony Romeo, whose songs had previously been recorded by the likes of the Cowsills, the Everly Brothers, Lou Christie, and Paul Anka. Romeo would pen several more songs for the Partridge Family as well as I Am A Clown, a UK No.3 hit, for David Cassidy
August 22, 1969 ~ Guitarist Steve Cradock, full name Stephen John Cradock, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Best known as co-founding guitarist of Ocean Colour Scene, and other than Simon Fowler its only constant member. The band came to promince during the 1990s Britpop boom and have recorded well over half a dozen albums. They are best known for a string of six consecutive UK top 10 hits during the mid 1990s, including notably The Day We Caught The Train and Hundred Mile High City, all lifted off their Mosely Shoals sophomore album and its successor Marchin' Already. Cradock is also particularly known as a longtime sideman for Paul Weller, appearing on several of Weller's albums since Wild Wood issued in 1993. Cradock has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Kundalini Target released in 2009, and has appeared on albums by Alison Moyet (Hoodoo), Steve Ellis, and Amy MacDonald
August 22, 1967 ~ Singer Layne Staley, full name Layne Rutherford Staley born in Kirkland, Washington, USA ~ Original lead singer of Alice In Chains, acclaimed for their sophomore single, 1991's Man In The Box, and their 1994 EP Jar Of Flies. Also worked with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, Screaming Trees' Barrett Martin and the Walkabouts' John Baker Saunders in the side project Mad Season. Staley struggled with depression and drug addiction for much of his life. Died from an overdose at age 34 ~ Staley passed away in 2002August 22, 1967 ~ Pop rock, Christian pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Paul Colman born in London, UK ~ Active since the mid 1990s, his the Paul Colman Trio credited as one of the premier Australian Christian pop rock acts. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Let It Go in 2004. Joined the Newsboys in 2005 as replacement for Bryan Olesen. Has served as producer for acts suich as Lainey Wright, Glenridge and Epic Season
August 22, 1966 ~ Gary Grice, commonly known as rapper, songwriter GZA, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Early member and “spiritual head” of acclaimed and influential hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan. Previously formed the trio Force Of The Imperial Master with future fellow Clan members RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard. First of the Clan to secure a record deal, releasing his debut Words From The Genius album in 1991, using the moniker the Genius. The album flopped due to lack of promotion, . Joined the newly formed Clan the next year becoming their 10th member
August 22, 1966 ~ Vocal duo Simon & Garfunkel record For Emily (Whenever I May Find Her) ~ Written by Paul Simon. Produced by Bob Johnston. Sung solely by Art Garfunkel First released as the B-side on the 1966 single Hazy Shade Of Winter. Included on the duo's fourth studio album Parsley Sage Rosemary And Thyme. A live version would be released as a single in 1972 to promote a Greatest Hits album. Covered by Glenn Yarbrough, Johnny Rivers, and the ArborsAugust 22, 1963 ~ Keyboardist, singer James DeBarge born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as a member of 1980s family vocal group DeBarge, known for songs such as All This Love, Love Me In A Special Way, and Rhythm Of The Night. Married Janet Jackson in 1984 but the marriage was annulled the next year. Has since collaborated with DJ Quik
August 22, 1963 ~ Heavy metal singer, songwriter John Bush born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1980s as Armored Saint frontman, a no-frills heavy metal band from Los Angeles especially acclaimed for their 1984 March Of The Saint debut album and 1991's Symbol Of Salvation. Joined thrash metal outfit Anthrax in 1992, remaining with the band through 2005. In 1984 Bush has a cameo appearance in the Huey Lewis & the News video The Heart Of Rock & Roll, exiting the limo at the 1:38 mark
August 22, 1963 ~ Myra Ellen Amos, commonly known as alternative rock, pop-rock pianist, singer, songwriter Tori Amos born in Newton, North Carolina, USA ~ Classically trained pianist. Won a Peabody Institute full scholarship at age 5. Youngest person to be admitted. Expelled at age 11 for “musical insubordination”. Lead singer of short-lived synth-pop band Y Kant Tori Read. Sang backup for Stan Ridgway, Sandra Bernhard, and Al Stewart. As a solo artist debuted with the Little Earthquakes album in 1992. Has been recording to critical acclaim and commercial success since. Does not shy away from serious topics including feminism, religion and politics. Known for songs such as Silent All These Years, Cornflake Girl, Professional Widow, Spark, 1,000 Oceans and A Sorta FairytaleAugust 22, 1962 ~ Lee Gary Conner, commonly known as grunge, alternative guitarist Gary Lee Conner, born in Fort Irwin, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Screaming Trees from 1985 to its disbandement in 2000. The band also included his brother bassist Van Conner. Has released several solo outings while with the band, such as the 1990 The Purple Outside Mystery Lane album featuring another brother, Patrick Conner, on drums. Guested on Beat Happening's songs Indian Summer and Midnight A Go-gi of the 1988 album Jamboree. Went into seclusion from 2000 to 2010 to return with Microdot Gnome's 4D Sugarcube. Has been releasing solo records since 2016