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 26, 2023 ~ Bo Lennart Broberg, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Bosse Broberg, passed away in Uppsala, Sweden ~ Mainstay on the Swedish jazz scene. Over half a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for 1995's Regni and 2002's Conspiracy In Flat Five. As a sideman, Broberg appeared on albums by Jan Johansson, Monica Zetterlund, Red Mitchell, Bengt Hallberg, Bob Brookmeyer, Rebecka Törnqvist, Knud Jorgensen, Gugge Hudrenius, Swedish Jazz, Lennart Åberg, Arne Domnérus, and Ake Johansson ~ Broberg was born in 1937August 26, 2023 ~ Punk singer John Kezdy passed away ~ Brother of Naked Raygun bassist Pierre Kezdy. Frontman and sole constant member of the Effigies, active from 1980 until its disbandement a decade later. Though not as well known as contemporaries the band is considered influential in Chicago's post-hardcore punk scene, laying the groundwork for later indie bands, and critically acclaimed for the albums For Ever Grounded, Fly On A Wire, and Ink ~ Kezdy was born ca.1959
August 26, 2023 ~ Márcio André Nepomuceno Garcia, commonly known as singer, songwriter MC Marinho, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Funk” Garcia enjoyed popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s. Has released about half a dozen albums, his Because I Love You debut album with his then-girlfriend MC Cacau. Well-known songs include Rap Do Solitário, Escrito Pras Princesas, Garota Nota 100, and Glamurosa ~ Garcia was born in 1977
August 26, 2022 ~ Pop, chanson singer, actress Hana Zagarová passed away in Prague, Czech Republic ~ One of the all-time most popular Czech singers, active since the mid 1960s. Known for songs such as Já Nemám Strach, Mzí, Setkáni (In Contro), Vánoce Jako Driv and Ohen V Dusi Mé. Married dancer Vlastimil Harapes in 1986, her second marriage was to operatic tenor Stefan Margita in 1992 ~ Zagarová was born in 1946
August 26, 2021 ~ Drummer, percussionist Kenny Malone passed away ~ In-demand session drummer. Played on Dolly Parton's Jolene and Crystal Gayle's Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue. Has also worked with artists such as as IIIrd Tyme Out, Ray Charles, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Donna Fargo, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Dr Hook, Johnny Paycheck, Kenny Rogers, the Time Jumpers, the New Grass Revival, Béla Fleck, Emmylou Harris, Lacy J Dalton, and Barefoot Jerry ~ Malone was born in 1938
August 26, 2018 ~ Ingeborg Simon, commonly known as soprano Inge Borkh, passed away in Stuttgart, Germany ~ Closely associated with the Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Bavaria State Oper. Especially known for her roles in Richard Strauss operas such as Salomé and Elektra. Has also worked with the Metropolitan Opera, the Frankfurt Opera, the Hamburgische Staatsoper, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Simon was born in 1921
August 26, 2018 ~ Producer, songwriter Tony Hiller passed away ~ Best known for producing and writing hits for Brotherhood Of Man including United We Stand (1970) and Save Your Kisses For Me (1976), and Figaro and Beautiful Lover (1978). Over 500 artists have recorded Hiller's songs including Elton John, Olivia Newton-John, Andy Williams, Ray Stevens, the Miracles, the Hollies, Sonny & Cher, the Osmonds, Gil Grand, Tony Christie (Put A Light In Your Window), Glen Campbell, Lulu (He Don't Want Your Love Anymore), Crystal Gayle, Anne Murray (Over You), Ed Bruce, the Fortunes, and Dorsey Burnette (Daddy Loves You Honey) ~ Hiller was born in 1927
August 26, 2017 ~ Bossa nova, samba drummer, percussionist, singer Wilson Das Neves passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Key figure in Brazilian music with a career spanning five decades. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, especially noted for Samba-Tropi (Até Ai Morreu Neves) released in 1970. In-demand sideman, present on albums by both MPB and international artists including Deodato, Conjunto Castelinho, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Nara Leão, Sarah Vaughan, Chico Buarque, Paul Simon, Toots Thielemans, João Donato, Ney Matogrosso, Dóris Monteiro, and the Orquestra Imperial ~ Das Neves was born in 1936
August 26, 2016 ~ Rock, pop drummer Ab Tamboer passed away in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Perhaps best known as member of Earth & Fire from 1978 until the band folded in 1983, present on the band's biggest hit Weekend. Subsequently a member of het Goede Doel through 1988, present on the band's Tempo Doeloe, Mooi En Onverslijtbaar en Iedereen Is Anders. Has also worked with Galaxis, Geo Dijkhuis, Jan Akkerman, Dennie Christian, Circus Custers, Polle Eduard, Henk Temming, and Kinderen Voor Kinderen ~ Tamboer was born in 1950
August 26, 2009 ~ Eleanor Louise Greenwich, commonly known as songwriter, singer Ellie Greenwich, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame as half of husband-wife songwriter team with Jeff Barry responsible for 1960s hits such as Da-doo-ron-ron and Then He Kissed Me (the Crystals), Be My Baby and Baby I Love You (the Ronettes), Chapel Of Love (the Dixie Cups), The Leader Of The Pack (the Shangri-Las), and River Deep Mountain High (Ike & Tina Turner) ~ Greenwich was born in 1940
August 26, 2003 ~ Trombonist, composer Wayne Andre passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand sideman in pop and rock since the 1970s. Started in jazz and big band in the early 1950s working with Charlie Spivak, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Woody Herman, Kai Winding (composed Winding's Nutcracker), Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Benny Goodman, Urbie Green, Art Farmer, and Carl Fontana. Starting in the early 1970s became a sought-after session musician outside jazz as well. Can be heard on albums such as Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run and Alice Cooper's School's Out. Also sessioned for Liza Minnelli, George Benson, Gloria Gaynor, Bob James, Quincy Jones, the Players Association, Jaco Pastorius, Grover Washington Jr, Patti Austin, Roy Ayers, Cy Coleman, Judy Collins, Chick Corea, Hank Crawford, Eric Gale, the Heath Brothers, Terumasa Hino, Lena Horne, Janis Ian, Yusef Lateef, Charlie Mariano, Van McCoy, Stephanie Nakasian, Milton Nascimento, Vicki Sue Robinson, David Ruffin, Marlena Shaw, Tina Turner, Steely Dan, Frankie Valli, Sarah Vaughan, Martha Veléz, Harold Vick, Randy Weston, and Zulema ~ Andre was born in 1931August 26, 2000 ~ Bassist Allen Woody, full name Douglas Allen Woody, passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Allman Brothers Band from 1989 through 1997. Co-founded Gov't Mule in 1994, initially a side project, with Allmans bandmate guitarist Warren Haynes and former Dickey Betts drummer Matt Abts ~ Woody was born in 1955
August 26, 1996 ~ Markel Ni'Jee Scott, commonly known as rapper, producer Bishop Nehru, born in Rockland County, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Kanye West, Herbie Hancock, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Over a dozen albums to his name, starting in the early-2010s. Initially went by the monikers Kelz Scott and subsequently Kile Kanvas. Perhaps best known for his 2014 collaboration with MF Doom, releasing the album NehruvianDoom under the common moniker NehruvianDoom. Has also worked with Dizzy Wright, 9th Wonder, and Brady Watt
August 26, 1995 ~ Singer, songwriter Ronald White, full name Ronald Anthony White, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of the Miracles until his death in 1995, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Shop Around, I Second That Emotion, The Tears Of A Clown, Love Machine. In addition to co-writing a vast amount of the band's material White also co-wrote, usually in partnership with Smokey Robinson, hits for Kim Weston, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, and the Temptations, including the latter's My Girl 1964 hit which would be covered by over 200 artists. White is also noted for bringing Stevie Wonder to Motown ~ White was born in 1939
August 26, 1993 ~ Lauren Keyana Palmer, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter, actress Keke Palmer, born in Harvey, Illinois, USA ~ Former child actress matured into comedy and drama roles for TV and film, including the musical drama film Joyful Noise and the TLC-biopic CrazySexyCool (The TLC Story). As a singer debuted in 2007 with the So Uncool album and has sung on several soundtracksAugust 26, 1993 ~ Alton Jay Rubin, commonly known as zydeco singer, accordionist Rockin' Dopsie, passed away in Opelousas, Louisiana, USA ~ Being left-handed played the accordion upside down. Active locally since his mid-teens, playing parties and clubs and sometimes covering R&B hits in a zydeco style. Released his Doin' The Zydeco debut album in 1976. Initially enjoyed popularity especially in Europe, also gaining attention in the USA by the early 1980s. Plays the signature accordion on That Was Your Mother of Paul Simon's quintessential Graceland album. Has also recorded with Bob Dylan and Cyndi Lauper ~ Rubin was born in 1932
August 26, 1992 ~ Eddie James Lusk Jr, commonly known as Chicago blues keyboardist, pianist Professor Eddie Lusk, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Raised in the Pentecostal faith, his parents running the Lusk Bible Way Center in Chicago, Illinois, and Lusk himself an ordained minister, Lusk could not resist the lure of the blues. Got his start in music backing Luther Allison for a number of years, before going on to work as a session musician throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Notably appeared on albums by Buddy Guy, Jimmy Johnson, Koko Taylor (Queen Of The Blues), Jimmy Dawkins, Sunnyland Slim, and Nate Taylor. Lusk has also toured with the likes of Fenton Robinson, Syl Johnson, and Otis Rush. Lusk recorded one solo album, Professor Strut released in 1989, before committing suicide at age 43 after being diagnosed with cancer ~ Lusk was born in 1948August 26, 1990 ~ Luis Martínez Griñán, commonly known as son cubano, guaracha, bolero pianist, arranger, composer Lilí Martínez, passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ Though never achieving much fame outside his native Cuba considered perhaps the greates sonero pianist, cited as an influence by the likes of Chucho Valdes, Papo Lucca, and Eddie Palmieri. Has worked with Arsenío Rodriguez, the Conjunto Chappotin, the Estrellas De Chocolate, and los Diablos Rojos. Martínez never recorded as a leader and retired from music in 1967 ~ Martínez was born in 1915
August 26, 1987 ~ Jazz flutist Alberto Socarrás, full name Alberto Socarrás Estacio, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Noted for his 1927 recording Shooting The Pistol with Clarence Williams' orchestra, named by some as the first recorded jazz flute solo. Has also worked with Arquimedes Pous, Benny Carter, Anacaona, Sam Wooding, Mongo Santamaria, Cab Calloway, and Erskine Hawkins ~ Socarrás was born in 1908
August 26, 1986 ~ Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, commonly known as singer, actress, model, songwriter Cassie, born in New London, Connecticut, USA ~ Known for songs such as It Must Be Love featuring Puff Daddy, Let's Get Crazy featuring Akon and her biggest hit Me & U. Also collaborated with Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, Ryan Leslie, Black Eyed Peas, and Eden Prince
August 26, 1984 ~ Rock, electronic, R&B singer, guitarist, keyboardist Craig Owens, full name Craigery Owens, born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for post-hardcore band Chiodos through 2009, best known for their 2007 All's Well That Ends Well sophomore album. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Sound Of Animals Fighting, Cinematic Sunrise, Isles & Glaciers, DRUGS, the Devil Wears Prada, Ace Enders, In Fear And Faith, Jon Connor, and the Color MoraleAugust 26, 1981 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Lee Hays, full name Lee Elhardt Hays, passed away in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of pivotal folk group the Weavers. Wrote or co-wrote some of the band's best known including Wasn't That A Time, If I Had A Hammer, and Kisses Sweeter Than Wine. Previously also a member of its predecessor the Almanac Singers. Hays has also recorded a series of children's albums with the Baby Sitters ~ Hays was born in 1914
August 26, 1981 ~ Walter Purl Thomas, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist, arranger Walter Foots Thomas, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for his association with Cab Calloway, including arranging Calloway's 1931 hit Minnie The Moocher. Has also worked with Jelly Roll Morton, the Missourians, Don Redman, Coleman Hawkins, Hilton Jefferson, Eddie Barefield, Ben Webster, Budd Johnson, and Emmett Berry. Would venture into music management by the 1950s, serving as a music manager and booking agent ~ Thomas was born in 1907
August 26, 1980 ~ James David Washington, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Jim Beanz, born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Mentored by Dru Hill. Member of R&B outfit Tresan. Well known as producer and songwriter, frequently collaborating with Timbaland. Perhaps best known for co-penning Believe, which earned Dima Bilan the 2008 Eurovision Songfestival win for Russia. Washington has also worked with Shakira, Jamie Foxx, Nelly Furtado, Danity Kane, Gwen Stefani, MIA, Ashlee Simpson, Ashanti, Taio Cruz, Ciara, Esmée Denters, Ginuwine, Demi Lovato, and Keyshia Cole
August 26, 1980 ~ Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for Hey Missus Jones, Bolo Blues and for his 1952 hit The Night Train. Worked with artists such as Fate Marable, Andy Kirk, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Grey, Cat Anderson, Count Basie, Bennie Green, Grant Green, Jo Jones, Jack McDuff, Blue Mitchell, Oliver Nelson, Waymon Reed, Betty Roché, and Joe Williams ~ Forrest was born in 1920