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 9, 2024 ~ Rock drummer Carl Bevan passed away ~ Rose to fame as a member of 1990s rock, punk rock outfit 60 Ft Dolls, with whom he recorded the albums The Big 3 and Joya Magica, and played festivals such as Reading Festival and Glastonbury Festival. Two of the band's singles reached top 40 in their native UK, Talk To Me and Happy Shopper. Bevan has also produced Exit International's 2011 Black Junk album, and formed the female-fronted rock and roll unit the Lash. In later years, Bevan would become well known as a landscape painter. Upon hearing of his death, Dolls bandmate guitarist Richard Parfitt, not to be confused with his namesake Status Quo-rhythm guitarist, commented: “Carl was a brilliant drummer, a brilliant artist and a brilliant friend” ~ Bevan was born ca.1973
August 9, 2024 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Carl Weathersby, full name Carlton Weathersby, passed away ~ Firmly rooted in the classic Chicago blues tradition with a solid dose of smooth soul-blues added for good measure, Weathersby first gained attention in the late 1970s backing Albert King on tour. Best known for his association with Billy Branch, with whom he worked for well over a dozen years including on the highly acclaimed The Blues Keep Following Me Around album. As a solo artist, Weathersby has recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with Don't Lay Your Blues On Me which was hailed as one of the most genuine Chicago blues albums of the 1990s. Weathersby has also appeared on albums by Robert Covington, George Gruntz, Buster Benton (Blues At The Top), Carey Bell (Deep Down), Hubert Sumlin, Mississippi Heat, Rico McFarland (Tired Of Being Alone), Charles Wilson (If Heartaches Were Nickles), Nora Jean Bruso, Trudy Lynn, Bernard Allison, Otis Rush, Keb' Mo, and Barrelhouse Chuck. Upon hearing of Weathersby's passing, longtime collaborator Branch commented: “Over the years I watched as Carl's guitar and singing skills continued to develop and mature, ultimately making him one of the most skilled and dynamic bluesmen of our times. His vocals were heartfelt and passionate. His guitar skills were unmatched. He had come into his own” ~ Weaterhersby was born in 1953
August 9, 2023 ~ Singer Peppino Gagliardi passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native Italy especially during the 1970s. Well-known songs include T'Amo Et T'Amerò, Settembre, Come Le Viole, and Come Un Ragazzino. His Che Vuole Questa Musica Stasera would become one of his internationally best known, frequently used in soundtracks including the 1974 original film Scent Of A Woman ~ Gagliardi was born in 1940
August 9, 2023 ~ Jaime Royal Robertson, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Robbie Robertson, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist of the Band. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and Up On Cripple Creek. As a solo artist best known for Broken Arrow and Somewhere Down The Crazy River, both taken of his eponymous 1987 Robbie Robertson solo debut album. The album would feature appearances by his former bandmates as well as Peter Gabriel, and U2's Bono and the Edge ~ Robertson was born in 1943
August 9, 2022 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Jussi Hakulinen, full name Jussi Pekka Hakulinen, passed away in Pori, Finland ~ Original member of Yö, one of the best selling bands in Finland. Present on the band's first two albums Varietee and Nuoalia Tanssija. Departed the band in 1985 to pursue a solo career though in later years from time to time guested with the band and wrote material for them. Five albums as a solo artist, starting with Vaaleanpunaien Majatolo released in 1985 ~ Hakulinen was born in 1964August 9, 2021 ~ Carl Edward Thompson Jr, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B producer Chucky Thompson, born in Washington DC, USA ~ In-house producer with Bad Boy Entertainment. Has worked with artists such as Usher, Born Jamericans, the Notorious BIG (Ready To Die), Mary J Blige, Total, Faith Evans (Faith), Brian McKnight, Puff Johnson, Mya, Nas (8 Mile), Lil' Mo, Juvenile, Ne-Yo, and Busta Rhymes ~ Thompson was born in 1968
August 9, 2021 ~ Label executive Walter Yetnikoff passed away in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Executive with CBS Records for nearly two decades starting in 1971, rising to president and CEO by the mid 1970s. Signed artists such as James Taylor and Paul McCartney. Helped advance the careers of Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Earth Wind & Fire, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, and Gloria Estefan ~ Yetnikoff was born in 1933
August 9, 2020 ~ Engineer, producer Martin Birch passed away ~ Renowned hard rock, metal engineer, producer known for his work with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Wishbone Ash, Rainbow, Ronnie James Dio, the Blue Öyster Cult, Iron Maiden, Skid Row, Toad, Gary Moore, Roger Glover, Cozy Powell, and the Michael Schenker Group ~ Birch was born in 1948August 9, 2017 ~ Organist, composer Marián Varga passed away in Bratislava, Slovakia ~ Member of Prudy, present on the quintessential 1969 Zvonte Zvonky album. Co-founded art-rock band Collegium Musicum, known for reinterpretations of classic themes by composers such as Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky. Also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Pavol Hammel, and Vladimír Merta ~ Varga was born in 1947
August 9, 2016 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist, singer Pádraig Duggan passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Alongside twin brother Noel Duggan rose to fame as member of Clannad, known best for Theme From Harry's Game which reached top 10 in both the UK and the band's native Ireland. The brothers took a hiatus after the band's acclaimed 1998 Landmarks album, releasing their own Rubicon album in 2005 to critical acclaim featuring guests such as Moya Brennan, Finbar Furrey and Orla Fallon ~ Duggan was born in 1949
August 9, 2012 ~ Producer, label executive Carl Davis, full name Carl H Davis Sr, passed away in Summerville, South Carolina, USA ~ Closely associated with Okeh Records, Brunswick Records, and Chi-Sound Records, founding the latter in 1976. First gained serious attention producing Gene Chandler's 1962 hit single Duke Of Earl, later named one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. Would go on to produce for the likes of Major Lance, Walter Jackson, the Artistics, Jackie Wilson ((Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher), Barbara Acklin, Tyrone Davis (Turn Back The Hands Of Time), and Hamilton Bohannon ~ Davis was born in 1934August 9, 2010 ~ Electric blues bassist, singer Calvin Fuzz Jones passed away in Southaven, Mississippi, USA ~ Jones worked with Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, the Legendary Blues Band, Mississippi Heat, James Cotton, Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, Little Walter, Elmore James, Pinetop Perkins, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Ronnie Earl, Bruce Katz, the Blues Brothers, and Cassandra Wilson ~ Jones was born in 1926
August 9, 2009 ~ Bassist, arranger, conductor David Van De Pitte passed away in Soutfield, Michigan, USA ~ Member of Johnny Trudell's orchestra for most of the 1960s. In-house arranger for Motown from 1968 through the early 1970s. Especially known for conducting the orchestra on Marvin Gaye's 1971 masterpiece What's Going On album. Also arranged songs for the Four Tops, the Supremes, Gladys Knight (If I Were Your Woman), the Temptations (Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)), and Stevie Wonder. Following his departure from the label by 1972 has freelanced, working with the likes of Paul Anka, Millie Jackson, and George Clinton ~ Van de Pitte was born in 1941
August 9, 2005 ~ Edward Emery Williams Jr, commonly known as Chicago blues singer, pianist, songwriter Detroit Junior, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for recordings such as So Unhappy, Call My Job, If I Hadn't Been High, Ella, and Money Tree. Had his songs covered by Koko Taylor, and Albert King. Backed Howlin' Wolf for over a decade, starting in 1956. Has also worked with Eddie Boyd, John Lee Hooker, and Amos Milburn ~ Williams was born in 1931August 9, 2004 ~ Jazz guitarist Tony Mottola passed away in Dwenville, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for his 1968 easy listening hit This Guy's In Love With You. Worked with Carl Kress, John Serry Sr, Skitch Henderson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Urbie Green, Dick Hyman, Enoch Light, Charles Magnante, Joe Reisman, Doc Severinsen, Louie Bellson, Ray Conniff, Johnny Desmond, Neal Hefti, and Cootie Williamss ~ Mottola was born in 1918
August 9, 2003 ~ Saxophonist Bill Perkins, William Reese Perkins, passed away in Sherman Oaks, California, USA ~ Revered West Coast, cool jazz saxophonist. Worked with Woody Herman, Jerry Wald, Stan Kenton, Art Pepper, Bud Shank, Al Cohn, Richie Kamuca, Art Pepper, Frank Strazzeri, Shorty Rogers, Pepper Adams, Pete Candoli, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Chet Baker, Louie Bellson, Nat King Cole (on the quintessential 1965 L-O-V-E album), Clifford Coultier, Clare Fischer, Dizzy Gillespie, Barney Kessel, John Lewis, Carmen McRae, Conte Candoli, André Previn, Lalo Schifrin, Gerald Wilson, and two decades with the Tonight Show Band starting in 1970 ~ Perkins was born in 1924
August 9, 2002 ~ Paul Sanson, commonly known as blues rock, hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Paul Samson, passed away in Norwich, UK ~ Member of the Innocence. Member of McCoy. Best known as founding member and eponym of Samson, gaining a cult following with late 1970s and early 1980s albums such as Survivors, Head On and Shock Tactics ~ Sanson was born in 1953
August 9, 1998 ~ José Antonio Torresola Ruiz, commonly known as salsa singer Frankie Ruiz, passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Leading figure in salsa romántica, enjoying popularity in the 1980s and early 1990s. Member of the Orquesta La Solución, including on the hits La Rueda and Chiquito Corazoncito. Member of La Dictadora, La Moderna Vibración, and the Primirisima Orquesta, before venturing out on his own. Released his Solista Pero No Solo debut album in 1985, which spawned the hits Tu Con El and La Cura. Ruiz would record about a dozen albums until succumbing to a fast-paced lifestyle, dying at age 40. Especially acclaimed for the albums Mas Grande Qua Nunca released in 1989 and Mi Libertad released in 1992 ~ Torresola was born in 1958
August 9, 1997 ~ Country singer Tim McGraw releases Just To See You Smile, lifted off his Everywhere album ~ Written by Mark Nester and Tony Martin, the latter also known for Billboard Country charttoppers for Joe Diffie, Sara Evans, and Keith Urban. In a retrospective review Country Universe would classify the song as one of the smartest and most incisive of its day, stating that upon a first listen one might easily pick up Tim McGraw's unconditional love toward the girl who's been stringing him along, only to discover a deeper layer of “contempt and a bit more resigned disbelief at her remarkable obliviousness of her own callous selfishness” when digging just bit deeper. Just To See You Smile would spend 42 weeks on the Billboard Country charts, the longest run for any country single during the 1990s, and top the chart for six weeks, making it McGraw's third consecutive No.1 off the parent album
August 9, 1995 ~ Rock, psychedelic rock, jam guitarist, singer, songwriter Jerry Garcia, full name Jerome John Garcia, passed away in Forest Knolls, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and key member of the Grateful Dead, known for their excessive touring building a devoted cult following. The band scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with A Touch Of Grey in 1987. Garcia has also worked with several Dead-side projects and is an in-demand collaborator. Has worked with the Jerry Garcia Band, Legion Of Mary, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Reconstruction, the Hart Valley Drifters, the Warlocks and with Old & In The Way ~ Garcia was born in 1942
August 9, 1988 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, singer Woodrow Adams, full name Woodrow Wilson Adams, passed away in Robinsville, Mississippi, USA ~ Reportedly, Adams was taught how to play the blues harp by Howlin' Wolf. Adams has made only made three recordings, Prety Baby Blues, Wine Head Woman and How Long, yet these recordings are highly sought after by blues aficionados ~ Adams was born in 1917
August 9, 1985 ~ Actress, singer Anna Kendrick, full name Anna Cooke Kendrick, born in Portland, Maine, USA ~ Started as a child actress in theater productions. Ventured into film and TV. Starred in the 1998 Broadway musical High Society. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2009 comedy-drama Up In The Air. As a singer, Kendrick is best known for her 2013 Billboard top 10 hit Cups from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack
August 9, 1985 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases Love Is The Seventh Wave, lifted off his The Dream Of The Blue Turtles solo debut album ~ Critically well received, Cashbox praising the “lifting rhythmic push and tropical melodic line” reminiscint of his work with the Police, while Billboard stated the song “integrates reggae influence with jazz chops”. Peaking at No.17 Billboard Hot 100, Love Is The Seventh Wave would be the second of four Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits off Sting's solo debut album, preceded by If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, succeeded by Fortress Around Your Heart and Russians. In his native England, Love Is The Seventh Wave peaked just outside the top 40, reaching No.41. The song concludes with a brief, self-mocking reference to Sting's biggest hit song with the Police, Every Breath You Take. As the singer himself has said: “At the end I sing, ‘Every cake you bake, every leg you break’. I quite like using the songs as a modular system where you can mix and match lines from different songs”August 9, 1980 ~ Pop, rock singer Rachel Kramer born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention in 2001 through the reality show and talent contest Starmaker, leading to the band K-otic known for songs such as Damn I Think I Love You, Falling and I Surrender. As a solo artist, Kramer is best known for her Rascal Flatts-cover What Hurts The Most first performed on the 2009 talent contest The X-Factor
August 9, 1975 ~ In its 11th week on the charts, Jive Talkin' by the Bee Gees hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the first of two weeks ~ The siblings had scored a number of hits with their blend of vocal harmonies, but had been absent from the charts for awhile, their last hit being the 1971 ballad How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, and some wondered if they would ever return. Jive Talkin' marked a stylistic change and a return to the top of the charts. Through the end of the decade, the Bee Gees would be one of the hottest acts around, incremental in bringing disco, previously the domain of the gay community, to mainstream. Jive Talkin' initially started as Drive Talking, its rhythm inspired by the sound their car made. Until Maurice Gibb sang it like “ji ji jive talking” thinking of the dance the Jive. Producer Arif Mardin pointed out “jive talking” was American slang for “bullshitting”, and that's the lyric and title they would keep. Jive Talkin', as well as their 1976 You Should Be Dancing Billboard Hot 100 No.1, would later be used for the massively successful film and soundtrack Saturday Night Fever
August 9, 1975 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Reuben Morgan, full name Reuben Timothy Morgan, born ~ Member of contemporary worship ensemble Hillsong Worship, first appearing on the band's 1996 album God Is In The House for which he wrote I Give You My Heart. Initially a member of the group's choir, Morgan would eventually become one of the band's primary songwriters, guitarist and occasional lead singer. Notable songs written or co-written by Morgan include Through It All, Mighty To Save, Forever Reign, and Stronger