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.
December 17, 2024 ~ Singer Alfa Anderson passed away ~ Member of Chic, initially as a backing singer starting on the band's eponymous Chic debut album, which spawned the hits Dance Dance Dance (Yowsah Yowsah Yowsah) and Everybody Dance. Following the departure of Norma Jean Wright, Anderson assumed a role of co-lead singer, notably present on songs such as Le Freak, I Want Your Love, and At Last I'm Free. Prior, during, and after her tenure with Chic, Anderson also provided backup vocals for the likes of Nat Adderley, Roy Buchanan, Sister Sledge, including on the hit We Are Family, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Luther Vandross, Bryan Ferry, BB King, Sheena Easton, Jellybean, Jody Watley, and NRBQ. Anderson also recorded as a solo artist, noted especially for her 1986 Alpha's Beta album which spawned the club hit Love And Understanding, and formed the spiritual group the Voices Of Shalom with her husband bassist Eluriel Barfield, releasing the albums Messages and Daily Bread with the latter ~ Anderson was born in 1946
December 17, 2024 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter David Mallett passed away ~ Influenced by Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Dylan. Although Mallett recorded well over a dozen albums to critical acclaim and peer admiration, the first three produced by mentor Noel Paul Stookey of folk trio Peter Paul & Mary, he never became a household name. However, his songs have been recorded by many including notably John Denver (Garden Song), Emmylou Harris (Red Red Rose), and Kathy Mattea (Summer Of My Dreams). Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Mallett include Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Marty Stuart, Hal Ketchum, Alison Krauss, and Maria Muldaur. In his native Maine, Mallett was considered a cultural icon, his songs portraying the small town life in the Pine Tree State. In 2014, Mallett received an honorary doctorate from the University of Maine in recognition of his contribution to the state's cultural heritage. Upon hearing of his passing, longtime friend and fellow Mainer Tim Sample remarked: “Mallett took this raw material about his life and family in Maine, the fabric of Maine, and wove them into songs that anyone in the country could identify with. He loved the state of Maine and his passion came out in his music” ~ Mallett was born in 1951
December 17, 2024 ~ Singer, guitarist Mike Brewer passed away in Missouri, USA ~ Formed Mastin & Brewer with singer Tom Mastin, the duo known to open for the likes of the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield. When Mastin abruptly split, Brewer first recorded the single Need You with his brother Keith Brewer and subsequently teamed up with old pal Tom Shipley as Brewer & Shipley. The duo recorded half a dozen albums through the mid 1970s, most notably Tarkio produced by Nick Gravenites and featuring Mark Naftalin on piano and organ, with Jerry Garcia guesting on the track Oh Mommy. The album also contained the duo's sole major hit, One Toke Over The Line which reached No.10 Billboard Hot 100. Two other singles, Tarkio Road and Shake Off The Demon, also charted but failed to reach top 40. Brewer released his sole solo album, the Dan Fogelberg-produced Beauty Lies, in 1983 ~ Brewer was born in 1944
December 17, 2022 ~ Charles Anthony Graci, commonly known as rock, R&B singer, guitarist Charlie Gracie, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Drew from country, rockabilly, rock & roll, R&B, jump blues. Best known for a number of mid- to late 1950s songs including Boogie Woogie Blues, All Over Town, Butterfly and Fabulous ~ Graci was born in 1936
December 17, 2022 ~ Classical timpanist Elayne Jones, full name Elayne Viola Jones, passed away in Walnut Creek, California, USA ~ Broke racial barriers in classical music. Closely associated with the New York City Opera, playing with the orchestra for about a decade starting in the late 1940s. Has also worked with the New York Metropolitan, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and notably as principal cellist with the San Francisco Symphony under the direction of Leopold Stokowski starting in 1972, the latter making her the first African-American to achieve such a position with a major orchestra ~ Jones was born in 1928December 17, 2020 ~ Gunnar Olof Björksten, commonly known as jazz bandleader, saxophonist Hacke Björksten, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Served under Kenneth Fagerland in his teens. Would go on to lead a popular 1950s ensemble featuring sidemen such as Ake Persson, Rune Ofwerman and Kurt Weil. Has also worked with Mel Lewis and Ulf Johansson ~ Björksten was born in 1934
December 17, 2020 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Jeff Clayton passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Brother of bassist John Clayton, with whom he also worked under the moniker the Clayton Brothers. Founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with drummer Jeff Hamilton. In-demand sideman and session musician. Worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Ella Fitzgerald, Ethan Smith, Lena Horne, Thad Jones, Gene Harris, Dianne Reeves, Joe Cocker, BB King, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, and Madonna ~ Clayton was born in 1954December 17, 2020 ~ Jazz pianist Stanley Cowell passed away in Dover, Delaware, USA ~ Co-founder of Strata East Records label. Cowell played with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Marion Brown, Max Roach, Bobby Hutcherson, Clifford Jordan, Harold Land, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Gary Bartz, Larry Coryell, Richard Davis, Sonny Fortune, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Heath, the Heath Brothers, Johnny Griffin, JJ Johnson, Oliver Nelson, Art Pepper, Charles Sullivan, Buddy Terry, and Charles Tolliver ~ Cowell was born in 1941
December 17, 2019 ~ Country singer Jake Hoot wins NBC's The Voice ~ Singer Jake Hoot wins the 17th season of NBC's talent show The Voice, runner-up would be pop singer Ricky Duran. Following his success on the show, Hoot's coronation single Better Off Without You would reach top 40 on the Billboard Country charts, where it peaked at No.36. Hoot has only sporadically released since
December 17, 2018 ~ Musical theatre, jazz, funk, classical, film composer Galt MacDermot, full name Arthur Terence Galt MacDermot, passed away in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Wrote African Waltz, an unexpected hit for Cannonball Adderley in 1960 earning MacDermot a Grammy Award. Perhaps best known for writing the music for the 1967 rock musical Hair, which spawned the hits Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In, Good Morning Starshine and the title track Hair. Earned a Tony Award for Best Musical for his Two Gentlemen Of Verona, premiered in 1971. Composed the soundtracks for Cotton Comes To Harlem, and Rhinoceros. Formed the New Pulse Jazz Band in 1979, a jazz band noted for their use of the synthesizer ~ MacDermot was born in 1928December 17, 2017 ~ Jazz singer Kevin Mahogany passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Learned piano, clarinet, saxophone as a child. Cites Lambert Hendricks & Ross, Al Jarreau, and Eddie Jefferson as vocal influences. Mahogany's singing has been compared to Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams and Johnny Hartman ~ Mahogany was born in 1958
December 17, 2013 ~ Singer Katy Perry releases Dark Horse featuring Juicy J, lifted off her Prism album ~ The term “dark horse” refers to a person whose abilities or possible course of action are unknown, or to somebody who reveals an unsuspected talent. When Dark Horse, in which Katy Perry sets her sight on a man and she won't take no for an answer, hit No.1 Billboard Hot 100, the singer commented it was “the most unexpected hit” she had ever had. The song notably featured a verse from Juicy J, who was delighted to be asked: “(producer) Dr Luke gave me a call and was like, ‘Hey man, Katy Perry wants you to feature on one of her songs for her album’ and I was like, ‘Wow.’ I couldn't believe it. (…) I did a lot of different versions to it. I recorded almost three verses because I wanted to make sure everything fit with the song and that she was satisfied”
December 17, 2013 ~ Singer Tessanne Chin wins NBC's The Voice ~ Tessanne Chin wins the 5th season of NBC's talent show The Voice, runner-up would be pop singer Jacquie Lee. Following her win, Chin would release her major-label debut album Count On My Love the following year, which reached No.41 Billboard Hot 200. Prior to her appearance on The Voice, Chinn had self-released one album, opened for acts such as Patti LaBelle, Peabo Bryson, and Gladys Knight, and toured with Jimmy Cliff. Chin is the younger sister of singer Tami Chynn
December 17, 2010 ~ Don van Vliet, commonly known as singer, songwriter Captain Beefheart, passed away in Arcata, California, USA ~ Backed by the Magic Band recorded some dozen albums drawing from blues, free jazz, rock, and avant-garde. Critically acclaimed, especially for the albums Safe As Milk and Trout Mask Replica. Worked with Alexis Shouffer, Frank Zappa, John French, Denny Walley, Jeff Cotton, Jerry Handley, Bruce Botnick, Bill Harkleroad, Gary Marker, and Mark Boston ~ Van Vliet was born in 1941December 17, 2010 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae organist, singer Glen Adams passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Brother of singer Yvonne Adams. Formed the duo Ken & Glen with Ken Boothe. Co-founded the Heptones. Member of the Pioneers, present on songs such as Shake It Up and Good Nanny. Would go on to work as a solo artist and session singer and organist for artists such as Lester Sterling, Slim Smith, the Hippy Boys, the Upsetters, the Wailers, writing the latter's Mr Brown ~ Adams was born in 1945
December 17, 2005 ~ Singer, actor Shayne Ward wins The X-Factor UK ~ Shayne Ward wins the 2nd edition of British talent show The X-Factor. Runner-ups would be singer Andy Abraham in 2nd place, the sibling duo Journey South in 3rd. Following his success on the show, Ward's That's My Goal debut single was released shortly before Christmas. It would become the all-time third-fastest selling UK single, behind Elton John's 1997 remake of Candle In The Wind and Will Young's Evergreen, and hit No.1 on the charts in the week of Christmas. Ward would continue his success both as a singer, his first two albums reaching the top 10, and scoring top 10 hits such as No Promises, If That's OK With You, and Breathless, and venture into acting, notably playing the role of Aidan Connor in the soap opera Coronation Street
December 17, 2004 ~ Jazz, blues, blues-rock, post bop, jazz fusion saxophonist, clarinetist, pianist Dick Heckstall-Smith, full name Richard Malden Heckstall-Smith, passed away in Hampstead, UK ~ Influenced by Sidney Bechet, Lester Young, Wardell Gray. Important figure in 1960s and 1970s English blues, blues-rock circles. In-demand collaborator, closely associated with acts such as Blues Incorporated (R&B From The Marquee), the Graham Bond Organisation, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers (Bare Wires), Colosseum. Has also worked with Battered Ornaments, Manchild, Sweet Pain, Big Chief, the Famous Bluesblasters, Mainsqueeze, John Ethridge, and Jack Bruce ~ Heckstall-Smith was born in 1934
December 17, 1999 ~ Smooth jazz, jazz-pop saxophonist Grover Washington Jr passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the founders of smooth jazz. Known for songs such as Mr Magic, Reed Seed and Black Frost. Especially known for a number of collaborations including duetting with Patti LaBelle on The Best Is Yet To Come, with Phyllis Hyman on A Sacred Kind Of Love, and with Bill Withers on Just The Two Of Us ~ Washington was born in 1943December 17, 1999 ~ Actor, singer, songwriter Rex Allen, full name Rex Elvie, passed away in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Popular actor starting in the late 1940s, early 1950s. Dubbed “the Arizona Cowboy”. As a recording artist known for songs such as Afraid, The Roving Kind, Crying In The Chapel and the 1961 Billboard top 20 hit Don't Go Near The Indians ~ Allen was born in 1920
December 17, 1996 ~ Valentin Brunel, commonly known as Kungs, born in Toulon, France ~ First gained attention with This Girl, a remix of an original Cookin' On 3 Burners song, reaching the top 10 in charts across Europe. Released his full-length debut album, Layers, later the same year
December 17, 1992 ~ Alternative hip hop act Arrested Development play the Ed Sullivan Theatre, New York, New York ~ Hailed as the hottest thing in hip hop for their 3 Years 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of debut album released earlier the same year, the band play the Ed Sullivan Theatre, their performance taped for the MTV Unplugged TV series, with an accompanying album released the following March. While their debut album reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100, spawned three Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles, and earned the band several nominations, winning two Grammy Awards including one for Best New Artist, sadly both their 1993 MTV Unplugged and the 1994 sophomore studio album Zingalamaduni scored significantly less, neither reaching the top 50. The band called it quits by the mid 1990s, and reconvened in the early 2000s
December 17, 1991 ~ Indie folk, indie pop, indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Walker, full name Thomas Alexander Walker, born in Kilsyth, UK ~ Rose to fame with the 2017 single Leave A Light On reaching the UK top 10. A re-release of Just You And I would reach top 10 the next year. Both hits would be included on his What A Time To Be Alive debut album released in 2019
December 17, 1989 ~ Johnny Jones, commonly known as singer, songwriter Little Sonny Jones, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Released a handful of New Orleans blues singles, starting with Do You Really Love Me in 1953, but failed to reach the charts. Would serve however as opening act for Fats Domino through 1961 and regularly perform at the annual the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival ~ Jones was born in 1931
December 17, 1987 ~ William Lee Barefield III, commonly known as Christian rapper, singer Trip Lee, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of 116 Clique. Released his If They Only Knew solo debut album in 2006. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Shweet, Sweet Victory featuring Dimitri McDowell & Leah Smith, and Manolo featuring Lecrae
December 17, 1986 ~ Post-hardcore, metalcore, alternative rock, punk rock singer, guitarist Masato Hayakawa, full name Masato David Hayakawa, born in Nagoye, Japan ~ Influenced by Linkin Park, Papa Roach, Pearl Jam, Silverchair, Slipknot, Sevendust. Frontman of Coldrain, known for songs such as Gone, Mayday, Coexist, Die Tomorrow, and Feed The Fire. Previously a member of AVER, alongside drummer Katsuma Minatani