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 20, 2025 ~ Violinist, saxophonist Michal Urbaniak passed away ~ Over 50 albums to his name as a leader, infusing jazz with elements of folk, R&B, funk, symphonic music, and hip hop. Started his professional career in the early 1960s in Poland, playing with the likes of Zbigniew Namyslowski, Andrzej Trzaskowksi, and Krzysztof Komeda. Urbaniak is perhaps best known for about half a dozen 1970s albums with Fusion, including notably Funk Factory and Urbaniak. Urbaniak has also appeared on albums by the likes of Oliver Nelson, Charles Earland, Arif Mardin (Journey), Larry Coryell, Don Pullen (Tomorrow's Promises), Michael Brecker, and Miles Davis (Tutu). Urbaniak was one of the first jazz musicians from Eastern Europe to play America, and would recollect in a 2019 interview with UK Jazz News: “In 1962 the band I played with at the time was considered the best jazz band behind the Iron Curtain, and the Department of State invited us for a two months tour in the USA. This was, of course, a massive shock for the guy from a communist country I was then, and at the same time it was really a fulfilment of my dreams, and also I simply just reassured myself that one day I have to come back there to stay for good.” Urbaniak has frequently worked with singer Urszula Dudziak, with whom he has two daughters ~ Urbaniak was born in 1943
December 20, 2024 ~ Umpeylia Marsema Balinton, commonly known as R&B singer Sugar Pie DeSanto, passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Discovered by Johnny Otis who gave her the stage name Sugar Pie. Toured as backing singer with James Brown in the late 1950s. As a solo artist rose to fame with her 1960 hit I Want To Know. Would go on to release a number of classic 1960s R&B hits throughout the remainder of the decade, notably Slip-in Mules, Use What You Got, Soulful Dress, I Don't Wanna Fuss and Do I Make Myself Clear, the latter a duet with Etta James ~ Balinton was born in 1935December 20, 2022 ~ Pop drummer Randy Begg passed away in Belleville, Canada ~ Member of Canadian pop outfit Wednesday, best known for a number of covers including Last Kiss, Teen Angel, and Loving You Baby ~ Begg was born ca.1951
December 20, 2021 ~ Blues rock, jazz rock, rock guitarist Luboš Andršt passed away ~ Influential guitarist best known as key figure in the 1990s, 2000s Czech blues, electric blues and blues-rock scenes. Has also played jazz, acoustic jazz, jazz fusion dating back to the 1960s as a member of acts such as Framus Five, Jazz Q and Energit. Also collaborated with Emil Viklický, Marta Kubisová, Collegium Musicum (Divergencie), Jan Hruby, and Michal Prokop ~ Andrst was born in 1948
December 20, 2020 ~ David Stuart Chadwick, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Chad Stuart passed away in Hailey, Idaho, USA ~ Half of Chad & Jeremy, the other half being Jeremy Clyde, known for a string of early 1960s folk-infected pop hits including Yesterday's Gone, Willow Weep For Me, Before And After, and perhaps their best known 1964's Summer Song ~ Chadwick was born in 1941
December 20, 2017 ~ Reginald Joseph Ossé, commonly known as hip-hop music attorney, executive, journalist, author Combat Jack, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Legal intern for Def Jam Recordings. Would go on to become a music attorney, representing artists such as Jay-Z, Damon Dash, Clark Kent, Nice & Smooth, and Ski Beatz. Authored Bling (The Hip-Hop Jewellry Book), published in 2006, about hip-hop's fascination with jewellry. Turned podcast pioneer hosting the Combat Jack Show from the early-2010s forward ~ Ossé was born in 1964
December 20, 2014 ~ Jerry Marvin Stembridge, commonly known as Nashville-based guitarist, producer Chip Young, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand Nashville-based session guitarist turned producer. As a guitarist, Young has sessioned on tracks by Nancy Sinatra, Dolly Parton (Just Because I'm A Woman), Neon Philharmonic, Tony Joe White (Black And White), Bobby Bare, Elvis Presley (That's The Way It Is), Roger Miller, Tom T Hall, Charley Pride, the Sir Douglas Quintet, Willie Nelson (Yesterday's Wine), Gordon Lightfoot, the Statler Brothers, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie McCoy, Carl Perkins, Waylon Jennings (Lonesome On'ry & Mean), Leon Russell, Guy Clark, the Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, and the Allman Brothers Band. As a producer, Young has worked on albums by Billy Swan, Mickey Newbury, Joe Ely (Honky Tonk Masquerade), Gene Summers, and Michael Martin Murphey ~ Young was born in 1938December 20, 2009 ~ Jazz saxophonist, jazz club manager Pete King, full name Peter Stephen George King, passed away in London, UK ~ Managed Ronnie Scott's noted Soho, London jazz club for fifty years. Played wih Jiver Hutchinson, George Evans, Oscar Rabin, Dill Jones, Lennie Bush, Tony Crombie, Jack Parnell, Victor Feldman, and Philly Joe Jones ~ King was born in 1929
December 20, 2006 ~ Peter Sidney Mulligan, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Mick Mulligan, passed away in West Sussex, UK ~ Closely associated with George Melly. Founded the Magnolia Jazz Band in the late 1940s, a band rivaling Humphrey Lyttelton's ensemble in popularity on the traditional jazz circuit. Though not a top-notch instrumentalist himself, and often hindered by his alcohol addiction, Mulligan is remembered as one of the most influential bandleaders of his day, often employing the finest sidemen such as Roy Crimmins, Ian Christie, and Archie Semple early on in their careers ~ Mulligan was born in 1928
December 20, 2004 ~ Frank Seals, commonly known as electric blues guitarist Son Seals passed away in Chicago, Illinois, 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 was born in 1942
December 20, 2000 ~ Poet, painter, bassist, songwriter Adrian Henri passed away in Liverpool, UK ~ To music audiences best known as founding member of poetry-rock group the Liverpool Scene, a darling of radio DJ John Peel who also produced the band's 1967 debut album, The Incredible New Liverpool Scene. Despite growing a devoted cult following with their merger of rock and poetry, opening for Led Zeppelin, and a performance at the 1969 the Isle Of Wight Festival, the band never achieved much commercial success. Nevertheless, especially as a poet Henri's characterisation of popular culture in verse helped to widen the audience for poetry among British youth of the late 1960s ~ Henri was born in 1932December 20, 2000 ~ Composer, conductor, orchestrator, songwriter Dick Hazard, full name Richard Hazard, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Film and TV composer known for scoring the music for TV series such as Mission Impossible, Mannix, The Partners and films such as Some Call It Loving and With This Ring ~ Hazard was born in 1921
December 20, 1999 ~ Clarence Eugene Snow, commonly known as country, honky-tonk singer, guitarist, songwriter Hank Snow passed away in Madison, Tennessee, USA ~ Recorded some 140 albums, charting over 80 singles on the Billboard Country charts from the 1950s through the 1980s. Best known for self-penned songs such I'm Moving On, Golden Rocket, Rhumba Boogie, as well as covers such as I Don't Hurt Anymore, Let Me Go Lover, I've Been Everywhere, Hello Love ~ Snow was born in 1914
December 20, 1995 ~ Derek William Ley, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, singer Eggy Ley, passed away in Delta, Canada ~ Active since the early 1950s playing in bands led by Mick Colliers, Eric Silk, and Stan Sowden, before finding success with his own ensemble in Germany, playing a residency in Hamburg and scoring a 1959 hit single with Blues For St Pauli. Later Ley would co-lead Jazz Legend with Hugh Rainey, record with Cy Laurie, found and front the 1980s unit Hot Shots, and run the Jazzin' Around newspaper. Ley relocated to Canada by the late 1980s where he passed away at age 67 following a heart attack ~ Ley was born in 1928December 20, 1990 ~ Singer, actress Joanne Novelle Levesque, commonly known as JoJo, born in Brattleboro, Vermont, USA ~ First gained attention in 2003 as a contender on the TV show America's Most Talented Kids. Would release her eponymous debut album, Jojo, the next year which included the hit single Leave (Get Out). Has been recording to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Has also ventured into acting
December 20, 1985 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock, gunge drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter Paul Wandtke born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of heavy metal outfit Bedlem. Lead singer, guitarist of grunge band the Dead Original. Has also worked with Trivium, Kill Hannah, and the Nirvana-tribute band Smells Like Nirvana
December 20, 1982 ~ Pianist Arthur Rubinstein passed away in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Child prodigy, fascinated by the piano from age two onward. The violinist Joseph Joachim, on hearing a four-year-old Rubinstein play, told Rubinstein's family: “This boy may become a very great musician, he certainly has the talent for it. When the time comes for serious study, bring him to me, and I shall be glad to supervise his artistic education.” Rubinstein would go on to become widely regarded as one of the all-time greatest pianists, especially known as an interpreter of the works of Frédéric Chopin ~ Rubinstein was born in 1887December 20, 1981 ~ Indie rock, indie pop, indie folk singer, keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, songwriter, producer Patrick Damphier, full name Patrick Kane Damphier, born in Amsterdam, New York, USA ~ Has worked in a variety of roles, session and studio musician, producer, with artists such as the Mynabirds, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Thayer Sarrano, Tim Easton, the Arcs, Paper Rival, Photo Ops, Houndmouth, Fences, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Mikaela Davis, Night Beds, Ruby Boots, Oh Mercy, and the Sun Seeker
December 20, 1979 ~ Vaudeville entertainer, songwriter Benny Davis passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Remembered for co-penning songs such as Margie (the Rega Dance Orchestra, the Modernaires, Tommy Dorsey, Fats Domino), I'm Nobodys Child (Aileen Stanley, Ruth Etting, Judy Garland, Mildred Bailey, Connie Francis), Oh How I Miss You tonight (the California Melodie Syncopators, Perry Como, Kay Starr, Frank Sinatra), Lonesome And Sorry (Jean Goldkette, Joni James, Nat King Cole), Baby Face (Jan Garber, Ben Selvin, Roberta Sherwood, Little Richard, the Kinks), Carolina Moon (Gene Austin, Guy Lombardo, the Chordettes, Jim Reeves), and With These Hands (Dick Brown, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughan, the Temptations) ~ Davis was born in 1895
December 20, 1977 ~ Jazz, bossa nova pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer David Feldman born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Joca Perpignan, Paulo Levi, Paula Morelenbaum, Scott Feiner, Noa, Adam Dunning, Yotam Silberstein, and the Ensemble PHOENIXDecember 20, 1977 ~ Rock, alternative rock drummer Kerem Kabadayi born in Ankara, Turkey ~ Member of Decision. Co-founded Mor Ve Otesi, releasing their Sehir debut album in 2008. Internationally the band is best known for representing their native Turkey at the 2008 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with the song Deli
December 20, 1977 ~ James Burke Oden, commonly known as blues singer, pianist, songwriter St Louis Jimmy Oden, passed away in Alsip, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1941 single Goin' Down Slow. His friend and frequent collaborator Muddy Waters would record Oden's Take The Bitter With The Sweet and Soon Forgotten. Has also worked with Roosevelt Sykes, Guitar Pete Franklin, Sunnyland Slim, and Otis Spann ~ Oden was born in 1903
December 20, 1976 ~ Ambient, electronica bassist James Elliott, full name James Lanier Elliott, born in Kentucky, USA ~ Member of the School of Seven Bells and Bear In Heaven. As a solo artist usually goes by the moniker Atelia. Noted for his 2007 Formal Sleep featuring contributions from David Grubbs, David Daniell, John Philpot and Sadek Bazaraa
December 20, 1976 ~ Lyricist, songwriter Ned Washington, full name Edward Michael Washington, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Nominated for eleven Academy Awards from 1940 to 1962. Won the award twice, in 1940 for Ukulele Ike' s When You Wish Upon A Star co-written with Leigh Harline and included in the film Pinocchio, and in 1952 for Tex Ritter's High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me) co-written with Dimitri Tiomkin and featured in the film High Noon ~ Washington was born in 1901
December 20, 1973 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Charade at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb. Arranged and produced by Arif Mardin. Issued as a single off their Mr Natural album, the song would be warmly welcomed by critics. Billboard named Charade their “strongest release in years” and one of the album's highlights, yet the single, featuring Heavy Breathing on the flip side, would fail to chart in either the UK or America
December 20, 1973 ~ Walden Robert Cassotto, commonly known as singer Bobby Darin, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Well aware that his poor health would not allow him to live a long life, Darin set out to become an established legend by age 25, and he succeeded, recording some two dozen albums over the course of his brief career, passing away at age 37. Considered one of the most versatile vocalists of his generation, scoring about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits ranging from the novelty Splish Splash, his 1958 breakout hit, to what may have been the definitive version of Mack The Knife, originally written by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill for the 1928 the Threepenny Opera, and the classic Beyond The Sea. At times, Darin would be considered a teen idol or rock & roll singer, at other times he was seen as a younger version of Frank Sinatra. In the late 1980s, singer, guitarist Neil Young would remark: “I used to be pissed off at Darin because he changed styles so much. Now I look at him and I think he was a fucking genius” ~ Cassotto was born in 1936