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 25, 2022 ~ Luis Vamilo Argúmedes Berguido, commonly known as salsa singer Azuquita, passed away in Panama City, Panama ~ Leading salsa singer, active since the mid 1960s. Member of Cuban band Sonora Matancera. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 1976 Pura Salsa album. Has also collaborated with Roberto Roena, Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo, Tito Puente (Ce' Magnifique), and the Fania All-Stars ~ Berguido was born in 1946
December 25, 2022 ~ Beat, rock & roll singer, guitarist Brian Cassar, also known as Cass and Casey Jones, passed away in Germany ~ Active since the late 1950s fronting several short-lived Liverpool-based bands, noted most for their line-ups. Fronted Nightsounds in the early 1960s, which also included Albert Lee. Fronted Casey Jones & the Engineers, which briefly included Eric Clapton and Tom McGuinness who both left after a few performances ~ Casser was born in 1936
December 25, 2022 ~ Luther Johnson, commonly known as Chicago blues singer, guitarist Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Active since the late 1950s, building up an impressive resume backing numerous blues giants before embarking on a respectable solo career by the mid 1970s. Profited from the 1990s blues boom, attracting a wider audience with a string of acclaimed albums showcasing a soulful voice and solid guitar playing. Notable releases include I Want To Groove With You, Slammin' On The West Side, and Live At The Rynborn. As a sideman Johnson is present on albums by John Lee Hooker, Otis Spann, Muddy Waters (The Unk In Funk), the Nighthawks, Big Leon Brooks (Let's Go To Town), and Willie Kent ~ Johnson was born in 1939
December 25, 2020 ~ Guitarist, singer Tony Rice, full name David Anthony Rice, born in Danville, Virginia, USA ~ Leading acoustic guitarist in bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, newgrass, acoustic jazz. Brother of Wyatt Rice, Ron Rice, Larry Rice. Has worked with JD Crowe & the New South, David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, the Tony Rice Unit, Ricky Skaggs, Béla Fleck, Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Peter Rowan, and the Bluegrass Album Band ~ Rice was born in 1951
December 25, 2019 ~ Opera, concert singer, conductor Peter Schreier passed away in Dresden, Germany ~ Started as an alto soloist, notably with the Dresdner Kreuzchor, but would turn to tenor parts later on. Considered one of the leading lyric tenors of the 20th century renowned for his lieder singing and opera roles, particularly in works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Has worked with the Berlin State Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera ~ Schreier was born in 1935
December 25, 2016 ~ Drummer Alphonse Mouzon passed away in Granada Hills, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Weather Report. First gained attention as member of Larry Coryell's fusion band Eleventh House. Has also played with Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Patrick Moraz, Betty Davis, Chubby Checker, Albert Mangelsdorff, Jaco Pastorius, Chicano, David Paich, Brian Auger, Alex Ligertwood, Ray Parker Jr, Lenny Castro, Vikki Carr, Pete Escovedo, Marcos J Reyes, Siedah Garrett, Walfredo Reyes Jr, Arild Andersen, Donald Byrd, Doug Carn, Norman Connors, Miles Davis, Al di Meola, Roberta Flack, the Fania All-Stars, Carlos Garnett, Herbie Hancock, Miki Howard, Bobbi Humphrey, Joachim Kühn, Les McCann, Eugene McDaniels, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Salvador Santana. and with Spencer Davis ~ Mouzon was born in 1948
December 25, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Georgios Panayiotou, commonly known as George Michael, passed away in Goring, UK ~ Rose to fame as half of pop duo Wham, the other half being Andrew Ridgeley, known for songs such as Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Young Guns, and Wham Rap. In 1984 Wham became the first Western pop act to release an album in China, their sophomore Make It Big, and subsequently tour the Orient nation. Embarked on a highly successful solo career in 1987 with Faith, which topped the US album chart for 12 weeks, and has been recording, touring and scoring hits since ~ Panayiotou was born in 1963
December 25, 2009 ~ James Victor Chesnutt, commonly known as folk rock, indie folk, roots rock, alternative country singer, guitarist, songwriter Vic Chesnutt, passed away in Athens, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted in 1990 with his Little album, produced by REM-frontman Michael Stipe. Broke through after the release of 1996's Sweet Relief II (Gravity Of The Situation), a charity album by various alternative artists, including REM, Madonna, the Smashing Pumpkins and Soul Asylum, covering Chesnutt's songs. Chesnutt has recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist, and two collaborating with Widespread Panic under the common moniker Brute. Chesnutt has also collaborated with Bob Mould, Lambchop, Elf Power, Bill Frisell, and Guy Picciotto ~ Chesnutt was born in 1964
December 25, 2008 ~ Eartha Mae Keith, commonly known as jazz, torch singer, actress Eartha Kitt passed away in Weston, Connecticut, USA ~ Epitomized the idea of the sex-kitten chanteuse. Rose to fame in the early 1950s, especially noted for her That Bad Eartha released in 1953. Well-known songs include Uska Dara, I Want To Be Evil, Just An Old Fashioned Girl, Santa Baby, Where Is My Man, and perhaps her best known C'Est Si Bon ~ Kitt was born in 1927
December 25, 2008 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Robert Ward, full name Robert Jeryl Ward, passed away in Dry Branch, Georgia, USA ~ Founder of the Ohio Untouchables, a band that would later become the Ohio Players. Ward remained with the Untouchables, including on their best known song and Ward's signature song Your Love Is Amazing, until 1965, leaving before the name change. Ward was seen as an unreliable leader, and would regularly get into fights with band members or walk offstage in the middle of a set ~ Ward was born in 1938
December 25, 2006 ~ R&B, soul, funk singer James Brown, full name James Joseph Brown, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Known as “the Godfather of Soul”. Pivotal to developement of funk, soul, hip-hop. First gained attention as lead singer of Famous Flames in the late 1950s with songs such as Please Please Please and Try My. Also known for classics such as Papa's Got A Brand New Bag (Part 1), I Got You I Feel Good, It's A Man's Man's Man's World, Cold Sweat, Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud, Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine Part 1, and Hot Pants. Beloved bandleader, collaborator, mentor to many including Bobby Byrd, Lynn Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Clyde Stubblefield, Bootsy Collins, and Marva Whitney ~ Brown was born in 1933
December 25, 2005 ~ Avant-garde jazz guitarist Derek Bailey passed away in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Important figure in free improvisation, expanding the guitar experimenting with atonality and noise. Active since the early 1950s. Formed the the Joseph Holbrooke Trio with Tony Oxley and Gavin Bryars. Perhaps best known for co-founding the Spontaneous Music Ensemble. Has also worked with the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, Company, Arcana, Han Bennink, Anthony Braxton, Jamie Muir, John Zorn, Louis Moholo, Noël Akchoté, Trevor Watts, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Fred Frith, Iskra, Kenny Wheeler, Thurston Moore, and David Sylvian ~ Bailey was born in 1930
December 25, 2003 ~ Singer Nicola Paone passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA ~ Italian-American singer, best known for his songs about the joys and hardships of Italian immigrants. Occasionally referred to as “the Italian Bing Crosby”, Paone would enjoy popularity, peaking in the 1950s, with songs such as U Sciccareddu, Tony The Iceman, The Big Professor, and perhaps his best known Blah Blah Blah. Tired of touring Paone would retire from music by the late 1950s to pursue a career in the restaurant business. His Nicola Paone Restaurant would quickly become one of the top Italian eateries in New York, with Paone himself assuming some of the cooking duties. Over the course of its 50 years existence the restaurant has served every single New York mayor ~ Paone was born in 1915
December 25, 1998 ~ Psychedelic rock, folk rock, garage rock, baroque pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Bryan MacLean, full name Bryan Andrew MacLean, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of architect to the stars, MacLean grew up among Hollywood elite. Recognised by neighbour songwriter as a “melodic genius” at a young age. His first girlfriend was Liza Minnelli. Best known as lead singer, primary songwriter of Love, with whom he recorded three critically acclaimed albums during the mid 1960s, Love, Da Capo, and Forever Changes. Following the band's disbandement, MacLean long disappeared from public view releasing a number of solo albums decades later ~ MacLean was born in 1946
December 25, 1998 ~ Singer, actress, comedian Damita Jo DeBlanc, commonly known simply as Damita Jo, passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for the early 1960s answer songs, namely I'll Save The Last Dance For You as a reply to the Drifters' Save The Last Dance For Me and I'll Be There as a reply to Ben E King's Stand By Me. Had sung with the Five Red Caps during the 1950s. Has also worked with Ray Charles, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine and Bobby Tucker ~ DeBlanc was born in 1930
December 25, 1996 ~ William Beck, commonly known as singer Johnny Sandon, passed away in Rock Ferry, UK ~ Merseybeat singer best known as a member of Remo 4, including on the singles Lies and Yes. As a solo artist best known for mid 1960s recordings such as Sixteen Tons, Donna Means Heartbreak and The Blizzard. Also a member of the Searchers. Shared a manager, Brian Epstein, with the Beatles ~ Beck was born in 1941
December 25, 1995 ~ Dino Paul Crocetti, commonly known as singer, actor, comedian Dean Martin, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Nicknamed “the King of Cool” for his charisma and self-assurance. Broke through as half of the comedy duo Martin & Lewis with comedian Jerry Lewis. Member of the Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Appeared in over 80 films and TV productions including as host of his own variety program, The Dean Martin Show. As a singer revered for his relaxed, smooth crooning voice, scoring hits such as Memories Are Made Of This, That's Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody, You're Noboby Till Somebody Loves You, Sway, Ain't That A Kick In The Head and Volare ~ Crocetti was born in 1917December 25, 1988 ~ Singer, songwriter Marco Mengoni born in Ronciglione, Italy ~ First gained attention in 2009 by winning the third season of the Italian edition of The X-Factor. Released his full-length debut album, Solo 2.0, in 2011. Known for songs such as Dove Si Vola and Credimi Ancora. Internationally best known for representing Italy at the 2013 Eurovision Songfestival with L'Essenziale, reaching 7th place
December 25, 1986 ~ Pop, soul singer, songwriter Alex Hepburn born in London, UK ~ Inspired by classic blues and soul, Hepburn released her Together Alone debut album in 2013 which was warmly received especially on the European continent, spawning the modest hit Under. Hepburn had previously gained attentions as support act for Bruno Mars during his 2010 Doo-wops & Hooligans tour. Hepburn has also opened for Lianne La Havas, Alex Clare, Texas, Amy MacDonald, and James Morrison
December 25, 1985 ~ Blues, electric blues guitarist, singer Eddie Taylor passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his work with Jimmy Reed, providing the groove for most of the singer's recordings during the 1950s and early 1960s. Taylor also recorded a number of solo singles during the 1950s, notably Bad Boy, Ride 'Em On Down, and Big Town Playboy, though warmly received he never became a household name. Taylor has also guested on albums by Kenny Graham, John Lee Hooker (I'm John Lee Hooker), Curtis Jones, Homesick James, Carey Bell (Carey Bell's Blues Harp), John Littlejohn, Big Walter Horton, and Elmore James ~ Taylor was born in 1923December 25, 1984 ~ Identical twin sisters, singers, songwriters Jessica Origliasso and Lisa Origliasso born in Albany Creek, Australia ~ Recorded as Australian pop duo the Veronicas, best known for hits such as 4Ever, Hook Me Up and Untouched, the latter also reaching the American Billboard top 20 in 2007
December 25, 1982 ~ R&B, hip-hop, pop, rock singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, songwriter Chris René, full name Christopher René, born in Santa Cruz, California, USA ~ First gained serious attention in 2012 finishing third on the talent show The X-Factor USA with his original composition Young Homie. Released his major label debut album I'm Right Here later the same year.
December 25, 1981 ~ Pianist Zaccai Curtis born in New York, New York, USA ~ As a solo artist debuted in 2000 with Insight. Sessioned and toured with Cindy Blackman, Brian Lynch, Ralph Peterson, Ray Vega, Antoine Roney, Wallace Roney, Jerry González, Papo Vasquez, Donald Harrison, Stacie Orrico, Jimmy Greene, Pedrito Martinez, and Joe Ford
December 25, 1979 ~ Folk, indie folk, pop rock singer, guitarist William Tyler, full name Willim Armistead Tyler, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of songwriters Dan Tyler and Adele Tyler. Tyler released his Behold The Spirit solo debut album in 2010 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Had previously played with Lambchop from 2000 through 2006, first appearing on the Is A Woman album, and with Silver Jews on the albums Bright Flight and Tanglewood Numbers. Tyler also co-produced Survivor of Mary J Blige's 2017 Strength Of A Woman album
December 25, 1976 ~ Trance, progressive trance DJ, producer Armin Van Buuren, full name Armin Jozef Jacobus Daniel van Buuren, born in Leiden, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention in the mid to late 1990s with recordings such as Blue Fear, Communication and Touch Me. Released his major label full-length debut album, 76, in 2000 and has recorded steadily since to commercial success. Internationally best known for his 2013 single This Is What It Feels Like featuring Trevor Guthrie, which charted well across Europe and reached top 10 in the UK, Austria and the Netherlands. Has also worked with Tiësto, Justine Suissa, Jan Vayne (Serenity), Nadia Ali, Racoon, Jacqueline Govaert, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Paul Oakenfold, Mr Probz, Jean-Michel Jarre, Ørjan Nilsen, Conrad Sewell, and Marco Borsato
December 25, 1976 ~ In its 15th week on the charts More Than A Feeling by Boston peaks at No.5 Billboard Hot 100 ~ One of six songs, five of which ended up on Boston's eponymous debut album, that the band's thriving force Tom Scholz has spent six years on to complete in his basement prior to the band being signed in 1975. Both contemporary and retrospective critical reviews have hailed the power ballad, the Los Angeles Times calling More Than A Feeling a “marvelously appealing pop-rock single”, while Cashbox stated the song is a “hard-rock offering, but has a sophisticated melody that makes good use of minor chords”. The song has gone on to become a staple of classic rock radio, popular to this day. The Boston parent album would hold the top spot for best selling debut album for some three decades until dethroned by Appetite For Destruction by Guns 'n Roses. Throughout the years, Boston has sold over an estimated 20 million copies. At the time of its release, once the album was completed Boston's Tom Scholz returned to his day job after a leave of absence, as he was not sure his music would find an audience
December 25, 1976 ~ Symphonic metal, progressive folk keyboardist, saxophonist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, producer, songwriter Tuomas Holopainen born in Kitee, Finland ~ Best known as founder, main creative force of female-fronted symphonic metal band Nightwish, with whom he has recorded well over a dozen albums since the late 1990s. The band has earned wide critical acclaim the world over, is especially acclaimed for the albums Oceanborn, Century Child, and End Of An Era, and ranks as one of the all-time best selling Finnish acts. Holopainen has also worked with Nattvindens Gråt, Darkwoods My Betrothed, For My Pain, and Auri