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, 1956 ~ Singer, drummer, songwriter Terry Anderson, full name Terry Randall Anderson, born in North Carolina, USA ~ Wrote Battleship Chains, recorded by the Georgia Satellites on their 1986 eponymous the Georgia Satellites album. Member of Yayhoos, which also included Satellites' member Dan Baird. Released his solo debut album, You Don't Like Me, in 1995
December 25, 1954 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Annie Lennox born in Aberdeen, UK ~ Rose to fame in the 1980s as half of Eurythmics, alongside romantic partner Dave Stewart, known for songs such as Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Who's That Girl, Here Comes The Rain Again, Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four) and There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart). Embarked on a highly successful solo career after the band broke up, debuting with the Diva in 1992. As a solo artist known for songs such as Put A Little Love In Your Heart with Al Green, Why, Walking On Broken Glass, Love Song For A Vampire, and No More I Love You's
December 25, 1954 ~ John Marshall Alexander, commonly known as R&B singer, pianist Johnny Ace, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Worked with BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, Junior Parker, Earl Forest, Rosco Gordon, and Ike Turner. As a solo artist, Ace is known for a string of early 1950s hits including Cross My Heart, Please Forgive Me, The Clock, Yes Baby, Saving My Love For You, Never Let Me Go and perhaps his best known Pledging My Love. The latter posthumously became an R&B charttopper in 1955 after Ace died of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound the previous year ~ Alexander was born in 1929December 25, 1954 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Robin Campbell born in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founding and longtime member of UB40, known for songs such as Red Red Wine, Can't Help Falling In Love and I Got You Babe
December 25, 1954 ~ Steven Noel Wariner, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Steve Wariner born in Noblesville, Indiana, USA ~ Backed artists such as Dottie West, Bob Luman and Chet Atkins before embarking on a solo career. Released his eponymous Steve Wariner debut album in 1982 and has been recording steadily since. Known for songs such as All Roads Lead To You, Some Fools Never Learn, You Can Dream Of Me, Life's Highway, Small Town Girl, The Weekend, Lynda, Where Did I Go Wrong and I Got Dreams, all of which would top Billboard's country charts
December 25, 1949 ~ Louis Joseph Walker, commonly known as blues, blues pop singer, guitarist Joe Louis Walker, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Influenced by T-Bone Walker, BB King, Meade Lux Lewis, Amos Milburn, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Bobby Womack, Otis Redding. Worked with John Lee Hooker, JJ Malone, Buddy Miles, Otis Rush, the Oxford Circle, Thelonious Monk, the Soul Stirrers, Willie Dixon, Charlie Musselwhite, Nick Lowe, John Mayall, Earl Hooker, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Cropper, Tower Of Power, and Ike TurnerDecember 25, 1947 ~ Singer, drummer, guitarist, songwriter Pepe Smith, full name Joseph William Feliciano Smith, born in Angeles, Philippines ~ Rose to prominence as member of pioneering Filipino rock band the Juan de la Cruz Band, alongside guitarist Wally Gonzales and bassist Mike Hanopol. When drummer Edmon Fortuno joined the trio a few years later Smith would switch to playing guitar ~ Smith passed away in 2019
December 25, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Jimmy Buffett, full name James William Buffett, born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA ~ Over two dozen albums to his name since the early 1970s, steadily growing his devoted fanbase lovingly referred to as “parrotheads”. Buffett is especially known for his laidback island escapism lifestyle and witty lyrics as evidenced in songs such as Margaritaville, Changes In Latitudes Changes In Attitudes, Come Monday, Pencil Thin Mustache, A Pirate Looks At Forty and Cheeseburger In Paradise. Noted musicians who passed through the ranks of Buffett's backing unit the Coral Reefer Band include in-demand percussionists such as Ralph MacDonald, Russ Kunkel and Kenny Buttrey, bassist Timothy B Schmit of Poco and the Eagles, progressive country singer, guitarist Jerry Jeff Walker, and fiddler Vassar Clements. Artists who on occasion have performed or recorded with Buffett, earning them status as “honorary Coral Reefers”, include Paul McCartney, Rita Coolidge, Steve Cropper, Steve Winwood, John Hiatt, Roy Orbison, JD Souther, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, James Taylor, and Sheryl Crow ~ Buffett passed away in 2023December 25, 1945 ~ Conductor Michail Jurowski, full name Michail Vladimirovich Jurowski, born in Moscow, Russia ~ Internationally acclaimed conductor best known for his association with several leading German orchestras from the late 1970s forward including the Komische Oper Berlin, the Staatsoper Dresden, the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, and the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra. Regarded an authority on the works of Dmitri Shostakovich ~ Jurowski passed away in 2022
December 25, 1945 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer Noel Redding, full name David Noel Redding, born in Folkestone, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, accompanying Jimi Hendrix on the albums Are You Experienced, Axis (Bold As Love) and Electric Ladyland. Co-founded Fat Mattress with Neil Landon, leaving after the 1969 eponymous Fat Mattress debut album. Reddign would go on to work with the Road, Noel Redding Band, Randy California, Cork, Mountain, and the British Invasion All-Stars ~ Redding passed away in 2003December 25, 1944 ~ Bassist, producer Emory Gordy Jr, full name Emory Lee Gordy Jr, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Discovered by Joe South. Co-wrote Traces, a hit for Classics IV. Arranged Roy Orbison's Walk On and the Winstons's Color Him Father. Member of Emmylou Harris's backing unit the Emmylou Harris Hot Band alongside James Burton and Rodney Crowell. Member of the Notorious Cherry Bombs. Backed John Denver touring the USA, Australia, Europe. Co-produced Steve Earle's acclaimed Guitar Town and Exit 0 albums. Has also worked with Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Gram Parsons, Linda Ronstadt, José Feliciano, Carole Bayer Sager, JJ Cale, Kenny Rogers, Jimmy Buffett, Nicolette Larson, and Matraca Berg
December 25, 1944 ~ Guitarist Henry Vestine, full name Henry Charles Vestine, born in Takoma Park, Maryland, USA ~ Influenced by T-Bone Walker, Sonny Sharrock, Freddie King, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker. Briefly a member of Frank Zappa's backing unit the Mothers Of Invention, leaving shortly before the recording of their debut album. Co-founding member of Canned Heat, remaining with the band from 1966 through 1969 and rejoining on occasion in later years. Present on the band's first four albums, Canned Heat, Boogie With Canned Heat, Living The Blues, and Hallelujah. Missed the famed 1969 the Woodstock Music and Art Fair gig, having quit the band the week before. Has alo worked with avant-garda jazz saaxophonist Albert Ayler ~ Vestine passed away in 1997December 25, 1944 ~ Jonathan Edwards, commonly known as R&B, soul, pop singer John Edwards, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Landed his first record deal in the late 1960s when Curtis Mayfield introduced him to producer Jo Armstead, who would produce If I Don't Lose My Head. Over the next few years, Edwards would gain regional popularity and score some modest hits, notably Stop This Merry Go Round, Messing Up A Good Thing, and Careful Man, the latter his biggest hit as a solo artist, peaking at No.8 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1974. It was, however, when Edwards replaced Philippé Wynne as lead singer of the Spinners in 1977, that he would reach his greatest successes. Edwards remained with the band for over two decades, and is present on Working My Way Back To You, the group's biggest hit peaking inside the top 10 in the Netherlands, UK, and America, reaching No.2 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, and the group's 1980 Sam Cooke cover Cupid, which reached No.4 Billboard Hot 100. Edwards retired from music, departing the Spinners, in 2000, after suffering a debilitating stroke ~ Edwards passed away in 2025
December 25, 1943 ~ Gospel, blues, R&B, funk, pop guitarist, singer, songwriter Arthur Adams born in Medon, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by BB King, the Dixie Hummingbirds, Elmore James, Muddy Waters. Prolific songwriter. In-demand session and touring musician. Has worked with Lightnin' Hopkins, Chuck Berry, Lowell Fulson, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Beck, Quincy Jones, the Bihari Brothers, Hugh Masekela, the Jackson 5, Henry Mancini, Lou Rawls, Willie Hutch, Sonny Bono, Nancy Wilson, and Kim Weston. His solo debut album, It's Private Tonight, in 1972, was produced by Bonnie Raitt and Tommy Lipuma and featured backing from the Crusaders-members Joe Sample and Wilton Felder
December 25, 1943 ~ Jacqueline McShee, commonly known as singer Jacqui McShee, born in Catford, UK ~ Best known as co-founding, longtime member of jazz-influenced folk rock outfit Pentangle, one of the earliest and most influential exponents of the British folk rock movement. Married to Fairport Convention drummer Gerry Conway
December 25, 1943 ~ Latozi Mpahleni, commonly known as traditional bow player Madosini, born in Mtatha, South Africa ~ Played traditional South African instruments such as the uhadi and mhrubhe musical bows, considered a national treasure in her field. Achieved international fame through her performances at the WOMAD festivals and collaborations with a wide array of musicians including rock singer Patrick Duff, Afrosoul artist Thandiswa Mazwai, and MPB, samba singer Gilberto Gil, performing around the world until her death ~ Mpahleni passed away in 2022
December 25, 1943 ~ Folk, folk-rock singer, guitarist, bassist, producer, songwriter Trevor Lucas born in Bungaree, Australia ~ Virtually unknown in his native Australia, Lucas is regarded as a notable figure in 1960s, 1970s folk-rock boom in the UK through for his associations with Fairport Convention, present on albums such as Unhalfbricking and What We Did On Our Holidays, Fotheringay, and through his marriage to bandmate and singer Sandy Denny from 1973 until her death in 1978. Lucas released his Overlander solo debut album in 1966, has appeared on recordings by Al Stewart, Luther Grosvenor, Strawbs (Grave New World), the Bunch, Richard Thompson, and the Bunch ~ Lucas passed away in 1989
December 25, 1942 ~ Blues, rock keyboardist, songwriter, producer Barry Goldberg, full name Barry Joseph Goldberg, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sat in with Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Howlin' Wolf, while still in his teens. Played keyboards with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band backing Bob Dylan at the 1965 the Newport Folk Festival. Present on Devil With A Blue Dress On, a 1966 Billboard Hot 100 No.4 hit for Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels. Co-founded the Electric Flag in 1967 with Mike Bloomfield. Would go on to record as a solo artist and in-demand collaborator. Has worked with Leonard Cohen, the Ramones, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Stephen Stills, the Rides, Percy Sledge, Charlie Musselwhite, and Carla Olson. As a solo artist perhaps best known for I've Got To Use My Imagination, covered by Gladys Knight & the Pips, Bobby Blue Bland, Martha Reeves, Joe Cocker. Other songs co-penned by Goldberg include Do You Know How It Feels (the International Submarine Band), It Makes Me Feel Good (Cilla Black), It's Not The Spotlight (Gerry Goffin, Rod Stewart, the Manhattan Transfer), and Lookin' For A Lovin' (Ann Peebles) ~ Goldberg passed away in 2025
December 25, 1941 ~ Jazz pianist, organist Don Pullen, full name Don Gabriel Pullen, born in Roanoke, Virginia, USA ~ Pianist, composer with great variety of his body of work, ranging from blues to bebop and modern jazz. Recorded well over a dozen albums leading usually smaller ensembles or as a solo pianist. Well known albums include Capricorn Rising, Tomorrow's Promises, and Random Thoughts. Pullen is closely associated with Giuseppi Logan, Charles Mingus, David Murray, Hamiet Bluiett, and notably George Adams, co-leading a quartet with the latter from the late 1970s through the late 1980s. Pullen has also guested on albums by the likes of Milford Graves, Sunny Murray (Hard Cores), Billy Hart, Cecil McBee, Marcello Melis, Ivo Perelman, Jack Walrath, Maceo Parker (Life On Planet Groove), and Jane Bunnett ~ Pullen passed away in 1995
December 25, 1941 ~ Latin jazz, hard bop, pop, soul saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Ronnie Cuber, full name Ronald Edward Cuber, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the late 1950s. As a leader active since the mid 1970s, with well over a dozen albums to his name especially acclaimed for the albums Cuber Libre, The Scene Is Clean, NYC Ats and Ronnie. In-demand sideman in jazz, pop and soul, appearing on recordings by Slide Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, George Benson, Dr Lonnie Smith, Lee Konitz, Frank Zappa, Patti Austin, the J Geils Band (Freeze Frame), Grant Green, Billy Joel (Innocent Man), Paul Simon (Graceland), and Dr John ~ Cuber passed away in 2022
December 25, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet Pete Brown, full name Peter Ronald Brown, born in Ashtead, UK ~ Had his first poem published at age 14. Founded the First Real Poetry Band which also featured guitarist John McLaughlin. Also associated with Pete Brown & Piblokto, Battered Ornaments, and Cream. Co-penned some of the latter's best known songs including I Feel Free, White Room, and The Sunshine Of Your Love. Has also worked with Graham Bond, Phil Ryan, and Gary Brooker ~ Brown passed away in 2023
December 25, 1939 ~ Jazz, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, jazz-funk keyboardist, composer Bob James, full name Robert McElhiney James, born in Marshall, Missouri, USA ~ Discovered by Quincy Jones who signed talent contest winner James and produced his 1963 Bold Conceptions debut album. His early songs such as Nautilus, Take Me To The Mardi Grass and Westchester Lady have often been sampled in hip-hop including by Eric B & Rakim, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, will.i.am, Common, the Wu-Tang Clan. Founding member of 4play. Wrote and recorded Angela (Theme From Taxi). Co-wrote Grover Washington Jr's Black Frost. Co-wrote Kenny Loggins's Celebrate Me Home. Has worked with Roberta Flack, Creed Taylor, David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, and the CTI All-Stars
December 25, 1939 ~ Charles Alias, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Don Alias, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Noted for his marching band-inspired drums on Miles Runs The Voodoo Down of Miles Davis' pivotal Bitches Brew album. Also present on albums by Jeremy Steig, Elvin Jones, the Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius (Jaco Pastorius), Chick Corea, Blood Sweat & Tears, Charlie Mariano, Joni Mitchell, the Brecker Brothers, Airto Moreira, John Scofield (Loud Jazz), David Sanborn, Carla Bley (Fleur Carnivore), Roberta Flack, Kenny Kirkland, Marc Cohn (Marc Cohn), and Al Jarreau ~ Alias passed away in 2006
December 25, 1937 ~ Gospel, R&B, soul singer, songwriter O'Kelly Isley born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Oldest brother and founding member of the Isley Brothers, known for hits such as Shout, This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You), It's Your Thing, I Turned You On, Keep On Doin', Love The One You're With, Pop That Thang, That Lady, Between The Sheets, and Choosey Lover ~ Isley passed away in 1986December 25, 1935 ~ Tango singer Susana Rinaldi, full name Susana Natividad Rinaldi, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Actively recording since the late 1950s. Dubbed “La Tana” for her Italian heritage. One of the first women to sing tango standards previously recorded by male performers. Socially engaged and forced to leave the country after the 1976 coup. Married to bandoneon virtuoso Osvaldo Piro