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 26, 2025 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Don Bryant, full name Donald Maurice Bryant, passed away ~ Started as a gospel, R&B singer. Member of the Four Kings. Rose to fame as songwriter starting in the early 1960s penning I Got To Know for the 5 Royales. Would continue to record with the Kings and as a solo artist throughout the 1960s. Would focus on writing for a roster of Hi-Hat Records artists including Al Green, Otis Clay and perhaps most notably Ann Peebles from the early 1970s onwards, including 99 Pounds, Do I Need You and the 1973 hit I Can't Stand The Rain. Bryant and Peebles would marry in 1974. Bryant would focus on gospel throughout the 1980s and 1990s before retiring from music ~ Bryant was born in 1942
December 26, 2023 ~ Comedian, pop, folk guitarist, singer Tom Smothers, full name Thomas Bolyn Smothers, passed away in Santa Rosa, California, USA ~ Formed the musical comedy duo the Smother Brothers with his brother Dick Smothers. Initially the siblings aimed to become folk musicians, but as Tom felt he was not good enough to be a professional musician yet funny enough to do comedy, the brothers added comedy bits to their routine. They are best known for a series of own TV shows, notably The Smother Brothers Comedy Hour aired on CBS. To pop and rock audiences Smothers is perhaps best known for playing guitar alongside John Lennon on the latter's 1969 single Give Peace A Chance, one of Lennon's most enduring songs ~ Smothers was born in 1937
December 26, 2023 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, fusion drummer Tony Oxley passed away ~ One of the most prominent figures of British free improvisation. Well over two dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader. Co-founded the Incus Records label. Closely associated with the Joseph Holbrooke Trio, the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, and Cecil Taylor. Especially noted for the 1988 collaborative Leaf Palm Hand album with the latter. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Gordon Beck, John McLaughlin (Extrapolation), Howard Riley, Kenny Wheeler (Song For Someone), Vangelis, Peter Brötzmann, Norma Winstone, Paul Bley, and Bill Dixon ~ Oxley was born in 1938December 26, 2022 ~ Singer, actor Lars Lönndahl, full name Lars Gunnar Lönndahl, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Swedish Frank Sinatra” scoring well over a dozen No.1 hits in his native country through the late 1960s including Tangokavaljeren, That's Amore, Cindy Mon Cindy, Tulpaner Från Amsterdam, Volare (I Det Blå), Midnattstango, and Tusen Och En Natt ~ Lönndahl was born in 1928
December 26, 2022 ~ Songwriter Stephen Allen Davis passed away ~ Has written over 400 songs. Well known songs include Take Time To Know Her (Percy Sledge), The Fool Strikes Again (David Houston), Don't Girls Get Lonely (Glenn Shorrock), Love Has A Mind Of Its Own (BJ Thomas), Radio Heart (Charly McClain), The Best Years Of My Life (Diana Ross), Stand Beside Me (Jo Dee Messina), and No Ordinary World (Joe Cocker). Others who recorded his songs include Tammy Wynette, Alabama, Little Texas, Reba McEntire, Charlie Rich, Barbara Mandrell, Johnny Rodriguez, Meat Loaf, Johnny Duncan, and Joe Stampley ~ Davis was born in 1949
December 26, 2021 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Bob Hammer, full name Howard Robert Hammer, passed away in Chehalis, Washington, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Red Allen, Bud Freeman, Bob Wilber, Roy Eldridge, Gene Krupa, Eddie Condon, Pee Wee Russell, Jimmy Knepper, Johnny Hartman, Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Elvin Jones, Cozy Cole, and with Charles Mingus, the latter calling Hammer “his Ludwig van Beethoven” ~ Hammer was born in 1930
December 26, 2020 ~ Julio Cesar Rojhas Lopez, commonly known as salsa singer, songwriter Tito Rojas, passed away in Humucao, Puerto Rico ~ One of Puerto Rico's most beloved salsa singers with a career spanning over four decades. Especially acclaimed for his Alegrias Y Penas album, released in 1999. Well known Rojas hits include Esperandote, Humildemente, Pal' Pueblo, Como Tú, and Ella Se Hizo Deseo, the latter notably re-recorded in 2015 as a duet with Ivy Queen ~ Lopez passed away in 1955December 26, 2019 ~ Gerald Sheldon Herman, commonly known as composer, lyricist Jerry Herman, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ One of the most successful Broadway composers of his day perhaps best known for Hello Dolly, which produced the hit title song for Louis Armstrong, and La Cage Aux Follies, the first hit musical about a gay couple ~ Herman was born in 1931
December 26, 2019 ~ Bassist Les Chadwick. full name John Leslie Chadwick, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Original member of Gerry & the Pacemakers, alongside Arthur McMahon, Freddie Marsden and Gerry Marsden, known for a string of 1960s UK hits such as How Do You Do It, I Like It, You'll Never Walk Alone, I'm The One, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying and Ferry Cross The Mersey ~ Chadwick was born in 1943December 26, 2019 ~ Thomas Paulsley LaBeff, commonly known as rockabilly, rock & roll, blues, gospel, country singer, guitarist Sleepy LaBeef, passed away in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, USA ~ Influenced by George Jones, Bill Monroe, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Elvis Presley. Earned the nickname “Sleepy” for his lazy eye. Actively recording since the mid 1950s, initially focusing on rockabilly with songs such as I'm Through. Best known for a number of late 1960s, early 1970s singles notably Every Day and Blackland Farmer. Would continue to record and tour extensively, at times playing up to 300 sets per year, well throughout the 2010s ~ LaBeff was born in 1935
December 26, 2018 ~ Composer, conductor Theodore Antoniou passed away in Athens, Greece ~ Wrote operas, choral works, chamber music, film and theater music. Worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players, the Torhalle Orchestra, and the National Opera Of Greece. As a composer influenced by Jani Christou, Bernd Alois Zimmermann, and Krzysztof Penderecki ~ Antoniou was born in 1935
December 26, 2014 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Al Belletto passed away in Metairie, Louisiana, USA ~ Able to transition from traditional jazz to swing to bop. As a leader best known for The Al Belletto Sextette released in 1955. Belletto's ensemble would be absorbed into Woody Herman's in the late 1950s. Belletto has also worked with Sharkey Bonano, Louis Prima, Wingy Manone, and the Dukes Of Dixieland ~ Belletto was born in 1928December 26, 2014 ~ Roberta Louise Osborn, commonly known as singer Alberta Adams, passed away in Dearborn, Michigan, USA ~ Half of Bluezettes, the other half being Chubby Newsom. Also worked with artists such as Duke Ellington, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Louis Jordan, Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Tiny Bradshaw, and Johnnie Bassett ~ Osborn was born in 1917
December 26, 2012 ~ R&B, jazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz singer, pianist Fontella Bass, full name Fontella Marie Bass, passed away in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Daughter of renowned gospel singer Martha Bass, with whom she has also recorded, and sister of singer David Peaston. Fontella is known for a string of 1960s singles including the Bobby McClure duets Don't Mess Up A Good Thing and You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone, and perhaps most notably her solo smash hit Rescue Me, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 No.4 hit fondly remembered to this day. Though Bass never was able to repeat the success of Rescue Me, she remained active as an in-demand collaborator appearing on recordings by Lester Bowie, Little Milton, Willie Mae Ford Smith, and specifically the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, recording several albums with the latter including the acclaimed Phase One released in 1971 ~ Bass was born in 1940
December 26, 2011 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, pianist Sam Rivers, full name Samuel Carthorne Rivers, passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Well over two dozen albums as a leader, noted specifically for Contours, Streams, and Crystals, Rivers would remain underrated by the general public yet earn critical acclaim and prove influential particularly among avant-garde and free jazz peers. As a composer, Rivers is best known for the ballad Beatrice, recorded by over a hundred artists including Chet Baker, Doug Raney, and Joe Henderson. Rivers was briefly a member of Miles Davis mid 1960s ensemble, present on the Miles In Tokyo album, and over the course of his lengthy career has guested on albums by Tony Williams, Larry Young (Into Somethin'), Bobby Hutcherson (Dialogue), Andrew Hill, Dave Holland, Don Pullen, Barry Altschul (You Can't Name Your Own Tune), Cecil Taylor, Chet Baker, Stephen McCraven, Doug Raney, Hilton Ruiz, Reggie Workman (Summit Conference), the Music Revelation Ensemble, and Franklin Kiermeyer ~ Rivers was born in 1923
December 26, 2010 ~ Mary Christine Brockert, commonly known as singer Teena Marie, passed away in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Protégé of Rick James. Impressed Motown boss Berry Gordy Jr but failed to hit the charts until James took her under his wing and produced Teena's debut album, 1979's Wild & Peaceful. Immediately a favorite of black radiostations. Surprised the Soul Train audience upon her first appearance, everyone having assumed she was black, not white. Known for songs such as I'm A Sucker For Your Love, Square Biz, Lovergirl and Ooo La La. Godmother to Nona Gaye, Marvin Gaye's daughter, as well as to Maya Rudolph, daughter of singer Minnie Riperton and songwriter Richard Rudolph ~ Brockert was born in 1956
December 26, 2008 ~ Keyboardist, accordionist Lars Hollmer, full name Lars Gustav Gabriel Hollmer, passed away in Uppsala, Sweden ~ Active in numerous genres, ranging from traditional folk to progressive rock and jazz. Noted for his irregular time signatures, complex polyrhytms and vocal improvisation including the use of non-sensical lyrics. Best known for his 1999 Andetag album. Has worked with Samla Mammas Manna, Ramlösa Kvällar, Fem Söker & Skatt, the Looping Home Orchestra, the Accordion Tribe, SOLA, Fanfare Pourpour, Lindsay Cooper, Fred Frith, and Gianni Gebbia ~ Hollmer was born in 1948December 26, 2007 ~ Singer Joe Dolan, full name Joseph Francis Robert Dolan, passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ The only Irish singer to score a No.1 in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Known for songs such as Pretty Brown Eyes, Teresa, Sister Mary, More And More, and Good Looking Woman. Dolan has also collaborated with Sweeney's Men, the Drifters Showband, and Kelly Marie ~ Dolan was born in 1939
December 26, 2007 ~ John Leslie Humphreys, commonly known as singer Les Humphries, passed away ~ Founded and led the Les Humphries Singers, with whom he enjoyed popularity across Europe in the 1970s merging popular music with gospel covers. Well-known songs include We Are Going Down Jordan, Mexico, Mama Loo, and Kansas City. The band would disband shortly after their 1976 Eurovision Songfestival performance, reaching 15th place with Sing Sang Song representing Germany ~ Humphries was born in 1940
December 26, 1999 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Curtis Mayfield, full name Curtis Lee Mayfield, passed away in Roswell, Georgia, USA ~ Started as a member of the Impressions. Would rise to stardom as a solo artist starting with the 1970 Curtis album. Driving force in the early 1970s Blaxploitation genre, especially acclaimed for the 1972 Superfly soundtrack. Regarded as civil rights icon and musically as one of the icons of soul. Known for songs such as Don't Worry If There's A Hell Below We're All Gonna Go, Move On Up, Future Shock, Sweet Exorcist, So In Love, and She Don't Let Nobody But Me. As a songwriter had his songs covered by Major Lance, Gene Chandler, the Righteous Brothers, Main Ingredient, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, Deniece Williams, Bob Marley, and the Isley Brothers ~ Mayfield was born in 1942December 26, 1996 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist Oscar Valdambrini passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Central figure in the development of Italian jazz. Worked with Rex Stewart, Gianni Basso, Armando Trovaioli, Gil Cuppini, Duke Ellington, Giorgio Gaslini, Maynard Ferguson, Franco Ambrosetti, Conte Candoli, Dusko Gojkovic, Freddie Hubbard, Mel Lewis, Frank Rosolino, Ernie Wilkins, and Kai Winding ~ Valdambrini was born in 1924
December 26, 1990 ~ Andrew Dennis Biersack, commonly known as singer, pianist, actor Andy Biersack, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Lead singer, founding and sole constant member of rock outfit the Black Veil Brides, best known for their 2012 single In The End. Debuted as a solo artist in 2016 with the album The Shadow Side, released under the moniker Andy Black
December 26, 1990 ~ Nicholas D Miller, commonly known as future bass, trap, dubstep producer, DJ Illenium, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, Ashes, in 2016. Best known for songs such as Feel Good with Griffin featuring Daya, Gold (Stupid Love) with Excision featuring Shallows, Good Things Fall Apart with Jon Bellion, Takeaway with the Chainsmokers featuring Lennon Stella, and Nightlight
December 26, 1990 ~ Rapper, singer, songwriter Jon Bellion, full name Jonathan David Bellion, born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 2016 with the album The Human Condition, which would debut at No.5 Hot 200. Co-wrote The Monster, a 2012 hit for Eminem and Rihanna. Co-wrote and produced Trumpets. Has also collaborated with Zedd, BoB, and opened for twenty one pilots. As a solo artist best known for the single All-Time Low
December 26, 1982 ~ Country songwriter Roger Bowling passed away in Wiley, Georgia, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Lucille, a Billboard Country No.1 hit, Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit and the first UK charttopper for Kenny Rogers in 1977. Rogers had previously recorded The Coward Of The County and The Ghost Of Another Man, both co-written by Bowling. Bowling also wrote or co-wrote several songs for Billie Jo Spears including There's More To A Tear Than Meets The Eye, '57 Chevrolet and her biggest hit Blanket On The Ground. Others who recorded his songs include the Oak Ridge Boys (Dig A Little Deeper In The Well), Hank Thompson, Dottie West (The Lovin' Kind), Del Reeves, Freddie Hart, George Jones & Tammy Wynette (Southern California), and Charlie Rich. Sadly Bowling committed suicide at age 38, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer a year earlier ~ Bowling was born in 1944