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.
February 1, 2025 ~ Salvator Maida, commonly known as bassist Sal Maida, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Played with New York-based bands the Ouija and the Five Toes prior to receiving a BA in economics. Briefly relocated to the UK in the early 1970s, where he befriended drummer Paul Thompson and toured and recorded with Roxy Music, including on the album Viva. After returning to the USA, Maida joined short-lived yet influential power pop outfit Milk 'n Cookies known for their sole eponymous Milk 'n Cookies released in 1977. Over the course of his career, Maida has also appeared on albums by Robert Calvert, Sparks (Big Beat), Cherie Currie, Gary Private, Velveteen, Golden Carillo, Van Duren, Bob Hillman, Cracker (Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey), Edward Rogers, and the Miamis ~ Maida was born in 1948
February 1, 2022 ~ Rock bassist, talent manager Glenn Wheatley, full name Glenn Dawson Wheatley, passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ First gained attention as member of pop-rock band Masters Apprentices from 1968 through 1972, present on some of the band's best known songs including Turn Up Your Radio and Because I Love You. As a talent manager best known for managing John Farnham. Wheatley mortgaged his own house to finance Farnham's 1986 comeback album Whispering Jack, the album would spend nearly half a year on the number one spot on the Australian album charts and spawn the international hit single You're The Voice ~ Wheatley was born in 1948February 1, 2022 ~ Jonathan Zazula, commonly known as label executive Jon Zazula, passed away in Clermont, Florida, USA ~ Owner of New Jersey's Rock'n Roll Heaven record store. Founder of Megaforce Records label. Noted for releasing Metallica's Kill 'Em All debut album. Has also worked with artists such as Disco Biscuits, Warren Haynes, Testament, Overkill, King's X, Frehley's Comet, Ministry, and Anthrax ~ Zazula was born in 1952
February 1, 2022 ~ Classical cellist Leslie Parnas passed away in Venice, Florida, USA ~ Closely associated with the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, serving as its principal cellist from 1954 through 1962. Close friend and regular collaborator of Pablo Casals, up to and including serving as Casals' palbearer at his funeral. Renowned as a soloist and recitalist, has worked with leading orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg ~ Parnas was born in 1931
February 1, 2020 ~ Classical pianist Peter Serkin, full name Peter Adolf Serkin, passed away in Red Hook, New York, USA ~ Praised for his pristine playing and commitment to contemporary classical music. Has worked with renowned orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell and the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy. Other notable credits include recording Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations no less than five times, the first at age 18. Has worked with Claudio Abbado, James Levine, Yo-Yo Ma, Alexander Schneider, and the Budapest Quartet ~ Serkin was born in 1947
February 1, 2019 ~ Job Seda, commonly known as singer, actor, film composer Ayub Ogada, passed away ~ Drew international attention after appearing on Peter Gabriel's 1988 WOMAD Festival. As an actor has landed major roles in Kitchen Toto and the Academy Award-winning Out Of Africa ~ Ogada was born ca.1956February 1, 2018 ~ Composer Alan Stout, full name Alan Burrage Stout, passed away ~ Contemporary classical composer known for his modernist style incorporating elements of 12-tone music as well as experimental styles. Has his compositions performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ~ Stout was born in 1932
February 1, 2018 ~ R&B, soul, psychedelic soul, disco singer Dennis Edwards passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Mighty Clouds Of Joy. Member of the Contours. Best known as member of the Temptations from 1968, replacing David Ruffin, through 1977, rejoining on later occasions. Helped transition the band through its psychedelic soul and later still disco era, singing lead on songs such as Cloud Nine, I Can't Get Next To You, Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today), Papa Was A Rollin' Stone and Shakey Ground. As a solo artist known for a number of 1980s recordings, perhaps most notably his 1984 hit duet Don't Look Any Further with Siedah Garrett. Once romantically involved with Aretha Franklin, the latter stating her Daydreaming was inspired by Edwards. Briefly married to the Pointer Sisters singer Ruth Pointer, with whom he has one daughter ~ Edwards was born in 1943
February 1, 2017 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, bassist, singer Robert Dahlqvist passed away in Bagarmossen, Sweden ~ Best known as a member of the Hellacopters, joining as a permanent member in 1999 and remaining with the band close to a decade. Also worked with the Thunder Express, Dundertåget, Wilmer X, Stefan Sundström, the Diamond Dogs, Solution, Wayne Kramer, and Necronaut ~ Dahlqvist was born in 1976February 1, 2016 ~ R&B singer Joe Rivers passed away ~ Formed the duo Johnnie & Joe with Johnnie Louise Richardson, known for late 1950s songs such as Over The Mountain (Across The Sea), I'll Be Spinning and My Baby's Gone On On, all of which reached top 20 Billboard R&B ~ Rivers was born in 1937
February 1, 2013 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, keyboardist Cecil Womack, full name Cecil Dale Womack, passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Member of sibling outfit the Valentinos, known for songs such as Lookin' For A Love, It's All Over Now and I Found A True Love. Their songs would be covered by the Rolling Stones, the J Geils Band, Wilson Pickett, and Solomon Burke. Going by the moniker Womack & Womack, Cecil and his wife Linda Womack would enjoy popularity in the 1980s in Europe. Songs such as Love Wars, Celebrate The World, and their best known Teardrops, would all reach top 20 in the UK ~ Womack was born in 1947February 1, 2009 ~ R&B singer Frankie Ervin, full name Frank Miller Ervin, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Johnny Moore including on the 1953 single Dragnet Blues, and with the Shields including on the 1958 single You Cheated. Also recorded with various other groups and as a solo artist from the early 1950s through the early 1960s, albeit it to lesser chart success ~ Ervin was born in 1926
February 1, 2003 ~ Ramón Santamaria Rodriguez, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader Mongo Santamaria, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. Would focus primarily on salsa and Latin jazz from the 1970s forward. Known for songs such as Para Ti and Watermelon Man, the latter written and originally recorded by Herbie Hancock ~ Santamaria was born in 1917
February 1, 2002 ~ John Richard Ewing, commonly known as jazz trombonist Streamline Ewing, passed away in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Active since the mid 1930s. Has worked with Horace Henderson, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Lunceford, Cab Calloway, Jay McShann, Cootie Williams, Louis Jordan, Earl Bostic, T-Bone Walker, Gerald Wilson, Teddy Buckner, Rex Stewart, the Eagle Brass Band, and Johnny Otis. To rock audiences best known for guesting on two Willy DeVille albums, namely 1992's Backstreets Of Desire and 1995's Big Easy Fantasy ~ Ewing was born in 1917February 1, 2001 ~ Country songwriter John Jarrard passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Had his songs recorded by artists such as Alabama, George Strait (Blue Clear Sky), Don Williams (Nobody But You), John Anderson, John Berry, Blackhawk, Diamond Rio, the Forester Sisters, James House, Tracy Lawrence (Is That A Tear), Neal McCoy, the Pirates Of The Mississippi, Charley Pride (Shouldn't It Be Easier Than This), Collin Raye, John Schneider, Pam Tillis, and Rick Trevino ~ Jarrard was born in 1953
February 1, 2001 ~ Vincenzo Bucci, commonly known as jazz bassist Vinnie Burke, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Lost the use of a finger and switched from violin and guitar to double bass. Played with Joe Mooney, Tony Scott, Cy Coleman, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Tal Farlow, Marian McPartland, Don Elliott, Vic Dickensen, Gil Melle, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Mehegan, Chris Connor, Eddie Costa, Bobby Hackett, Urbie Green, Joe Puma, and Gerry Mulligan ~ Bucci was born in 1921
February 1, 1999 ~ Country singer Brad Paisley releases his Who Needs Pictures debut single ~ Paisley's debut single, lead single off his debut album of the same name, would reach top 20 on the Billboard Country charts and stall in the mid-60s on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Over time, however, Brad Paisley would become country music's most beloved liberal, perform at the White House, sell over 10 million records, chart over a dozen Billboard Country No.1 hits, and regularly cross over to the pop charts, his highest-charting Billboard Hot 100 single being the Carrie Underwood collaboration Remind Me, which reached top 20 in the early-2010s
February 1, 1999 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter David McComb, full name David Richard McComb, passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Fronted the Triffids from 1976 through 1989, known for songs such as Wide Open Road and Bury Me Deep In Love. Subsequently worked with the Blackeyed Susans in the late 1980s and early 1990s. McComb struggled with bouts of alcoholism and substance abuse throughout his career which greatly affected his health, eventually needing a heart transplant in 1996. McComb passed away just two weeks shy of his 37th birthday ~ McComb was born in 1962
February 1, 1999 ~ Vibraphonist, percussionist Julius Wechter passed away in Calabasas, California, USA ~ Best known as member of Herb Alpert's backing unit the Tijuana Brass and leader of its spin-off group the Baja Marimba Band. Wrote Alpert's Spanish Flea, covered by numerous artists including Floyd Cramer, Toots Thielemans, Cyril Stapleton, Liberace, and Xavier Cugat. In-demand session musician for the likes of the Monkees, Sonny & Cher, Phil Spector and perhaps most notably the Beach Boys, noted for his climactic timpana on Do You Wanna Dance and distinctive vibraphone on Let's Go Away For Awhile ~ Wechter was born in 1935February 1, 1995 ~ Olivier LJ Heldens, commonlyu known as DJ, producer Oliver Heldens, born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Pioneer of future house known for songs such as Gecko (Overdrive) featuring Becky Hill, Last All Night (Koala) featuring Kate Stewart, The Right Song with Tiësto featuring Natalie La Rose, Fire In My Soul featuring Shungudzo, and Turn Me On with Riton featuring Vula
February 1, 1994 ~ Singer Harry Styles, full name Harry Edward Styles, born in Redditch, UK ~ Member of One Direction, one of the all time best-selling boy bands. Released his eponymous Harry Styles solo debut album in 2017. Known for songs such as The Sign Of The Times, Lights Up, Adore You and Watermelon Sugar
February 1, 1994 ~ John Wesley Funchess, commonly known as electric blues slide guitarist John Littlejohn, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Learned to play on a discarded guitar his father had won in a crap game. Influenced by Elmore James, BB King, Muddy Waters, and Lightnin' Hopkins, and according to his own account the first tune Littlejohn learned to play actually was Hopkins' rendition of Baby Please Don't Go. Littlejohn left home at an early age, to eventually find his spot on the Chicago blues scene by the early 1950s, where he became a fixture praised for his passionate, energetic delivery. Littlejohn has worked with Jimmy Reed, including on the acclaimed albums Rockin' With Reed, I'm Jimmy Reed, and Jimmy Reed At Carnegie Hall, as well as with Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Rogers, Donny Hathaway, Andrew McMahon, Lafayette Leake, and Carey Bell. Although Littlejohn rarely recorded as a solo artist, he is remembered by blues aficionados for his 1969 Chicago Blues Stars debut album, produced by Willie Dixon and Arhoolie Records president Chris Strachwitz, featuring both originals and covers of songs written by Elmore James, Willie Dixon, Brook Benton, and JB Lenoir. Despite a superb mastery of the instrument, peer admiration and critical acclaim, Littlejohn never achieved the level fame he should have gotten. Upon his death at age 62, the Chicago Tribune described Littlejohn as “one of the foremost slide guitarists, a dynamic vocalist and a noted bandleader” ~ Funchess was born in 1931
February 1, 1993 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, lead single off his Ten Summoner's Tales album ~ A top 20 hit in both the UK and America. Nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Performance at the 36th Grammy Awards, winning the latter. Sting didn't identify the “you” in the song's title, so listeners could connect more. Yet, he was still amazed by how popular the song became: “I got a prize for this. It was the most played record on American radio in 1993, which kind of surprised me. But I suppose it captured a mood. We've lost faith in a lot of institutions, our government, our churches, most things. And yet we still maintain a sense of hope about the future”
February 1, 1989 ~ Michael David Fuller, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Blaze Foley, passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Admired by peers. Had his songs covered by Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson (If I Could Only Fly), Lyle Lovett (Election Day), and John Prine (Clay Pigeons). Has been the subject of tribute songs by Townes Van Zandt (Blaze's Blues), Lucinda Williams (Drunken Angel), Gurf Morlix (Music You Mighta Made), and the Kings Of Leon (Reverend) ~ Fuller was born in 1949February 1, 1988 ~ After a year of touring and recording, new wave, power pop outfit the Cars officially disband, with half a dozen albums under their belt ~ After half a dozen albums, four of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 200, the band call it quits. They are best known for My Best Friend's Girl, Shake It Up, You Might Think, Magic, and their highest-charting single Drive, which reached No.3 Billboard Hot 100. The band would briefly reunite in 2011, sans Benjamin Orr who passed away in 2000, for the album Move Like This and tour, but part ways for good soon after