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 12, 2025 ~ Singer Tommy Hunt, full name Thomas James Hunt, passed away ~ Formed R&B outfit the Five Echoes. Member of doo-wop, R&B outfit the Flamingos, best known for their 1959 hit I Only Have Eyes For You which remains popular to this day through its frequent use in film soundtracks and on compilation albums. After departing the group in 1961 Hunt has recorded as a solo artist, notably Human and first recording the Burt Bacharach/Hal David-penned I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, the latter later a hit for Dusty Springfield ~ Hunt was born in 1933
February 12, 2023 ~ Tubist, conductor Roger Bobo passed away in Oaxaca, Mexico ~ Tuba virtuoso active since the mid 1950s, well known for his stints with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and especially the Los Angeles Philharmonic, serving with the latter for over 20 years starting in the mid 1960s. Resident conductor of the Topanga Philharmonic Orchestra. As an author Bobo is known for writing Mastering The Tuba, considered a quintessential tutorial, published in 1996. Bobo is also the subject of the John Updike-poem Recital, first published in the June 1961 issue of The New Yorker ~ Bobo was born in 1938February 12, 2023 ~ David Jude Jolicoeur, commonly known as singer, rapper Trugoy the Dove, passed away ~ Member of De La Soul alongside Pasemaster Mase and Posdnuos. The trio played a key role in the birth of jazz rap and alternative hip-hop, their 1989 3 Feet High & Rising debut album considered a landmark album and a hip-hop masterpiece ~ Jolicoeur was born in 1968
February 12, 2021 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde drummer Milford Graves passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Widely considered a pioneer of free jazz, counted among the flashiest of drummers and considered pivotal to jazz drumming in the 1960s, noted for including Asian and African rhythms into his playing. As a leader especially acclaimed for his Stories album, released in 2000. Regularly collaborated with Paul Bley, Albert Ayler, and the New York Art Quartet. An in-demand sideman active until his death at age 79, Graves has also appeared on albums by Giuseppi Logan (The Giuseppe Logan Quartet), Montego Joe, Miriam Makeba (Makeba Sings), Sonny Sharrock, Andrew Cyrille, Kenny Clarke, Anthony Braxton (Beyond Quantum), and Wadada Leo Smith ~ Graves was born in 1941February 12, 2021 ~ Label executive Russ Thyret passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros Records from 1995 through 2001, having filled various executive positions at the company for over two decades. Noted for his involvement with artists such as Prince, Devo, John Fogerty, and REM ~ Thyret was born ca.1944
February 12, 2019 ~ Singer, guitarist Olli Lindholm passed away in Tampere, Finland ~ Lead singer, co-founding and sole constant member of Yö, with whom he recorded about two dozen albums starting in the early 1980s. The band is known for songs such as Joutsenlaulu, Likaiset Legendat, Ihmisen Poika, Rakkaus O Lumivalkoinen, Sarkynyt Enkeli, and Tia Maria. Lindolm has also recorded a number of albums as a solo artist, starting with Voima, released in 2000 ~ Lindholm was born in 1964
February 12, 2018 ~ Bassist Klaasje van der Wal passed away ~ Co-founded short-lived 1960s garage rock, rock outfit the Kick. Worked with the Davies, known for supporting acts such as the Small Faces and the Who. Best known as co-founding member of Shocking Blue, for whom he came up with the band name, and present on hits such as Send Me A Postcard, Never Marry A Railroad Man and their best known Venus. Left the band in 1971 to be succeeded by Henk Smitskamp ~ Van der Wal was born in 1949
February 12, 2017 ~ Singer Al Jarreau passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Studied psychology. Sang nightclubs from the late 1960s onwards. Appeared on Saturday Night Live on Valentine's Day 1976. His debut album, We Got By, followed shortly thereafter and catapulted him to international fame. Over the years Jarreau has won seven Grammys and was nominated a dozen times more. Dubbed the “Acrobat of Skat” for his unique vocal technique, showcased on songs such as Roof Garden. Jarreau has performed with artists such as Joe Sample, Chick Corea, Gregor Praecht, Miles Davis, George Duke, David Sanborn, Rick Braun, and George Benson ~ Jarreau was born in 1940
February 12, 2016 ~ Conductor, arranger, composer George Tipton, full name George Aliceson Tipton, passed away ~ Best known for his work with Harry Nilsson, working as an arranger and conductor on Nilsson's albums from 1967 through 1971 including on the hit Everybody's Talking. Tipton is also known for his work for film and TV including for the series Soap and Empty Nest, and has arranged and conducted for pop artists such as Jan & Dean, José Feliciano (Light My Fire), and the Sunshine Company ~ Tipton was born in 1932
February 12, 2015 ~ Richard Dean Tyree, commonly known as jazz drummer Richie Pratt, passed away in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA ~ Majored in music at the University of Kansas, Kansas, on a footbal scholarship. Eventually drafted by the New York Giants, however, his potential professional career in sports cut short due to an injury. As a drummer, Pratt first gained attention on the New York scene sitting in with Jaki Byard, after which he quickly made a name for himself. Served as member of the New York Jazz Quartet for three years in the 1970s. As a sideman, Pratt appears on recordings by the American Symphony Orchestra, Frank Foster, Aretha Franklin (Hey Now Hey (The Other Side Of The Sky)), Lionel Hampton, Roland Hanna, Carrie Smith, and Phyllis Hyman, and has worked in Broadway pit orchestras, including notably for the Duke Ellington tribute musical Sophisticated Ladies in the early 1980s ~ Tyree was born in 1943
February 12, 2015 ~ Stephen John Harrington, commonly known as singer, songwriter Steve Strange, passed away in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt ~ Helped usher in the New Romantic genre. Fronted new wave group Visage, teaming up with Rusty Egan, Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Barry Adamson, John McGeoch and Dave Formula, best known for their 1980 single Fade To Grey. Had previously formed punk rock band the Moors Murderers which also included future the Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde, future the Psychedelic Furs drummer Vince Ely and future the Clash drummer Topper Headon. The band drew ire from the public for naming themselves after the notorious Moors Murders in which five children were killed between 1963 and 1965 ~ Strange was born in 1959
February 12, 2009 ~ Mathieu Huberts Wijnandts Schwarts, commonly known as jazz accordionist Mat Mathews, passed away in Clarence Center, New York, USA ~ Inspired to play jazz after hearing Joe Mooney on the radio. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. In-demand sideman and co-leader, working with the likes of Herbie Mann, Kenny Clarke, Art Farmer, Percy Heath, Carmen McRae, Oscar Pettiford, Joe Puma, Milt Jackson, Julius Watkins, and the New York Jazz Ensemble ~ Schwarts was born in 1924February 12, 2007 ~ Merseybeat singer, songwriter Jimmy Campbell passed away in Liverpool, UK ~ Lead singer, co-founding member of the Kirkbys, known for the 1966 It's A Crime single. The band would eventually be renamed to 23rd Turnoff, though fail to chart. In later years Campbell would be recognized as “the era's lost songwriter” especially acclaimed for the band's 1967 Michael Angelo single ~ Campbell was born in 1944
February 12, 2005 ~ Jewel Faye Smith, commonly known as singer Sammi Smith, passed away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ One of the few women in 1970s outlaw country. Best known for her 1971 country-pop hit Help Me Make It Through The Night, written by Kris Kristofferson. The single would top the Billboard Country charts, peak at No.8 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, and earn Smith a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Throughout the early 1980s, Smith would continue to regularly reach the higher echelons of the country charts with songs such as Then You Walk In, I've Got To Have You, The Rainbow In Daddy's Eyes, and Today I Started Loving You Again. Smith has three children with her first husband steel guitarist Bob White, and one son with her second husband guitarist Jody Payne ~ Smith was born in 1943
February 12, 2004 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader, songwriter Preston Love, full name Preston Haynes Love, passed away in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Took up the saxophone at age 15 and was playing with Count Basie by his early twenties. Active in territory bands in the 1940s and 1950s, most notably with Nat Towles and Lloyd Hunter, before leading his own groups. As a leader noted for the Johnny Otis-produced Preston Love's Omaha Bar-B-Q album released in 1969. Love has also guested on albums by Frank Zappa (Freak Out), T-Bone Walker, Shuggie Otis (Here Comes Shuggie), Cal Tjader, and Lucky Millinder ~ Love was born in 1921February 12, 2000 ~ Rock bassist Andy Lewis, full name Andrew Joseph Lewis, passed away ~ Member of the Plunderers from 1985 through 1987, present on the albums No Era Is Safe and Half A Cow. Subsequently formed the Whitlams, remaining with the band through 1995. Member of the Gadflys until his suicide at age 33 ~ Lewis was born in 1966
February 12, 2000 ~ Jalacy Hawkins, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, saxophonist Screamin' Jay Hawkins, passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Famed for his stage presence and operatic vocal delivery. Best known for his 1956 I Put A Spell On You single, originally intended as a refined blues ballad. Despite being banned from the radio for its outrageous “cannibalistic” style, it would sell over a million copies. The success prompted Hawkins to develop a ghoulish stage persona, delivering wildly theatrical stage performances which included the use of macabre props, predating shock rockers such as Alice Cooper, Screaming Lord Sutch, Ozzy Osbourne, and Marilyn Manson. On how I Put A Spell On You changed it all, Hawkins later remarked: “Before, I was just a normal blues singer. I was just Jay Hawkins. It all sort of just fell in place. I found out I could do more destroying a song and screaming it to death.” ~ Hawkins was born in 1929
February 12, 1995 ~ Blues harpist, singer, songwriter Earring George Mayweather passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Recorded one album, 1992's Whup It Whup It, as a solo artist. Active since the 1950s. Declined an offer to join Muddy Waters touring band in 1952. Worked with JB Hutto, Eddie Porkchop Hines, the Hawks, Eddie Taylor, and Bo Diddley ~ Mayweather was born in 1927
February 12, 1991 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Aubrie Sellers, full name Aubrie Lee Sellers, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of singers, songwriters Jason Sellers and Lee Ann Womack. Cites artists as diverse as the Kinks, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Griffin, Neil Young and Bob Dylan as influences. Debuted in 2016 with the album New City Blues which spawned the singles Light Of Day, Sit Here & Cry and Liar Liar. Followed up with the album Far From Home in 2020.February 12, 1988 ~ Greta Morgan Salpeter, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Greta Morgan, born ~ Active since her mid-teens. Co-founded indie pop outfit the Hush Sound with guitarist, singer Bob Morris, known best for their 2008 Goodbye Blues album. Has also worked with Gold Motel, Katy Goodman, and recorded as a solo artist going by the moniker Springtime Carnivore
February 12, 1988 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Mike Posner, full name Michael Robert Henrion Posner, born in Soutfield, Michigan, USA ~ Half of alternative hip-hop duo Mansionz with Blackbear. Debuted as a solo artist in 2010 with his 31 Minutes To Takeoff album. Best known for songs such as Cooler Than Me and his 2015 hit I Took A Pill In Ibiza. Has collaborated with Avicii, Big Sean, Rittz and Logic
February 12, 1987 ~ William Phillips, commonly known as DJ, producer, songwriter Tourist, born in South London, UK ~ First gained attention co-writing Grammy Award-winner Stay With Me, a 2015 hit for Sam Smith. Debuted as a solo artist the next year with the U album. Has also written or co-written songs for Jessie Ware, Kacy Hill, Dillon Francis and Avicii. Remixed for Haim, Chvrches, Wolf Alice, Hozier
February 12, 1983 ~ James Hubert Blake, commonly known as ragtime, jazz pianist, composer Eubie Blake, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote the musical Shuffle Along with Noble Sissle. As a composer also known for Bandana Days, Charleston Rag, Love Will Find A Way, Memories Of You and I'm Just Wild About Harry. Resurged in the 1970s, appealing to younger generations, after the release of his retrospective The 86 Years Of Eubie Blake album, released in 1969 ~ Blake was born in 1883February 12, 1982 ~ Improv, jazz drummer, percussionist Øyvind Hegg-Lunde born in Lærdal, Norway ~ Worked with José González, Junip, Arve Henriksen, Stale Storløkken, Trygve Seim, Per Jorgensen, Terje Isungset, Håkon Kornstad, Kjetil Moster, Stein Urheim, Stephan Meidell, the Building Instrument, Electric Eye, Glow, Sarah Riedel, and Jessica Sligter
February 12, 1980 ~ British punk rockers the Clash release their Train In Vain single ~ Initially intended to be included on a flexi-disc given away with the NME music magazine. First single to chart in the USA, where it reached No.23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Added at the last minute as a hidden bonus track to the band's 1980 London Calling album as the flexi-disc deal fell through, and originally not included on the album's track listing. Written by Mick Jones shortly after breaking up with the Slits guitarist Viv Albertine, the song is believed to be about their volatile relationship. Albertine would later comment, shedding light on the Train In Vain title: “I'm really proud to have inspired that but often he won't admit to it. He used to get the train to my place in Shepherd's Bush and I would not let him in. That was cruel.”