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 14, 2023 ~ Dorothy Veronica Langan, commonly known as songwriter, singer, guitarist Dory Previn, passed away in Southfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ In-demand Hollywood songwriter during the late 1950s and 1960s, mostly in partnership with her husband André Previn who often also conducted the film versions of their songs. The couple have received Academy Award nominations for The Faraway Part Of Town from the film Pepe, One Two Three Waltz from One Two Three, and A Second Chance from Two For The Seesaw. Artists who have recorded songs co-written by Previn include Doris Day (Control Yourself), Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra (You're Gonna Hear From Me), Dionne Warwick ((Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls), John Williams, and Liza Minnelli (Come Saturday Morning). Following the couple's divorce in 1970, Previn has recorded half a dozen albums as a singer including the highly acclaimed Mary C Brown And The Hollywood Sign released in 1972 ~ Langan was born in 1925February 14, 2023 ~ Conductor, composer Friedrich Cerha passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Renowned interpreter of the works of Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and Alban Berg, especially credited for completing the latter's unfinished Lulu three-act opera. During World War II Cerha was conscripted yet deserted the nazi armed forces twice, and actually participated in a number of acts of resistance against the fascist regime ~ Cerha was born in 1926
February 14, 2023 ~ New beat singer Peter Renkens passed away in Deurne, Belgium ~ Member of the Confettis, a Belgian new beat band active from 1988 through 1992 and best known for their hit single The Sound Of C. Other well known songs include C'Day, The C In China, and Put 'm Up ~ Renkens was born in 1967
February 14, 2022 ~ Drummer, singer, songwriter Sandy Nelson, full name Sander Lloyd Nelson, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ One of the best known and in-demand session rock drummers of the early 1960s. Attended high school with Jan Berry, Dean Torrence and Kim Fowley. Started out in late 1950s, early 1960s sessionning for the Teddy Bears (To Know Is To Love Him), the Hollywood Argyles (Alley Oop), and Kathy Young (A Thousand Stars). As a solo artist Nelson is also known for a string of instrumental hits, starting with 1959's Billboard Hot 100 No.4 Teen Beat and continuing on with songs such as Let There Be Drums, and Drums Are My Beat ~ Nelson was born in 1938
February 14, 2020 ~ Conductor, pianist, composer Reinbert de Leeuw passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Became a household name in the Netherlands for his renditions of Erik Satie's compositions in the early 1980s, especially Early Piano Works Volume 1 & 2. Closely associated with Louis Andriessen. Founded the Schonberg Ensemble. Internationally renowned conductor, worked with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the New Sinfonietta Amsterdam, ASKO, the Netherland Wind Ensemble, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra ~ De Leeuw was born in 1938February 14, 2013 ~ George Francis Morton, commonly known as producer, songwriter George Shadow Morton, passed away in Laguna Beach, California, USA ~ Best remembered for producing and writing several hits for the the Shangri-Las including Remember (Walking In The Sand) and The Leader Of The Pack. Also worked with Janis Ian, Vanilla Fudge, Iron Butterfly, Haystacks Balboa, Isis, and the New York Dolls ~ Morton was born in 1941
February 14, 2011 ~ Jazz pianist George Shearing, full name George Albert Shearing, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Praised for his inventive, melodic and romantic solos, Shearing has enjoyed popularity both in his native UK and abroad from the 1950s through the 1990s. Shearing is perhaps most remembered for composing Lullaby Of Birdland, originally commissioned by Morris Levy to be used as a theme song to be played regularly at shows in his renowned New York jazz club the Birdland Jazz Club. It has since become a standard recorded by over 400 artists, including Erroll Garner, Coleman Hawkins, Astor Piazzolla, Chet Atkins, and Sonny Stitt. Shearing has commented he wrote the jazz standard in a mere ten minutes. As a leader, Shearing has recorded prolifically since the mid 1940s with over an estimated 100 albums to his name including collaborations with Red Norvo, Billy Eckstine, Peggy Lee, Stéphane Grappelli, Carmen McRae, and Mel Tormé ~ Shearing was born in 1919
February 14, 2010 ~ Singer Doug Fieger passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as rhytm guitarist and lead vocalist of the Knack, best known for their 1979 hit My Sharona co-written by Fieger. Fieger was also a member of Sky, has played with Triumvirat, produced Mystery Pop 's Rubber City Rebels debut LP, guested on Was (Not Was)'s 1983 LP Born To Laugh, provided lead vocals on Bruce Kullick's Dirty Girl, and recorded two solo albums namely 1999's First Things First and 2010's Hankerings, the latter a Hank Williams tribute released shortly after Fieger's death ~ Fieger was born in 1952
February 14, 2009 ~ Luigi Balassoni, commonly known as drummer, bandleader, composer Louie Bellson, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Pioneered the use of two bass drums. Along with Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, considered among the finest drummers of their generation and the first drummer superstars. Known for both his extensive drums solos, sometimes running over fifteen minutes, as well as for being a fine accompanist playing quietly in the background. Served in big bands led by Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and Duke Ellington, notably writing Skin Deep while with the latter. Well over 50 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, acclaimed especially for Concerto For Drums released in 1956. Married to singer Pearl Bailey from 1952 until her death in 1990, for whom he also served as musical director. In a 2005 interview with Jazz Connection magazine, looking back on his lengthy career, Bellson talked of his main influences: “I have to give just dues to two guys who really got me off on the drums, Big Sid Catlett and Jo Jones. All three of us (Bellson, Rich, Krupa) realized what Jones did and it influenced a lot of us. We all three looked to Jo as the ‘Papa’ who really did it. Gene helped bring the drums to the foreground. Buddy was a great natural player. But we also have to look back at Chick Webb's contributions, too” ~ Balassoni was born in 1924
February 14, 2006 ~ Hans Olof Wickman, commonly known as jazz clarinetist Putte Wickman, passed away in Grycksbo, Sweden ~ Acclaimed and leading clarinetist. Influenced by Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. Worked with artists such as Sivuca, Sture Nordin, John Lewis, Red Mitchell, Janne Schaffer, Hal Galper, the Visby Big Band, Arne Domnérus, Björn Skiffs, Viktoria Tolstoy, Babik Reinhardt, Jan Lundgren, Jesper Lundgaard, Alex Riel, Ernie Wilkins, and Joe Newman ~ Wickman was born in 1924
February 14, 2005 ~ R&B singer Fantasia releases Baby Mama, lifted off her Free Yourself debut album ~ Critics have accused the singer of sending the wrong message about sexual activity and pregnancy to teens. However, Fantasia has regarded the song as an anthem for single working mothers, dedicated to “all of those single moms out there who tough it out to take care of the kids and work two jobs, go to school”. The song was written by Vito Colapietro, Neely Dinkins and Harold Lilly, the latter of which had previously co-written songs recorded by Luther Vandross, Angie Stone, Faith Evans, and Alicia Keys. Co-writing credit was given to Eugene Record and Barbara Acklin for sampling There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table) by the Chi-lites. Baby Mama would be a minor hit on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No.60, and her third song to reach top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts, where it reached No.16
February 14, 2004 ~ Walter Perkins, commonly known as jazz drummer Walter Baby Sweet Perkins, passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Perkins started hi career in Chicago with pianist Ahmad Jamal in 1956. Recorded and performed as a leader from 1957 through 1962, including in various line-ups sidemen such as Paul Serrano, Nicky Hill, Muhal Richard Abrams, Bob Cranshaw, Willie Thomas, Frank Strozier, and Harold Mabern. Perkins then moved to New York, played with Sonny Rollins, Carmen McRae, Art Farmer, and with Teddy Wilson through the mid 1960s. From here on he would continue to play and record with a wide array of noted jazz musicians including Rahsaan Roland Kirk, George Shearing, Gene Ammons, Charles Mingus, Billy Taylor, Booker Ervin, Jaki Byard, Lucky Thompson, Pat Martino, Sonny Stitt, Sonny Criss, and Charles Earland ~ Perkins was born in 1932
February 14, 1999 ~ Rock & roll singer Buddy Knox, full name Buddy Wayne Knox, passed away in Bremerton, Washington, USA ~ First singer of the rock and roll era to reach the top of the charts with a self-penned song, his Party Doll produced by Norman Petty hitting the No.1 spot in 1957. Subsequently, Knox would score several more hits through the early 1960s, most notably Hula Love and Lovey Dovey. Buddy Holly-drummer Jerry Allison would later state Knox's Party Doll had served as inspiration for his drumming on the Holly track Not Fade Away ~ Knox was born in 1933
February 14, 1997 ~ Free jazz drummer, trumpeter, vibraphonist Charles Moffett passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Father of bassist Charnett Moffett, drummer Codaryl Moffett, singer Charisse Moffett, trumpeter Mondre Moffett and saxophonist Charles Moffett Jr. Closely associated with Ornette Coleman, appearing on a string of early 1960s albums. Played trumpet with Jimmy Witherspoon before switching to drums. Briefly a member of Little Richard's backing unit. Has also worked with Sonny Rollins, Archie Shepp (Four For Trane), Pharoah Sanders, Carla Bley, David Izenzon, Eric Dolphy, Prince Lasha, Harold McNair, Joe McPhee, Sonny Simmons, and Keshavan Maslak ~ Moffett was born in 1929
February 14, 1994 ~ Singer, songwriter Becky Hill, full name Rebecca Claire Hill, born in Bewdley, UK ~ First gained attention in 2014 as a contestant on the UK talent show The Voice UK. Would subsequently score the UK No.1 hit Gecko (Overdrive) with Oliver Heldens. Has since released a number of EPs leading up to her full-length Get To Know in 2021
February 14, 1991 ~ Carolina Giraldo Navarro, commonly known as reggaeton, Latin trap singer, rapper, songwriter Karol G, born in Medellin, Colombia ~ Primarily a reggaeton and Latin trap singer, yet draws from a wide variety of genres including reggae and sertaneja. First gained serious attention at age 14, appearing on the Colombian edition of the talent contest The X-Factor. Would sing backup for several artists and release a number of singles for the next few years while continuing her school. Released her full-length Unstoppable debut album in 2017. Well known for the collaborative single China with Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Ozuna & J Balvin, and Tusa with Nicki Minaj, both topping the charts in her native Colombia. Other well known songs include Mi Cama, Secreto, Hijoepu, Ay Dios Mio, Bichota, El Makinon with Mariah Angeliq, and Provenza
February 14, 1990 ~ Matthew Urango, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, singer Cola Boyy, born in Ventura County, California, USA ~ Born with spina bifida, kyphosis, and scolioses, as well as a club foot, Urango had experienced discrimination in the labor market prior to establishing himself as a professional musician. His sound compared by NME as “a disco ball melting or the after-effects of some particularly potent hallucinogenics”, Cola Boyy released his debut EP Black Boogie Neon in 2018, followed by the full-length Prosthetic Boombox debut album in 2021. Urango had played in punk rock bands in high school, and played guitar for indie pop band the Sea Lions, but opted for a more accessible sound to reach a wider audience. Well-known songs include Penny Girl, Buggy Tip, Beige 70, and Kid Born In Space, the latter telling of his experience growing up as a disabled person. Urango is known for his anti-capitalist views, and involved in various left-wing causes including advocating for immigrants and workers ~ Urango passed away in 2024
February 14, 1989 ~ Vincent Rodney Cheesman, commonly known as organist, pianist, singer Vincent Crane, passed away in Westminster, UK ~ Taught himself to play boogie woogie piano in his teens and picked up the organ after hearing Graham Bond. Following his musical studies at the Trinity College of Music, London, UK, Crane would first gain serious attention fronting his own outfit the Vincent Crane Combo, and subsequently rise to fame when he joined Arthur Brown in the Crazy World Of Arthur Brown. Crane's organ playing was a pivotal element of the band's sound and, along with Arthur Brown's wide-ranging operatic voice and unique stage presence, helped rocket the band to stardom. They only released the one eponymous album, which spawned the massive hit Fire co-written by Crane, before disbanding in the early 1970s, yet in their day were one of the most popular acts, sharing bills with the likes of the Who, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and the Doors. They are especially remembered for bringing shock rock and freak aesthetics to a wider, more mainstream audience, and have been said to influence acts such as Alice Cooper, Kiss, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, and Marilyn Manson. Despite their success, and with a sophomore album shelved, the Crazy World Of Arthur Brown disbanded within a few years. Following the band's dissolution, Crane and bandmate Carl Palmer went on to form Atomic Rooster. Palmer would eventually become better known as a member of Emerson Lake & Palmer, while Crane, who would remain the band's sole constant member, recorded about half a dozen albums with Atomic Rooster. They are best known for the gutsy Devil's Answer, a UK No.4 hit once described as Memphis soul meets British rock, and Tomorrow Night lifted off their Death Walks Behind You masterpiece. Crane has also appeared on Rory Gallagher's eponymous 1971 debut album, on occassion rejoined Arthur Brown, teamed up with Peter Green and Ray Dorset in the blues outfit Katmandu, and appeared on Dexys Midnight Runners' 1985 album Don't Stand Me Down. Crane suffered from bipolar disorder, requiring treatment throughout his life, and died of an intentional painkillers overdose at age 45 ~ Cheesman was born in 1943
February 14, 1988 ~ Friedrich Lowe, commonly known as composer Frederick Loewe, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Best known as frequent collaborator of lyricist Alan Jay Lerner, co-writing Broadway musicals such Brigadoon, Paint Your Wagon, Camelot and perhaps their best known My Fair Lady ~ Lowe was born in 1901February 14, 1985 ~ Angelique Frances Meunier, commonly known as dance-pop, electropop DJ, singer, dancer, producer Havana Brown, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ First gained attentio in the late 2000s remixing hits of the day by various international stars, some of whom including Rihanna, the Pussycat Dolls and Britney Spears would subsequently book her as their support act on Australian and European dates. Debuted as a solo recording artist, DJ, producer, singer with the album Flashing Lights in 2013
February 14, 1984 ~ Pop singer, guitarist Bart Voncken born in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention as member of K-otic, launched from the talent contest show Starmaker aired in 2001. The band is known for launching the career of Sita Vermeulen through Dutch top 10 hits such as Damn I Think I Love You, I Was Made To Love You, Falling and I Surrender. Voncken has also worked with XYP, known for the 2007 hit Body To Body
February 14, 1978 ~ Andwele Gardner, commonly known as R&B, soul, neo soul, jazz singer, songwriter Dwele, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Roy Ayers, Miles Davis, and A Tribe Called Quest. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Find A Way, The People with Common and Flashing Lights with Kanye West. Notably present on Slum Village's Tainted of their 2002 Trinity (Past Present & Future) album. Has also collaborated with Boney James, J Dilla, Pharoahe Monch, Foxxy Brown, and Big SeanFebruary 14, 1978 ~ Metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Scott Borland born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Co-founded metal band Big Dumb Face with his brother Wes Borland. Also worked with Wes' band Limp Bizkit on the key albums Three Dollar Bill Y'All, Significant Other and Chocolate Starfish & The Hot Dog Flavored Water. Guested on recordings by Vanilla Ice, Lennon Murphy and Stepa
February 14, 1975 ~ Pianist, double bassist, singer Scott Owen, full name Scott Bradley Owen, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as member of the Living End, which he co-founded with Chris Cheney. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Flood The Sky, I Want A Day, What Would You Do, Stay Away From Me, So Lonely, Black Cat, Short Notice and E-Boogie
February 14, 1974 ~ Christian singer, songwriter Matt Redman, full name Matthew James Redman, born in Watford, UK ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Wake Up My Soul released in 1993. Best known for his 2011 album 10,000 Reasons which would top the Billboard Christian charts and spawn the Grammy Award-winning hit single 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) co-written with Jonas Myrin