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, 1972 ~ Singer, songwriter Rob Thomas, full name Robert Kelly Thomas, born in Landstuhl, West Germany ~ Lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, known for early 2000s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Bent, If You're Gone and Unwell. As a solo artist, Thomas is known for his 2005 hit Lonely No More. Thomas has also written or co-written for others including Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Pat Green, Taylor Hicks, Travis Tritt, and Daughtry
February 14, 1972 ~ Pop soul outfit the Staple Singers release their Be Altitude (Respect Yourself) album ~ Produced by Stax/Volt co-owner Al Bell, Be Altitude (Respect Yourself) would become the band's best known album, and spawn three Billboard R&B top 10 hits, This World, Respect Yourself, and I'll Take You There, the latter also reaching No.1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. The album itself reached top 20 Billboard Hot 200, and notably featured backing from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and the Memphis Horns. Some five decades after its release, the track We The People would be regularly used as a campaign song for Joe Biden in the 2020 US Presidential Election
February 14, 1970 ~ In its 7th week on the charts, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) by Sly & the Family Stone hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Preceded by Everyday People, the intentionally oddly spelled Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) would become the band's second of three Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits. The song is noted especially for Larry Graham's bass playing, introducing the slap bass technique. Later widely imitated by others, the technique would become a cornerstone of 1970s funk. The band would score their third and final No.1 hit in 1971 when Family Affair topped the charts. In 2017, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) would be inducted in Grammy Hall of FameFebruary 14, 1970 ~ Rock band the Who play at the University of Leeds Refectory, Leeds, UK ~ The band had recorded several shows from the tour supporting their previous album, Tommy, but were displeased with the sound. Consequently they booked the show at Leeds along with one at the Hull City Hall, Hull, the following day, specifically to record a live album. The album Live At Leeds would be released in May and reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. It included versions of My Generation with a running time just under 15 minutes, the band's 1966 UK top 10 hit Substitute, and their 1968 UK top 30 hit Magic Bus. The album has been cited as the all-time best or one of the all-time best live rock albums by the New York Times, the Daily Telegraph, the Independent, and Rolling Stone
February 14, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Lay Lady Lay at Columbia Studios, Tennessee, USA ~ Penned by Bob Dylan. Produced by Bob Johnston. Originally intended for the Midnight Cowboy film but submitted too late to be included on the film's soundtrack. Released as a single, b/w Peggy Day, the following July it would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. The song would also be included on the 1969 Nashville Skyline album
February 14, 1967 ~ R&B singer Aretha Franklin records RESPECT at Atlantic, New York, New York ~ Written by Otis Redding. Produced by Jerry Wexler. Aretha Franklin had been playing the Redding tune at live sets for years. The studio version would arguably become better known than the original. King Curtis plays the tenor saxophone. Released later the same year as a single, Dr Feelgood on the flip side, and included on her acclaimed I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You album
February 14, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Suze DeMarchi born in Perth, Australia ~ Frontwoman of Baby Animals starting in the late 1980s, known for songs such as Early Warning, One Word, and Don't Tell Me What To Do. Recorded as a solo artist during the Animals' hiatus. Dated singer Gavin Rossdale during the late 1980s, who reportedly wrote the songs Comedown and Glycerine of Bush's Sixteen Stone about their relationship. DeMarchi has been married to Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt from 1994 through 2013, the couple have one daughter
February 14, 1961 ~ Mark Hewerdine, commonly known as singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Boo Hewerdine, born in UK ~ Best known as lead singer of the Bible, regarded as “one of Britain's most consistently accomplished songwriters”. As a musician or band member worked with the Placebo Thing, the Great Divide, Tony Shepherd, Kevin Flanagan, Darden Smith, John Wood, Richard Thompson, John McCusker, Alan Kelly, Ewen Vernal, Heidi Talbot, Brooks Williams, and with the State Of The Union. As a songwriter and/or producer worked with Eddi Reader (Angels & Electricity), Clive Gregson, Christine Collister, the Corrs, Laurie Freelove, Chris Difford (The Last Temptation Of Chris), kd Lang, Paul Young, Melanie C, Marti Pellow, David McAlmont, Brian Kennedy, Kris Drever, Sarah Jane Morris, Alex Parks, and Natalie Imbruglia
February 14, 1961 ~ R&B singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter D'Wayne Wiggins, full name D'Wayne Patrice Wiggins, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Founding member of Tony Toni Toné, known for 1990s hits such as Feels Good, If I Had No Loot and Anniversary. Released his Eyes Never Lie solo debut album in 2000, backed by artists such as Darius Rucker, Jamie Foxx and Carlos Santana. Has also collaborated with Alicia Keys, notably on The Diary and If I Was Your Woman, the latter winning Wiggins a Grammy Award for production ~ Wiggins passed away in 2025
February 14, 1959 ~ Warren Dodds, commonly known as jazz drummer Baby Dodds, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of clarinetist Johnny Dodds. Regarded as one of the premier pre-big band era drummers. Influenced by Louis Cottrell Sr, Harry Zeno, Henry Martin, Tubby Hall. Worked with Bunk Johnson, Buddy Bolden, John Robichaux, Jelly Roll Morton, the Kentucky Jazz Band, Frankie Duson, Papa Celestin, Fate Marable, Louis Armstrong, Joe Oliver, Johnny St Cyr, Lil Hardin Armstrong, Pete Briggs, and Kid Ory ~ Dodds was born in 1898February 14, 1959 ~ Soprano opera singer Renée Fleming, full name Renée Lynn Fleming, born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Internationally acclaimed operatic soprano with mainstream appeal. Known for signature roles in operas such as Le Nozze Di Figaro, Otello, La Traviata, and Der Rosenkavalier. Has also recorded lieder, chansons, jazz, show tunes, and indie rock
February 14, 1954 ~ James Kwaka Tuffour, commonly known as highlife singer, songwriter Nana Tuffour, born ~ Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Highlife Romance released in 1979. Known for songs such as Aketekyiwa, Abeiku and Owupo Sei Fie. Has worked with Alex Konadu, the Wanto Wazuri Band, the Waza Africo Band, and King Sunny Adé ~ Tuffour passed away in 2020
February 14, 1951 ~ Singer, fiddler, accordionist, mandolinist, songwriter Michael Doucet, full name Michael Louis Doucet, born in Scott, Louisiana, USA ~ Founded Coteau. Member of the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band. Member of the Fiddlers 4. Best known for co-founding Cajun band Beausoleil with Kenneth Richard and Sterling Richard, merging traditional Cajun music, blues, country, jazz, and zydeco. Has also recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist
February 14, 1950 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Otis Grand born in Beirut, Lebanon ~ Actively recording since the late 1980s, starting with 1988's Always Hot. Best known for his 1996 Perfume & Grime album. Has worked with Guitar Shorty, Phillip Walker, Joe Houston, Anson Funderburgh, Debbie Davies, and Joe Louis Walker ~ Grand passed away in 2023
February 14, 1950 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Roger Fisher born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of rock outfit Heart, remaining with the band from 1967 through 1979 appearing on the albums Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen, Magazine, and Dog And Butterfly. Following his departure from the band Fisher has founded Alias, known best for their 1990 hit single More Than Words Can Say, and recorded as a solo artist
February 14, 1949 ~ Joseph Kiambukuta Londa, commonly known as singer, songwriter Josky Kiambukuta, born in Gombe-Matadi, Congo ~ Longtime member of TPOK Jazz, joining the ensemble in 1973. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Chandra, Fariya, KSK, and Bimansha. Has also worked with African Fiesta Sukisa, notably on the track Sadi Naboyi Masume, L'African Jazz, Bana OK, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Kiambukuta passed away in 2021
February 14, 1947 ~ Folk rock, psychedelic folk, jazz fusion, avant-garde, rock singer, songwriter Tim Buckley, full name Timothy Charles Buckley III, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Father of singer, songwriter Jeff Buckley. Member of the Bohemians. Member of Harlequin 3. Released his eponymous Tim Buckley solo debut album in 1966. Would release eight more albums before his untimely death of an overdose at age 28 ~ Buckley passed away in 1975February 14, 1946 ~ R&B percussionist, singer Roger Durham, full name Roger Lee Durham, born ~ Co-founding member of Bloodstone, with whom he recorded three albums until his untimely death at age 27 following a riding accident. Present on the band's best known, Natural High, Never Let You Go, and Outside Woman, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B. Durham died at age 26 from internal injuries after being thrown from a horse. The band continued to record well into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat their earlier success ~ Durham passed away in 1973
February 14, 1945 ~ Guitarist Vic Briggs, full name Victor Harvey Briggs, born in Twickenham, UK ~ One of the finest to pass through the ranks of the Animals, serving as the band's lead guitarist and primary arranger from 1966 through 1968, present on the albums Winds Of Change, The Twain Shall Meet and Every One Of Us. Mentored by Big Jim Sullivan, Briggs had been active since his mid-teens including with the Echoes, Dusty Springfield, notably present on Springfield's Ev'rything's Coming Up Dusty album, Brian Auger, Steampacket, and Johnny Hallyday. Following his tenure with the Animals, Briggs would focus on producing and arranging, working with the likes of Eire Apparent, Zoot Money, Hilton Valentine, and Sean Bonniwell ~ Briggs passed away in 2021
February 14, 1943 ~ Folk, folk-rock, blues singer, songwriter Eric Andersen born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the early 1960s. Over two dozen albums to his name. Known for songs such as Violets Of Dawn, Come To My Bedside and Thirsty Boots, the latter solliciting covers by Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, and John Denver. Other artists who recorded his songs include Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt, Fairport Convention, Gillian Welch, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and the Kingston Trio. Has worked with Joan Baez, Dan Fogelberg, Al Kooper, Leon Russell, Rick Danko, Tony Garnier, Howie Epstein, and the Woodstock Mountain Revue
February 14, 1943 ~ Funk, R&B, soul jazz saxophonist, flutist, pianist, bandleader, singer Maceo Parker born in Kinston, North Carolina, USA ~ Revered sideman, backing artists such as James Brown in the 1960s, George Clinton in the 1970s, and Prince in the 1990s. Actively recording as a solo artist since the 1970s, with well over a dozen albums to his name including the acclaimed Mo' Roots. Has also guested on albums by Bootsy Collins, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Keith Richards, Deee-lite (World Clique), Bernie Worrell, 10,000 Maniacs, Candy Dulfer (Sax A Go-Go), Bryan Ferry, and Nils Lofgren
February 14, 1941 ~ James George Tomkins, commonly known as guitarist, arranger Big Jim Sullivan, born in Uxbridge, UK ~ Worked with Sid Gilbert, Johnny Duncan, Vince Taylor, Janice Peters, Vince Eager, Marty Wilde, the Wildcats, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury, Frank Ifield, Frankie Vaughan, Helen Shapiro, Johnny Hallyday, Freddie & the Dreamers, Cilla Black, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, Alexis Korner, Blues Incorporated, Georgie Fame, Little Richard, Del Shannon, the Walker Brothers, Donovan, David Bowie, Benny Hill, the New Seekers, Thunderclap Newman, Love Affair, Long John Baldry, Marmalade, the Small Faces, Rolf Harris, George Harrison, the Amazing Blondes, Serge Gainsbourg, Frank Zappa (200 Motels), the Who, James Last, Derek Lawrence, Duncan McKenzie, Dave Berry, Françoise Hardy, Eddy Mitchell, Jimmy Page, Cliff Richard, Clinton Ford, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Alvin Stardust, Petula Clark, Jackie Trent, Sandie Shaw, Chris Farlowe, Ken Dodd, and Overlanders ~ Tomkins passed away in 2012
February 14, 1939 ~ Clarence Henry Reid, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Blowfly born in Cochran, Georgia, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Nobody But You. Best known for his sexually explicit lyrics, often wordplay on existing phrases or songs. During the 1960s and 1970s Reid also worked as a producer and writer for artists such as Betty Wright, Sam & Dave, Gwen McCrae, Jimmy Bo Horne, Bobby Byrd, and KC & the Sunshine Band ~ Reid passed away in 2016February 14, 1939 ~ Jazz trombonist Chris Pyne, full name Christopher Norman Pyne, born in Bridlington, UK ~ Elder brother of pianist Mick Pyne. Worked with Fat John Cox, Alexis Korner, John Stevens, the London Jazz Orchestra, Humphrey Lyttelton, Johnny Dankworth, Ronnie Scott, Stan Tracey, Mike Gibbs, Frank Sinatra, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, John Surman, Philly Joe Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Tony Coe, Bobby Lamb, Ray Premru, Ronnie Ross, Barbara Thompson, Norma Winstone, Alan Cohen, Gordon Beck, Charlie Watts, Jon Anderson, Miquel Brown, Delegation, Curved Air, Bryan Ferry, Albert Finney, Goodies, Tubby Hayes, Elton John, Salena Jones, Everything But The Girl, Jack Sharpe, the Nice, Peter Sinfield, Jasper van 't Hof, and Loudon Wainwright III ~ Pyne passed away in 1995
February 14, 1938 ~ Folk singer Alexandre Zelkine, also known as Sasha Zelkin, born in Lyon, France ~ Known best for a number of 1960s folk albums, starting with Sasha Sings Folk Songs Of Russia released in 1965 using the moniker Sasha Zelkin. Zelkine would record through the mid 1970s, singing in French, Yiddish, Spanish, and Russian ~ Zelkine passed away in 2022
February 14, 1938 ~ Actress, singer Anita Thallaug born in Bærum, Norway ~ Best known as an actress for stage including musicals, film and TV. Sister of opera singer Edith Thallaug. Performing since the age of 7 and frequently featured in children's TV shows during the 1950s. Represented her native Norway in the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, finishing thirteenth with the song Solhverv ~ Thallaug passed away in 2023