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 19, 2025 ~ Gordon Henry Fleet, also known as drummer Snowy Fleet, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Early member of the Nomads, a band that would later become the Mojo's. After relocating to Australia, Fleet would rise to fame as a member of the Easybeats. Fleet initially served as the band's manager, as he was five years older than his bandmates, yet he later took on the role of drummer with his birth year pushed 5 years back to make him seem younger. Fleet departed the band in 1967 as he was unhappy to spend so much time on the road away from his wife and young children. During his tenure with the group, they scored about half a dozen top 10 hits in their native Australia, including the No.1 hits Sorry and Friday On My Mind. Fleet was given the nickname “Snowy” for his dark hair, as it was custom in Australia to base a nickname on the opposite of someone's features ~ Fleet was born in 1939
February 19, 2024 ~ Rock, blues-rock, electric blues guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Bobby Tench passed away in London, UK ~ Though never a household name, Tench was held in the highest regards by peers and critics, having played with some of the biggest names in British rock. Co-founding member of Gass and of Hummingbird. Best known for his associations with blues guitarist Freddie King and with singer Van Morrison. Worked with Jeff Beck both in the Jeff Beck Group and as a touring singer with Beck Bogert & Appice. Other notable associations include Humble Pie, the Streetwalkers, Hummingbird, Ginger Baker, Linda Lewis, Boxer, Widowmaker, Eric Burdon, Axis Point, Brian Robertson, Topper Headon, Roger Chapman, Ruby Turner, and Alan Price ~ Tench was born in 1944
February 19, 2023 ~ Guitarist Davis Causey passed away ~ Member of Sea Level from 1977 through its disbandement in 1980. The band centered around bassist Lamar Williams, drummer Jaimoe and pianist Chuck Leavell, originated as an offshoot of southern rock outfit the Allman Brothers Band, and incorporated element from funk, blues, Latin and rock music. Causey first appeared on the band's Cats On The Coast sophomore album, which spawned the band's only charting single That's Your Secret ~ Causey was born ca.1949
February 19, 2022 ~ Rock, pop rock, baroque pop singer, keyboardist Gary Brooker passed away in London, UK ~ Known for his emotive vocals. Member of the Paramounts. Co-founded Procol Harum with Keith Reid, serving as its lead singer until the band's disbandement in 1977. The band is perhaps best known for its 1967 single A Whiter Shade Of Pale, a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Brooker has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with Alan Parsons, Eric Clapton, Liqourice John Death, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and with Bill Wyman. Played the role of Argentine foreign minister Juan Atilio Bramuglio in the 1996 musical film Evita alongside Madonna ~ Brooker was born in 1945
February 19, 2021 ~ Singer, songwriter Dorde Balasevic passed away in Novi Sad, Serbia ~ First gained attention in the late 1970s as a member of Rani Mraz, writing Racunajte Na Nas which would become one of the band's best known and an anthem of a generation. As a solo artist has about a dozen albums to his name starting with the well-received Pub released in 1982. Known for his outspoken political views, advocate of Yugoslavian unity, openly criticising ethnic nationalism and one of the most prominent critics of Slobodan Milosevic's regime ~ Balasevic was born in 1953
February 19, 2021 ~ Philippe de Chateleux de Villeneuve Bergermont de Duras, commonly known as singer, songwriter Philippe Chatel, passed away in Paris, France ~ Debuted in 1976 with the album Analyse. Best known for songs such as J' T'Aime Bien Lili, Ma Lycéene, Tout Quitter Mais Tout Emporter and Mister Hyde. Would gain international recognition in 1979 writing the musical comedy Emilie Jolie. It would be adapted to a later version in 1997 and into an animated edition, directed by Chatel, in 2011. Also known as a author, notably writing the Georges Brassens biography Brassens published in 1975 ~ De Chateleux was born in 1948February 19, 2019 ~ Wayne Kent, commonly known as songwriter, producer, singer Artie Wayne, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ As a songwriter saw his songs recorded by artists including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Pat Boone, Joe Dassin, the Temptations, Cher, and the 5th Dimension ~ Kent was born in 1942
February 19, 2017 ~ Lorenz Albert Van DeLinder III, commonly known as jazz, jazz fusion, pop rock, classical guitarist Larry Coryell, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by jazz musicians such as Kenny Burrell, Red Norvo and Wes Montgomery as well as by classical composers such as Béla Bartók, Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Over 80 albums to his name as a leader. Member of the Free Spirits prior to backing Chico Hamilton in the late 1960s, replacing Gábor Szabó. Closely associated with childhood friend Mike Mandel and drummer Alphonse Mouzon. Formed the Guitar Trio with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. Has also worked with Herbie Mann, Charles Mingus, Fuse One, Don Sebesky, Chet Baker, Randy Brecker, the 5th Dimension, Sonny Rollins, Michal Urbaniak, and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson ~ Van DeLinder was born in 1943
February 19, 2015 ~ Singer Rachel Platten releases Fight Song, lifted off her Wildfire album ~ More than a decade after releasing her first album, Rachel Platten would score her first major hit with this powerful empowerment anthem. Fight Song would be warmly received by critics, who praised its positive message and Platten's crisp and impressive vocals, and reached top 10 in over half a dozen countries, including the No.1 spot in the UK. Platten herself has commented to the Idolator: “I grinded and worked so hard for so long and got to the point of, I didn't think it was going to happen. I thought I might need to figure something else out. That moment bred Fight Song. So that song came because I had to make a decision. Am I going to keep going or am I going to give up on myself? I came up with the answer to the decision, I guess through writing the song. I didn't even realize it was happening, but through writing the song I made the decision to not give up on myself”
February 19, 2014 ~ Raymond Leslie Howard, commonly known as blues, rock & roll singer Duffy Power, passed away in London, UK ~ Discovered by impresario Larry Parnes in the late 1950s, who also managed artist such as Billy Fury, Marty Wilde, Vince Eager, and Georgie Fame. Power would enjoy moderate success, initially with covers of American pop songs before emerging himself in the growing London blues scene. Noted for teaming up with Graham Bond, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and John McLaughlin, recording a cover of I Saw Her Standing There in 1963, one of the first covers of any song by the Beatles. Especially acclaimed for his 1970 Innovations album ~ Howard was born in 1941February 19, 2014 ~ Singer, songwriter Simon Diaz, full name Simon Narciso Diaz Marquez, passed away in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Penned Caballo Viejo, which was recorded by the Gipsy Kings as Bamboleo. Other artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Díaz include Plácido Domingo, Ray Conniff, Julio Iglesias, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ivan Lins, Cheo Feliciano, Juan Gabriel, Maria Dolores Pradera, Tania Libertad, Ry Cooder, and Devendra Banhart ~ Díz was born in 1928
February 19, 2008 ~ Attilio Joseph Macero, commonly known as producer Teo Macero, passed away in Riverhead, New York, USA ~ Macero was to jazz in the 1950s and beyond what Phil Spector was to pop-rock in the 1960s and beyond. Produced some of jazz's most influential and quintessential albums, working with artists such as Thelonious Monk (Monk's Blues), Charles Mingus, Miles Davis (Kind Of Blue, Bitches Brew), Dave Brubeck, Count Basie, Charlie Byrd, and Maynard Ferguson.Macero has also produced classical orchestral and contemporary works, Broadway recordings and soundtracks ~ Macero was born in 1925February 19, 2001 ~ Pianist, singer Theophilus Beckford passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Considered a pioneer of Jamaican music, especially noted for helping define ska. As a solo artist, Beckford is best known for Easy Snappin', a hit in 1959. Worked with Stanley Motta, Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid, Prince Buster, Leslie Kong, Clancy Eccles, Junior Byles, and the GG All-Stars ~ Beckford was born in 1935
February 19, 1999 ~ Guitarist Lauderic Caton, full name Lauderic Rex Caton, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Lonnie Johnson and Charlie Christian. Fleeing from the Nazis, Caton made his way to the UK by way of France and Belgium, where he worked with pianist Ram Ramirez. Although Caton also played the saxophone, double bass, and banjo, he is best remembered for pioneering the use of electric guitar in British jazz, cited by some as “Britain's first champion of the electric guitar”. Caton would become especially known for backing Don Marino Barreto and his gigs at the Jigs Club, London, where he would be discovered by Fats Waller and Duke Ellington. Caton would also become known as a builder of guitar amplifiers and a tutor, including mentoring Hank Marvin of future fame with the Shadows. Caton remained active through the late 1950s ~ Caton was born in 1910
February 19, 1996 ~ Ashton Nicole Casey, commonly known a hip-hop, electro-pop, indie pop, alt-pop singer, rapper, songwriter Ashnikko, born in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, USA ~ First gained attention with her 2019 single Stupid featuring Yung Baby Tate, going viral on the TikTok online platform. Would release her Demidevil debut mixtape in 2021, spawning the singles Daisy and Slumber Party featuring Princess Nokia
February 19, 1996 ~ Singer, songwriter Mabel McVey, full name Mabel Alabam Pearl McVey, born in Malaga, Spain ~ First gained attention in 2017 with the single Finders Keepers, reaching the British top 10. Would follow up with a full-length dbute album, High Expectations, in 2019, spawning the hits Don't Call Me Up and Mad Love
February 19, 1985 ~ Jazz, experimental, noise tubist, guitarist, keyboardist Kristoffer Lo born in Moss, Norway ~ Redefined the role of tuba, setting the instrument as a valid sound in experimental music, metal and noise bands. Has released a handful of solo albums in the 2010s yet is best known for his collaborations with acts such as PELbO, Microtub, Machina, Sunswitch, Highasakite, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra and with Motorpsycho
February 19, 1985 ~ Songwriter Woody Harris passed away in Hallandale, Florida, USA ~ Perhaps best known for writing or co-writing several of Bobby Darin's songs including The Queen Of The Hop and Early In The Morning. Others who recorded his songs include Mat Mathews, Guy Mitchell, Elvis Presley, Della Reese, Buddy Brooks and Jimmy Witherspoon ~ Harris was born in 1911
February 19, 1984 ~ Pop rock, R&B singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Chris Richardson, full name Christopher Michael Richardson, born in Soignies, Belgium ~ First gained attention as a contestant during the sixth season of American Idol, having auditioned but not selected for two previous seasons. On his third try, Richardson would make it to the finals, reaching fifth place. Released his eponymous Chris Richardson debut EP later the same year. Has collaborated with Tyga (Far Away), Caskey (Why You Mad), and Busta Rhymes (Bigger Better Faster)February 19, 1984 ~ Jazz stride pianist, bandleader Claude Hopkins, full name Claude Driskett Hopkins, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Wilbur Sweatman, Sidney Bechet, Edmond Hall, Jabbo Smith, Vic Dickenson, Ovie Alston, Fernando Arbello, Shirley Clay, Arville Harris, Red Allen, Cozy Cole, Bud Freeman, Coleman Hawkins, Lonnie Johnson, and Ma Rainey ~ Hopkins was born in 1903
February 19, 1983 ~ Pop, jazz, alternative rock singer, actress Mika Nakashima born in Kagoshima, Japan ~ Showed up at an audition at age 17 not knowing what it was for and was selected out of 3,000 girls to act in the 2001 TV drama Kizudareke No Love Song. Would go on to become hugely popular J-pop singer and actress, selling over 10 million records. Known for songs such as Stars, Crescent Moon, and One Survives
February 19, 1981 ~ Mary Beth Peterson, commmonly known as indie rock, post-punk, synth-pop singer, songwriter Beth Ditto, born in Searcy, Arkansas, USA ~ Drew comparisons to Etta James, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner. Fronted Gossip from its formation in 1999 until the band disbanded in 2016, the band is best known for singles such as Heavy Cross, Pop Goes The World, Perfect World and Move In The Right Direction
February 19, 1980 ~ Ronald Belford Scott, commonly known as hard rock singer Bon Scott passed away in East Dulwich, UK ~ Replaced Dave Evans as AC/DC lead singer in 1974 and remained with the band until his untimely death in 1980. Present on all the band's early albums, in retrospect seen as some of the band's best and classics in the genre, including 1977's Let There Be Rock and 1979's Highway To Hell. Has previously worked with acts such as the Spektors, the Valentines and Fraternity ~ Scott was born in 1946February 19, 1980 ~ Clarence Francis Cherock, commonly known as swing trumpeter Shorty Sherock, passed away in Northridge, California, USA ~ Active since the late 1930s. Worked with Jimmy Dorsey, Gene Krupa. Benny Carter, Nelson Riddle. Featured soloist at Norman Granz's 1944 Jazz At The Philharmonic concert, alongside greats such as Illinois Jacquet, Jack McVea, JJ Johnson, Nat King Cole, and Les Paul ~ Cherock was born in 1915
February 19, 1979 ~ Rock, pop, electropop bassist, singer Miki Furukawa born in Hachinohe, Japan ~ Best known as member of indie rock outfit Supercar from 1995 through 2005, best known for their 1998 Three Out Change debut album critically acclaimed as one of the all-time great Japanese rock albums. Released her Mirrors debut album in 2006, merging guitar-based rock with electronic dance-pop influences. Also a member of supergroup Lama, founded in 2011