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 4, 2024 ~ Artist manager Martin Kirkup passed away in Hawaii, USA ~ Active as label executive and artist manager since the mid 1970s, initially for A&M Records, overseeing campaigns for artists such as Peter Frampton, Supertramp, Joe Jackson, and the Police. Co-founded artist management company Direct Management by the mid-1980s, helping advance the careers of several artists. Kirkup helped land If You Leave by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark on the Pretty In Pink soundtrack, which significantly boosted the band's exposure in America. Also known for steering the B52's towards more commercial success starting with the 1989 Cosmic Thing album which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Roam and Love Shack. Kirkup signed the then-unknown rock outfit the Counting Crows in the early 1990s, whose August & Everything After debut album would go on to sell over 10 million copies. Kirkup has also been involved with artists such as Boy Meets Girl, Bryan Ferry, Katy Perry, and Adam Lambert ~ Kirkup was born ca.1948February 4, 2022 ~ Donald Bradford Gerrard, commonly known as pop, R&B singer Donny Gerrard, passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA ~ Lead singer of Skylark, best known for their 1972 hit single Wildflower. The song would later be covered by Color Me Badd, Hank Crawford, Creative Source, the O'Jays, and Marlena Shaw. Gerard has also released some solo recordings, notably the singles Greedy For Your Love and Stay A While With Me. Sang backup for artists such as Elton John, Neil Diamond, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Cher, and Mavis Staples ~ Gerrard was born in 1946
February 4, 2022 ~ Progressive rock, rock, protest singer, guitarist, violinist, songwriter Marko Brecelj passed away in Koper, Slovenia ~ Influenced by Frank Zappa. Known for his political activism, satire and black humor. Best known as co-founder, frontman of pioneering progressive rock outfit Buldozer, acclaimed for their 1975 Pljuni Istini U Oci album, which sold out fast but would not be reissued as the record company deemed it “inappropriate and controversial” material. The band is considered one of the first avant-prog rock outfits in communist Yugoslavia, forefathers of Yugoslav new wave. Brecelj would appear on the band's first two albums and one soundtrack, Zivi Bili Pa Vidi, before departing the band. Outside of Buldozer, Brecelj has recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with a wide array of artists, and is perhaps most noted for the 1974 Cocktail collaborative album with composer Bojan Adamic ~ Brecelj was born in 1951February 4, 2021 ~ R&B singer Jessie Smith passed away ~ Best known as original member of the Ikettes during the mid 1960s, backing the duo of Ike Turner & Tina Turner. As a solo artist known for her 1961 My Baby Has Gone single. Has also sang backup for artists such as Al Kooper, Bryan Ferry, Dr John (In The Right Place), Gloria Jones, José Feliciano, Johnny Bristol, and Leon Ware ~ Smith was born in 1941
February 4, 2021 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Nolan Porter, full name Nolan Frederick Porter, passed away ~ Married to Candy Zappa, sister of Frank Zappa. Recorded two albums in the early 1970s, initially to little success but in time appreciated by British Northern soul aficionados. Best known for songs such as Keep On Keeping On and If I Could Only Be Sure, the latter notably covered by father of Britpop Paul Weller on his 2004 Studio 150 album ~ Porter was born in 1949
February 4, 2019 ~ Composer Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov, full name Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Ovchinnikov, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ Started composing at age 9, entered the Moscow Conservatory at age 15. Wrote symphonies, symphonic poems, chamber music and works for small ensembles. Internationally perhaps best known as film composer, including for the 1967 film War And Peace directed by Sergei Bondarchuk ~ Ovchinnikov was born in 1936February 4, 2017 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae percussionist Noel Simms, full name Noel Bartholomew Simms, passed away in Alligator Reef, Florida, USA ~ Half of the duo Bunny & Scully, the other half being Arthur Bunny Robinson. Also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Prince Buster, the Aggrovators, the Upsetters, the Revolutionaries, Roots Radics, Big Youth, Peter Tosh, Dillinger, the Heptones, Justin Hinds, Johnny Moore, and Jimmy Cliff ~ Simms was born in 1935
February 4, 2016 ~ Songwriter, singer Joe Dowell passed away in Bloomington, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1961 rendition of Wooden Heart, the first US No.1 single for Smash Records. Followed up with the lesser hits The Bridge Of Love and Little Red Rented Rowboat. Dowell wanted to be a songwriter in his own right but was contractually required to sing music owned by his label's parent company Mercury Records. Dowell was eventually dropped by the label and has recorded sporadically since including folk and gospel ~ Dowell was born in 1940
February 4, 2014 ~ Reginald Maurice Ball, commonly known as singer, bassist Reg Presley, passed away in Hampshire, UK ~ Best known as the Troggs' lead singer, known for hits such as With A Girl Like You, Wild Thing, I Can't Control Myself and Love Is All Around, later covered by Wet Wet Wet. Ball used the royalties of the latter to fund research into UFO's, lost civilizations and alchemy. ~ Presley was born in 1941
February 4, 2013 ~ Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II, commonly known as jazz, bebop trumpeter Donald Byrd, passed away in Dover, Delaware, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Major influence on and mentor of Herbie Hancock. First gained serious attention playing with Art Blakey, replacing Clifford Brown in the Jazz Messengers. Has also backed artists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk before establishing himself as a bandleader. Known for early 1960s albums such as Royal Flush and Free Form as well as late 1960s, early 1970s albums such as Fancy Free and Black Byrd exploring jazz fusion and R&B ~ Byrd was born in 1932February 4, 2008 ~ Pianist Chris Anderson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced Herbie Hancock. Leader and sideman. Active since the mid 1940s. Best known for his 1960 My Romance album. Worked with Von Freeman, Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington, Bill Lee, Art Taylor, Walter Perkins, Philly Joe Jones, Frank Gant, Charlie Haden, Clifford Jordan, Sun Ra, and Frank Strozier ~ Anderson was born in 1926
February 4, 2007 ~ Singer, actress Barbara McNair, full name Barbara Jean McNair, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Jazz, nightclub singer best known for her 1958 debut single Till There Was You. Toured with Nat King Cole. Starred in early 1960s Broadway shows, notably I'm With You. Would focus on acting in films and TV from the 1970s onwards ~ McNair was born in 1934
February 4, 2005 ~ James Henry Oliver, commonly known as saxophonist, bandleader Jimmy Oliver, passed away ~ Worked with Philly Joe Jones, Red Garland, Johnny Coles, Charlie Rice, Sam Reed, Mickey Roker, Bootsie Barnes, the Heath Brothers, Philly Joe Jones, Charlie Parker, Pearl Bailey, Max Roach, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, Arnett Cobb, Georgie Auld, Charlie Ventura, Hank Jones, and Major Holley ~ Oliver was born in 1920
February 4, 2005 ~ Drummer, bassist Warren Vaché Sr passed away in Rahway, New Jersey, USA ~ Started on drums but switched to bass, establishing himself on the double bass. Has worked with Eddie Condon, Doc Cheatham, and led his own band the Syncopatin' Six and the Syncopatin' Seven. Co-founded the American Jazz Hall Of Fame. Longtime editor for the magazine Jersey Jazz. Father of trumpeter Warren Vaché Jr and clarinetist Allan Vaché ~ Vaché was born in 1914
February 4, 2001 ~ James Louis Johnson, commonly known as trombonist JJ Johnson passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. One of the earliest bebop trombonists. As a composer known for standards such as Wee Dot, Lament and Enigma. Worked with Kai Winding, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Clifford Brown, Bennie Green, André Previn, Milt Jackson, Joe Pass, Al Grey, Cannonball Adderley, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Elvin Jones, Howard McGhee, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, and Stanley Turrentine ~ Johnson was born in 1924
February 4, 2000 ~ R&B, pop, soul singer Doris Coley passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Co-founded the Shirelles with schoolmates Addie Harris, Beverly Lee, and Shirley Owens. The girl group enjoyed popularity especially during the first half of the 1960s with songs such Tonight's The Night, Mama Said, Baby It's You, Soldier Boy, and Foolish Little Girl. Their best known, 1962's Will You Love Me Tomorrow, would be the first single by any black girl group to top the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Coley usually sang backing vocals, yet did sing lead on Dedicated To The One I Love, one of their biggest sellers, peaking at No.2 Billboard R&B, No.3 Billboard Hot 100. Coley left the group in 1968, only to return in 1975 after the departure of lead singer Owens ~ Coley was born in 1941
February 4, 1998 ~ Patrick Lamont Hawkins, commonly known as rapper Fat Pat, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Brother of rapper Big Hawk, with whom he also worked. Best known for his appearance on Lil' Troy's Wanna Be A Baller, released after Hawkins' death. Has also worked with Dead End Alliance, and Screwed Up Click, the latter considered one of the premier acts in Southern rap ~ Hawkins was born in 1970
February 4, 1991 ~ Pop, jazz singer Kate Davis, full name Kathryn L Davis, born in West Linn, Oregon, USA ~ Played violin and bass in the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Actively recording as a singer since the late 2000s, venturing from jazz to indie pop and rock. Especially acclaimed for the album Trophy released in 2019
February 4, 1991 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release Innuendo, the final album released during lead singer Freddie Mercury's lifetime ~ The singer had been diagnosed with AIDS, which was not yet publicised, however, rumours had been spreading about his health. Mercury did not speak publicly about his health, and was determined to continue working for as long as he could, saying that he would “keep working until I fucking drop”. The album would be warmly received by critics, and spawn the UK top 20 singles Headlong and The Show Must Go On. The album's lead single, Innuendo, did well across Europe, and reached the No.1 spot in their native UK. Mercury would pass away by the end of the year
February 4, 1989 ~ Producer, songwriter, arranger, guitarist Trevor Lucas passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Virtually unknown in his native Australia, Lucas is regarded as a notable figure in 1960s, 1970s folk-rock boom in the UK through for his associations with Fairport Convention, present on albums such as Unhalfbricking and What We Did On Our Holidays, Fotheringay, and through his marriage to bandmate and singer Sandy Denny from 1973 until her death in 1978. Lucas released his Overlander solo debut album in 1966, has appeared on recordings by Al Stewart, Luther Grosvenor, Strawbs (Grave New World), the Bunch, Richard Thompson, and the Bunch ~ Lucas was born in 1943
February 4, 1987 ~ Wladziu Valentino Liberace, mononymously known as pianist Liberace passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Child prodigy. Known for his outrageous showmanship, sporting a flamboyant presence and lifestyle both on and off stage. At the height of his fame the highest-paid entertainer in the world. Played pop standards, classical and classical crossover ~ Liberace was born in 1919February 4, 1986 ~ Drummer, pianist, singer Jackie Barnes, full name Jackie James Barnes, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Half-brother of singer Jimmy Barnes, with whom he also worked. Member of sibling outfit the Tin Lids. In-demand touring and session musician, has worked with Rose Tattoo, Diesel, Keith Urban, Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa, Andrew Roachford, Little Steven, the Dead Daisies, Shannon Noll, the Wiggles, and Glenn Hughes
February 4, 1986 ~ Singer Janet Jackson releases Control, her third studio album ~ Jackson had previously recorded two albums, both of which considered critical and commercial failures on its own and especially in stark contract to the success of her siblings such as the Jacksons or notably Michael Jackson, before she fired her domineering manager father Joe Jackson and ventured out on her own. For Control, Janet Jackson teamed up with the producer-songwriter team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, formerly of the Time, who would remain regular collaborators of Jackson's throughout her career. The album would reach No.1 Billboard Hot 200, earn Jackson a Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year, and spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 5 singles What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, When I Think Of You, Control and Let's Wait Awhile, making Jackson the first female artist to score five Billboard Hot 100 top 5 hits from the same album. The album also served as an inspiration and blueprint for several other female, mostly black female, singers, and has retrospectively been included on several “best of” lists including Best Albums of the 1980s and 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone, 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century by VIBE, 50 Essential Pop Albums by Slant Magazine, and the Top 200 Albums of All-Time by the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
February 4, 1983 ~ Singer, drummer Karen Carpenter, full name Karen Anne Carpenter, passed away in Downey, California, USA ~ Praised for her three-octave vocal range. Alongside pianist, singer Richard Carpenter formed the sibling duo the Carpenters, known for a string of lush soft-rock hits, mostly in the 1970s, including Billboard top 10 hits such as (They Long To Be) Close To You), We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days And Mondays, the Leon Russell & Bonnie Bramlett-penned Superstar, Yesterday Once More and Top Of The World ~ Carpenter was born in 1950
February 4, 1982 ~ Singer Stevie Nicks releases Edge Of Seventeen, lifted off her Bella Donna solo debut album ~ When Tom Petty's first wife Jane Benyo told Stevie Nicks the couple had met at the “age of seventeen”, Nicks mistook her words for “edge of seventeen” on account of Benyo's thick Southern accent. The phrase stuck. Although Nicks intended to use the title for a song about the Petty's, the death of her uncle Jonathan and the murder of John Lennon during the same week, inspired her to use it for another new song. Despite the single barely missing the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, peaking at No.11, it would become one of Nicks' best known and most enduring songs