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 6, 2024 ~ Blues, rock, reggae guitarist, singer Donald Kinsey passed away in Merrillville, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Kinsey Report, which also included Ron Prince, his brothers Ralph Kinsey and Kenneth Kinsey, and patriarch Big Daddy Kinsey. Kinsey is also well known for his association with Albert King, appearing on the albums Blues At Sunset and Blues At Sunrise, both recorded live mostly at the 1973 Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland, and as a member of Peter Tosh's backing unit including on the albums Legalize It, Bush Doctor, and Mama Africa. Other notable associations include Bob Marley (Rastaman Vibration), Burning Spear, Betty Wright, Roy Buchanan (Hot Wires), and Denroy Morgan ~ Kinsey was born in 1953February 6, 2022 ~ Contemporary classical, avant-garde composer George Crumb, full name George Henry Crumb Jr, passed away in Meida, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Gustav Mahler, Claude Debussy, and Béla Bartók. Known for compositions such as Star-Child, Makrokosmos, Ancient Voices Of Children, Vox Balaenae, and perhaps his best known The Echoes Of Time And The River, the latter winning him the 1968 Pullitzer Prize for Music ~ Crumb was born in 1929
February 6, 2022 ~ Sylvester Johnson, commonly known as blues, soul singer, harpist, guitarist Syl Johnson, passed away in Mableton, Georgia, USA ~ Claimed to be the most sampled artist ever, his Different Strokes used by Public Enemy, Jay-Z, the Wu-Tang Clan, Kool G Rap, and Geto Boys. Active since the 1950s, initially backing artists such as Magic Sam, Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells, Howlin' Wolf. Released his solo debut single, Teardrops, in 1959 backed by Freddie King on guitar. Best known for songs such as We Did It, Back For A Taste Of Your Love, and Is It Because I'm Black. Father of singer, songwriter Syleena Johnson ~ Johnson was born in 1936
February 6, 2022 ~ Elvira Redd, commonly known as jazz, bebop, hard bop, post bop saxophonist, singer Vi Redd, passed away ~ Daughter of drummer Alton Redd. Worked with Count Basie, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Linda Hopkins, Marian McPartland, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Perkins, Jennell Hawkins, Barney Kessel, Leroy Vinnegar, Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ben Tucker, and Dave Bailey ~ Redd was born in 1928
February 6, 2021 ~ José Maria Nunes Corrêa, commonly known as pop singer Zezinho Corrêa, passed away in Manaus, Brazil ~ Lead singer of Carrapicho, known for Tic Tic Tac lifted off their 1996 Festa De Boi Bumba album. The single would be an international hit, reaching top 10 in Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. A remix by Frank Farian the following year also did well in Austria, Canada, Iceland, and be a hit in American clubs. Prior to his rise to fame with the band, Corrêa honed his skills as an actor and singer in musicals ~ Corrêa was born in 1951February 6, 2019 ~ Operatic tenor singer Gerald English, full name Gerald Alfred English, passed away ~ Premiered works by Igor Stravinsky, Hans Werner Henze, Benjamin Britten, Michael Tippett, and Andrew Ford. Worked with Ernest Ansermet, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Barbirolli, Thomas Beecham, the Royal Opera, La Scala, the Deller Consort, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra ~ English was born in 1925
February 6, 2016 ~ Bernard Vasseur, commonly known as jazz trombonist Benny Vasseur, passed away in Paris, France ~ Worked with Claude Bolling, Rex Stewart, Sidney Bechet, Benny Carter, Buck Clayton, Bill Coleman, Roy Eldridge, Big Chief Russell Moore, Albert Nicholas, Hot Lips Page, Django Reinhardt, Aimé Barelli, Michel Attenoux, Claude Luter, Andre Paquinet, Annie Cordy, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, François Guin, and François Biensan ~ Vasseur was born in 1926
February 6, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Dan Hicks, full name Daniel Ivan Hicks, passed away in Mill Valley, California, USA ~ Fronted Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks. Draws from numerous genres including folk, jazz, country, swing, bluegrass, pop, rock and gypsy music, often paired with humorous lyrics. Hicks himself has referred to his blend as “folk swing” ~ Hicks was born in 1941
February 6, 2012 ~ Jazz guitarist Billy Bean, full name William Frederick Bean, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Charlie Ventura, Red Callender, Buddy Collette, Paul Horn, John Pisano, Bud Shank, Milt Bernhart, Les Elgart, Herb Geller, Lorraine Geller, Calvin Jackson, Zoot Sims, Tony Bennett, Hal Gaylor, Walter Norris, Stan Getz, Herbie Mann, John Lewis, Dennis Budimir, Buddy DeFranco, and Fred Katz ~ Bean was born in 1933February 6, 2012 ~ Alec Woodburn, commonly known as saxophonist, harmonica player, singer Jim King, passed away in Middlewich, UK ~ Founded the Farinas in 1962 with Charlie Whitney. The band would eventually change their name to the Family. King would appear on the band's first two albums, Music In A Doll House and Family Entertainment, before departing the band in 1969. King has since sessioned for the likes of Dave Mason and Gordon Jackson, briefly played with jazz-rock outfit Ring Of Truth, and has mostly performed as a solo artist playing jazz-tinged classical saxophone ~ Woodburn was born in 1942
February 6, 2011 ~ Guitarist, singer Gary Moore, full name Robert William Gary Moore, passed away in Estepona, Spain ~ Influenced by Jeff Beck, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall, Albert King, BB King, Peter Green and Eric Clapton. Closely associated with Phil Lynott. Member of Skid Row from 1968 through 1971, present on the band's Skid debut album and its follow-up 34 Hours. On-and-off member of Thin Lizzy from 1974 through 1979, first appearing on the album Nightlife taking lead guitar on the track Still In Love With You. Has also worked with jazz fusion outfit Colosseum II, G-Force, power trio BBM alongside Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, and Greedy Bastards. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Still Got The Blues For You, Cold Day In Hell and perhaps his best known, the signature song Parisienne Walkways ~ Moore was born in 1952
February 6, 2010 ~ John Phillip Dankworth, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Johnny Dankworth, passed away in Marylebone, UK ~ Worked with Jimmy Deuchar, Eddie Harvey, Don Rendell, Bill Le Sage, Eric Dawson, Tony Kinsey, Frank Holder, Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Lucky Thompson, Tony Coe, Mike Gibbs, Peter King, Dudley Moore, George Tyndale, Daryl Runswick, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, John McLaughlin, Tubby Hayes, Dick Morrisey, Dizzy Gillespie, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, George Shearing, Toots Thielemans, Benny Goodman, Herbie Hancock, Hank Jones, Tadd Dameron, Slam Stewart, Oscar Peterson, Alec Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Jimmy Witherspoon, the London Symphony Orchestra, Al Hirt, and Jacquie Dankworth ~ Dankworth was born in 1927February 6, 2010 ~ Jazz trumpeter, singer Roger Guérin passed away in Nimes, France ~ Worked with Aimé Barelli, Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, Hubert Fol, James Moody, Benny Golson, Bernard Peiffer, Fats Sadi, Lucky Thompson, Kenny Clarke, Blossom Dearie, Martial Solal, Michel Legrand, André Hodeir, Double Six, Quincy Jones, and Duke Ellington ~ Guérin was born in 1926
February 6, 2007 ~ Francesco Paolo LoVecchio, commonly known as singer Frankie Laine, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ In a career spanning seven decades drew from pop, jazz, gospel, country, folk, blues, R&B and other idioms to score numerous hits including That's My Desire, Shine, That Lucky Old Sun, Mule Train, Dream A Little Dream Of Me, Jezebel, Granada, Moonlight Gambler, High Noon, and Stars Fell On Alabama ~ Laine was born in 1913
February 6, 1998 ~ Rock, pop singer, guitarist Carl Wilson passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Chuck Berry. Co-founded the Beach Boys, which also included his brothers Brian Wilson and Dennis Wilson. Initially served as the band's lead guitarist and backing vocals. Sang lead on God Only Knows, Good Vibrations and Kokomo. Would become the band's de facto leader by the early 1970s. Released a number of solo albums, starting with the eponymous Carl Wilson album in 1981 ~ Wilson was born in 1946February 6, 1998 ~ Joseph Stubbles, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Joe Stubbs, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Baby brother of Levi Stubbs. Member of the Falcons, singing lead on the million-seller You're So Fine and The Teacher. Member of the Contours, singing lead on the Stevie Wonder-penned Just A Little Understanding. Subsequently worked with the Originals and with 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) ~ Stubbles was born in 1942
February 6, 1995 ~ Arthur S Taylor Jr, commonly known as drummer Art Taylor, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Helped define the sound of modern jazz drumming. Active since the late 1940s. Led Taylor's Wailers in the mid 1950s. Closely associated with Bud Powell, including on the acclaimed early 1950s albums The Bud Powell Trio, The Bud Powell Trio Plays and Jazz At Massey Hall Vol.2. Other notable album appearances include Art Farmer, George Wallington, Elmo Hope, Thad Jones, Lennie Tristano (Tristano), Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Gene Ammons, Lee Morgan, Ernie Henry, Lou Donaldson, Art Blakey, Ray Charles (Ray Charles), Georges Arvanitas, Dizzy Reece (Blues In Trinity), Wilbur Harden, John Coltrane (Lush Life), Donald Byrd, Oliver Nelson, Duke Jordan (Flight To Jordan), Arnett Cobb, Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), Buddy Tate, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Sonny Stitt, and Dexter Gordon ~ Taylor was born in 1929February 6, 1993 ~ Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, mononymously known as actress, singer Tinashe, born in Lexington, Kentucky, USA ~ Member of girl group the Stunners from 2007 through 2011, best known for their 2009 dance hit We Got It. Released her full-length Aquarius solo debut album in 2014, received to warm reviews and spawning the moderate hit 2 On featuring Schoolboy Q. Has also collaborated with A$AP Rocky, Iggy Azalea, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Snakehips, and Enrique Iglesias
February 6, 1990 ~ Edward Chester Babcock, commonly known as film, TV, theater composer Jimmy van Heusen, passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Quintessential composer. Won four Oscars for Best Original Song and close to a dozen nominations. Collaborated with lyricists such as Sammy Cahn, Johnny Burke, Eddie DeLange, David Kapp, Carl Sigman, Johnny Mercer, Phil Silvers, and Buddy Kaye ~ Babcock was born in 1913February 6, 1990 ~ Alternative rock guitarist Mike Byrne, full name Michael William Byrne, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Influenced by the Cure, Maserati, Pelican. Best known for his association with the Smashing Pumpkins, joining the band in 2009 replacing Jimmy Chamberlin. Notably present on the 2012 Oceania album. Following his departure from the band in 2014 Byrne has worked with Bearcubbin
February 6, 1989 ~ Osbourne Ruddock, commonly known as engineer, producer King Tubby, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Pivotal to the development of dub in the 1960s and 1970s. Elevated the role of engineer to a role previously reserved for composers, producers, musicians. Cited as the inventor of the concept of the remix. Best known for his work with Augustus Pablo, the Aggrovators, Prince Jammy, Lee Scratch Perry, Bunny Lee, Vivian Jackson, Johnny Clarke, Cornell Campbell, Linval Thompson, Horace Andy, Delroy Wilson, Jah Stitch, Yabby You, Roots Radics, and Sly & Robbie ~ Ruddock was born in 1941
February 6, 1989 ~ New wave, pop rock outfit the Simple Minds release Belfast Child, lifted off their Street Fighting Years album ~ The 1987 Enniskillen bombing, which killed 11 and injured at least 63, urged the band to convey their feelings, adding their own lyrics to the melody of a traditional Irish song. The single would be their only UK charttopper, and also reached No.1 in Ireland and the Netherlands. Lead singer Jim Kerr would later tell Q Magazine what they tried to say in Belfast Child: “I'm trying to relate to people in Northern Ireland who've also lost loved ones. I'm trying to talk about the madness and sadness and emptiness. I'm not saying I have any pearls of wisdom, but I have a few questions to ask.”
February 6, 1985 ~ Country, country pop, country folk singer, guitarist Rosanne Cash releases I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me, lead single off her Rhythm & Romance album ~ The song, which would reach top of the Billboard Country charts, is usually perceived as a song about unrequited love, yet as Nashville songwriter Billy Montana once revealed, apparently it isn't: “I remember a story one time, Rosanne Cash said that she didn't win an award that she thought she was going to win, so she went home and she wrote I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me. And it was like, Wow, man. Because you always think of it as being a love song, but she was actually talking about the Grammy Awards” Although the song may have been written in response to losing a Grammy Award to Juice Newton, I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me actually did win the singer her first Grammy Award, namely for Best Country Female Vocal PerformanceFebruary 6, 1980 ~ Folk rock, vocal jazz singer, guitarist, songwriter Jill Barber born in Port Credit, Canada ~ Sister of singer Matthew Barber. Actively recording since the early 2000s, initially in folk-pop, venturing out into vocal jazz and chanson later in her career. Especially acclaimed for her 2002 Oh Heart album and her 2013 Chansons album. Barber is also a children's author, having published the books Baby's Lullabye and Music Is For Everyone
February 6, 1978 ~ The Muppet Show episode featuring guest singer Elton John airs in the USA ~ Four of the British singer's songs are included in the show. A group of crocodiles perform on Crocodile Rock. Scooter starts singing Bennie And The Jets to have Elton John take over. The house band the Electric Mayhem perform Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. And Miss Piggy duets with Elton on Don't Go Breaking My Heart, originally a 1976 No.1 duet hit on both sides of the Atlantic for John and Kiki Dee
February 6, 1978 ~ Chiarina Francesca Bartocci, commonly known as jazz singer Frances Wayne, passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe. Married to Neal Hefti, with whom she also worked. Also worked with Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, Hank Jones, Milt Hinton, Jerome Richardson, Richie Kamuca, John LaPorta, Billy Bauer, and Al Cohn ~ Bartocci was born in 1924
February 6, 1978 ~ Songwriter, singer, pianist Turner Layton, full name John Turner Layton Jr, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as a songwriter, frequent collaborator of Henry Creamer. Co-wrote the standard After You've Gone, first popularized by Sophie Tucker and also recorded by Marion Harris, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt, Sonny Stitt, Peggy Lee, and Phil Collins. Also co-wrote Way Down Yonder In New Orleans, recorded by Frankie Trumbauer, Paul Whiteman, Bing Crosby, Freddy Cannon, Patti Page, and Jan & Dean ~ Layton was born in 1894