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 8, 2023 ~ Pianist, songwriter, producer Burt Bacharach, full name Burt Freeman Bacharach, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Considered one of the finest 20th century composers, Bacharach penned hundreds of songs from the late 1950s through the 1980s, often in partnership with lyricist Hal David. Had his songs recorded by over an estimated 1,000 artists including Marty Robbins, Perry Como (Magic Moments), Etta James, Gene Pitney (24 Hours From Tulsa), Dionne Warwick (Don't Make Me Over), the Drifters, Brook Benton, Jackie DeShannon (What The World Needs Now Is Love), the Jazz Crusaders, the Carpenters ((They Long To Be) Close To You)), Tom Jones (What's New Pussycat), Herb Alpert (This Guy's In Love With You), Dusty Springfield, BJ Thomas (Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head), and Christopher Cross ~ Bacharach was born in 1928
February 8, 2021 ~ Singer Mary Wilson passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Supremes and staying on until 1977, Wilson was the last original member to leave the group after Barbara Martin in 1962, Florence Ballard in 1967, and Diana Ross in 1970. Wilson sang lead on songs such as Baby Don't Go, Come And Get These Memories, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, A Heart Like Mine, and Early Morning Love, and with the exception of Love Child and Someday We'll Be Together sang backup on all of the group's Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits. Despite issuing only two solo albums a dozen years apart, the eponymous Mary Wilson in 1979 and Walk The Line in 1992, as a solo performer Wilson never attained the same acclaim as former bandmate Diana Ross, yet she would remain a popular concert singer, especially known for her Las Vegas shows. As a member of the Supremes, Wilson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1988 ~ Wilson was born in 1944
February 8, 2019 ~ Singer Ariana Grande releases Break Up With Your Girlfriend (I'm Bored), lifted off her Thank U (Next) album ~ A slow jam in which the singer tries to convince a man who's already taken to leave his girlfriend to be with her instead. Ariana Grande interpolates NSYNC's It Makes Me Ill in the bridge, borrowing its melody and tweaking its lyrics. Within two weeks of its release, Break Up With Your Girlfriend (I'm Bored) peaked at No.2 Billboard Hot 100, positioned between her own Thank U (Next) at No.3 and 7 Rings at No.1, making Grande the first artist since the Beatles back in 1964 to hold all top three spots on the American pop chart. Break Up With Your Girlfriend (I'm Bored) peaked inside the top 10 in some two dozen countries, including at No.1 in Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, and UK. The song was written by Grande, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin and Ilya, the same quartet responsible for Grande's No Tears Left To Cry and God Is A Woman, with co-writing credit awarded to Kevin Briggs and Kandi Burruss for interpolating the NSYNC track
February 8, 2018 ~ Kevin Smith, commonly known as DJ, MC, singer, producer Lovebug Starski, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Considered a hip hop pioneer and one of the first to rap over beats. First gained attention in the late 1970s as resident DJ at the New York club Disco Fever. Smith claims to have coined the term “hip hop”, words that came to him while improvising lines performing at a private party for a friend: “I picked up the mic and just started saying ‘a hip hop, hip hop, de hibby hibby hibby hibby hop’.” As a recording artist, initially going by the moniker Little Starsky, Smith is best known for a number of late 1970s to mid-1980s singles starting with his debut single Positive Life, which was later notably sampled by MARRS in Pump Up The Volume, and subsequent releases such as Gangster Rock, You Gotta Believe, Do The Right Thing, and Amityville (The House On The Hill). Smith passed away at age 57 of a heart attack while moving speakers out of storage into his apartment, just hours after his last DJ gig ~ Smith was born in 1960February 8, 2014 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader Dick Berk, full name Richard Alan Berk, passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Ted Curson, Bill Barron, Charles Mingus, Mose Allison, Freddie Hubbard, Walter Bishop Jr, Milt Jackson, George Duke, Cal Tjader, Jean-Luc Ponty, Blue Mitchell, the Jazz Adoption Agency, Andy Martin, Mike Fahn, Nick Brignola, Jon Nagorney, Keith Saunders, Tad Weeds, John Patitucci, and Don Friedman ~ Berk was born in 1939
February 8, 2012 ~ Jaime Sabater, commonly known as boogaloo, salsa singer, percussionist Jimmy Sabater, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Willie Bobo, Uba Nieto, Papi Pagani. Rose to fame as a member of the Joe Cuba Sextet in the 1960s and 1970s, present on songs such as To Be With You and Salsa Y Bembe. After his departure from the band in 1977, Sabater has recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with the likes of Al Levy, Charlie Palmieri, José Mangual Jr, and Bobby Cruz. Sabater's son, Jimmy Sabater Jr, is a bandleader and trumpeter ~ Sabater was born in 1936February 8, 2009 ~ At the 51st Grammy Awards, the unlikely duo Alison Krauss and Robert Plant are the big winners, winning all five awards for which they were nominated, including for Album of the Year ~ Krauss and Plant had released their collaborative Raising Sand album in 2007, with songs handpicked by producer T-Bone Burnett. The album was met with critical acclaim and would sell over a million copies in its first year. In 2009, it would win all five awards for which it was nominated, including Album of the Year beating Coldplay, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, and Radiohead. Alison Krauss and Robert Plant started follow-up sessions in 2009, but these were unsuccessful. Over a decade later, in 2021, the duo released their second collaborative album, Raise The Roof, again working with producer Burnett
February 8, 2006 ~ Jazz, blues, rock saxophonist Elton Dean passed away in London, UK ~ Member of Bluesology, led by Long John Baldry. The band's pianist Reginald Kenneth Dwight would later combine their two first names for his stage name, Elton John. Dean would go on to work with Centipede, Robert Wyatt, Keith Tippett, Soft Machine, Ninesense, Soft Heap, In Cahoots, the Anglo-Italian Quartet, and Equipe Out. Dean has also recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader, starting with the eponymous Elton Dean released in 1971 ~ Dean was born in 1945
February 8, 2005 ~ James Oscar Smith, commonly known as hard bop, soul jazz, jazz-funk organist, keyboardist Jimmy Smith, passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA ~ Helped popularize the Hammond organ in jazz. Influenced Jimmy McGriff, Brother Jack McDuff, Don Patterson, Richard Groove Holmes, Tony Monaco and Larry Goldings. Worked wih Oliver Nelson, Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joey DeFrancesco, BB King, Dr John, and Etta James ~ Smith was born in 1925
February 8, 2005 ~ Drummer, singer Keith Knudsen passed away in Kenfield, California, USA ~ Best known as member of rock outfit the Doobie Brothers remaining with the band from 1973 through 1982, rejoining in 1993. First appeared on the What Where Once Vices Are Now Habits album released in 1974. Founded country rock band Southern Pacific with Brothers bandmate John McFee, known for songs such as Reno Bound, New Shade Of Blue, Honey I Dare You, and Any Way The Wind Blows ~ Knudsen was born in 1948February 8, 2005 ~ Szymon Bachorz, commonly known as violinist Simón Bajour, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Member of Astor Piazzolla's backing unit First Quinteto alongside Jaime Gosis, Kicho Diaz and Horacio Malvicino, appearing on Adiós Nonino. Also worked with Osvaldo Pugliese, the Teatro Colón, and Bajour-Antognazzi ~ Bachórz was born in 1928
February 8, 1999 ~ Myrtle Eleanor Cooper, commonly known as country singer Lulu Belle, passed away in Sprune Pine, North Carolina, USA ~ Formed the duo Lulu Belle & Scotty with her husband Scotty Wiseman, one of the most popular country acts of the 1930s and 1940s. The duo lovingly dubbed “the Sweethearts of Country Music” are best known for Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, written by Wiseman and recorded by well over 150 artists including Tex Ritter, Bing Crosby, Eddie Cochran, Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, Patti Page, Willie Nelson, Ringo Starr, and Roger Whittaker ~ Cooper was born in 1913
February 8, 1996 ~ Trumpeter, composer, arranger Mercer Ellington passed away in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ The only child of Duke Ellington. Mercer led his own bands which at one time or another included Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Dorham, Idrees Sulieman, Chico Hamilton, Charles Mingus, and Carmen McRae. Mercer wrote several pieces that became standards including Things Ain't What They Used To Be, Jumpin' Punkins, Moon Mist, and Blue Serge. Mercer also was a road manager for Cootie Williams, musical director for Della Reese, composed for and played trumpet and horn in his father's orchestra, and led the orchestra after Duke's death ~ Ellington was born in 1919
February 8, 1994 ~ Nicole Rachel Yanofsy, commonly knowm as jazz-pop singer Nikki Yanofsky born in Montreal, Canada ~ Sang the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics theme song I Believe including at the opening and closing ceremonies. Released her full-length Ella (Of Thee I Swing) solo debut album in 2008, a live CD concert package. Would release her first studio album in 2010, namely Nikki produced by Phil Ramone and Jesse Harris. Has also collaborated with Herbie Hancock, will.i.am, Ron Sexsmith, Feist, Esperanza Spalding, Roy Hargrove, Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, Alfredo Rodriguez, Wyclef Jean, and Quincy JonesFebruary 8, 1994 ~ Harry Warnow, commonly known as bandleader, pianist, producer Raymond Scott, passed away in North Hills, California, USA ~ Never scored cartoon soundtracks yet familiar to many because Carl Stalling adapted Warnow's music to over 120 Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons. Warnow's compositions can also be heard in Ren & Stimpy Show, The Simpsons, Duckman, and Animaniacs ~ Warnow was born in 1908
February 8, 1992 ~ Denys Justin Wright, commonly known as jazz guitarist, pianist Denny Wright, passed away in London, UK ~ Worked with Kenny Graham, Carl Barriteau, Phil Green, Stéphane Grappelli, Lonnie Donegan, Johnny Duncan, Digby Fairweather, Ella Fitzgerald, Ken Snakehips Johnson, Billy Eckstine, Fapy Lafertin, Russ Conway, Biréli Lagrène, Humphrey Lyttelton, Nigel Kennedy, and George Shearing ~ Wright was born in 1924
February 8, 1991 ~ Henry Alfred Steinway, commonly known as trap, drum and bass, electro house DJ, producer RL Grime, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Clockwork. Member of electronic music collective WeDidIt. Has produced remixes for Benny Benassi, Chief Keef, Jamie Lidell, Shiohmo. Released his full-length solo debut album, Void, in 2014
February 8, 1990 ~ Charles Weedon Westover, commonly known as rock & roll, country pop singer, songwriter Del Shannon, passed away in Santa Clarita, California, USA ~ Best known for Runaway, a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit taken off his 1961 Runaway With Del Shannon debut album. Westover recorded about a dozen albums through the early 1980s, albeit it to lesser success. The singles Hats Off To Larry, Little Town Flirt and Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun), all released through the mid 1960s would all reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Westover was born in 1934February 8, 1987 ~ Rock, glam metal drummer Tony Destra passed away ~ Member of Enforcer, which also included future Tangier-frontman Bill Matson. Subsequently worked with Cinderella including on the tracks Shake Me and Somebody Save Me. Departed the band in 1985 to join Britny Fox, present on their 1986 demo In America. Destra died the following year in a car accident ~ Destra was born in 1954
February 8, 1986 ~ Brandon Paak Anderson, commonly known as singer, rapper, producer, songwriter Anderson Paak, born in California, USA ~ Released his full-length Venice solo debut album in 2014. Won a Grammy Award for his 2018 single Bubblin'. Forms the hip-hop duo NxWorries with producer Knxwledge
February 8, 1977 ~ Bassist Dave Farrell, also known as Dave Phoenix Farrell, born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as bassist of alternative rock, nu metal band Linkin Park. The band has sold over 100 million records and is best known for songs such as In The End, What I've Done, and New Divide. Previously Farrell was a member of pop punk outfit Tasy Snax, known for the albums Run Joseph Run and Snax
February 8, 1974 ~ Producer, DJ Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Forms the house music duo Daft Punk with Thomas Bangalter, debuting in 1997 with the Homework album, spawning the singles Da Funk and Around The World both of which reached top 10 in the duo's native France. Subsequent releases would chart well internationally, especially a number of collaborations such as Get Lucky featuring Pharrell Williams and Starboy and I Feel It Coming with the Weeknd all reaching Billboard Hot 100 top 10February 8, 1972 ~ Rebetiko singer, bouzouki player, songwriter Markós Vamvakaris passed away in Nikea, Greece ~ Dubbed “the Patriarch of Rebetko” for his significance to the genre. Closely associated with Yiorgos Batis, Anestis Delias, and Stratos Pagioumtzis. Known for songs such as Frankosyriani, Alaniaris, Ta Matia Sou T'Arapika, Psilia Tin Htizis, and Sklirokardhi ~ Vamvakaris was born in 1905
February 8, 1971 ~ Bassist Will Turpin, full name William Ross Turpin, born in Fairbanks, Alabama, USA ~ Member of Collective Soul, best known for their 1993 song Shine. Other well known songs include December, The World I Know, Precious Declaration, Heavy and Counting The Days. Turpin also released several solo albums, starting with 2011's The Lighthouse albumFebruary 8, 1967 ~ Violinist Florin Niculescu born in Bucharest, Romania ~ Influenced by Stéphane Grappelli. Worked with Biréli Lagrène, Robert Alagna, Charles Aznavour, Marcel Azzola, George Benson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Patrick Bruel, Regina Carter, Angelo Debarre, Angela Gheorghiu, Johnny Hallyday, Patricia Kaas, Jon Larsen, Wynton Marsalis, John McLaughlin, Oscar Peterson, Bucky Pizzarelli, Babik Reinhardt, Jimmy Rosenberg, Henri Salvador, and Tchavolo Schmitt
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