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.
January 13, 1976 ~ Julissa Arce Rivera, mononymously known as Christian, CCM singer, songwriter Julissa, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Married to Mike Rivera, with whom she regularly collaborated starting with her acclaimed 1998 Regresara Por Mi debut album. Became the first Puerto Rican singer to be nominated for a Dove Award for her 2006 Mi Proposito album. Rivera has collaborated with the likes of Funky, Marcela Gándara, Daniel Calveti, Redimi2, and Alex Zardo
January 13, 1975 ~ Jaakko Salvaara, commonly known as DJ, producer JS16, born in Turku, Finland ~ Best known for his association with Finnish hip hop outfit the Bomfunk MC's, noted for the international 2000 hit Freestyler. As a solo artist Salovaara is perhaps best known for his 1991 hit Hypnosynthesis
January 13, 1971 ~ Jazz clarinetist Willie Lewis, full name Willie Meria Tawlton Lewis, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Served in ensembles led by Will Marion Cook and Sam Wooding through the early 1930s. Led his own band for the next decade finding popularity in Europe, the band including sidemen such as Herman Chittison, Benny Carter, Garneth Clark, and June Cole. Returning to New York by 1941 and with his fortunes in decline Lewis would only sparsely perform since, working as an actor and bartender to pay the bills ~ Lewis was born in 1905
January 13, 1968 ~ Miwa Watabiki, commonly known as singer, actress Chara, born in Kawaguchi, Japan ~ Active since the early 1990s, known for songs such as Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai No Uta), Yasashii Kimochi, and the Yuki duet Ai No Hi Mittsu Orange. She would later again team up with Yuki and form the all-female rock band Mean Machine, known for their sole Cream album released in 2001
January 13, 1968 ~ In its 6th week on the charts, Love Me Two Times by the Doors peaks at No.25 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Though the song was recorded for their eponymous debut album, it didn't make the cut. The song would be included on their Strange Days sophomore album released later the same year, and issued as the album's second single, after People Are Strange. Guitarist Robby Krieger said his guitar work on the song was inspired by Southbound Train by Koerner Ray & Gloever, one of his favorite acts
January 13, 1963 ~ Conrad Yeatis Clark, commonly known as hard bop pianist Sonny Clark passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Buddy DeFranco, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Paul Chambers, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Art Farmer, Curtis Fuller, Grant Green, Philly Joe Jones, Clifford Jordan, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Art Taylor, Wilbur Ware, Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, Billie Holiday, Stanley Turrentine, and Lee Morgan ~ Clark was born in 1931
January 13, 1961 ~ Graham McPherson, commonly known as singer, songwriter, radio personality, actor Suggs, born in Hastins, UK ~ Best known as lead singer of ska revival band Madness, scoring hits such as One Step Beyond, My Girl, Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, The Return Of The Los Palmas 7, Grey Day, It Must Be Love and House Of Fun, all of which reached the British top 10
January 13, 1961 ~ Alternative rock, neo-psychedelia singer Wayne Coyne born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA ~ Member of the Flaming Lips, which he co-founded with his brother Mark Coyne, Michael Ivins and Richard English, known for songs such as She Don't Use Jelly, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.1 and The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power)
January 13, 1959 ~ David Ramos, commonly known as electric blues, blues rock guitarist Kid Ramos, born in Fulleron, California, USA ~ Released a number of well-received solo albums, starting with Two Hands One Heart released in 1995. Best known as a sideman, worked with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, James Harman, Roomful Of Blues, the Big Rhythm Combo, the Mannish Boys, Bobby Jones, and Los Fabulocos
January 13, 1959 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Simon H Fell born in Dewsbury, UK ~ Primarily known as free improviser and composer of ambitously complex post-serialist works. Active since the early 1970s. Closely associated with Paul Hession, Alan Wilkinson, and Badland. As a composer best known for his Compilation series, especially the 1998 Composition No.30 (Compilation III) album. Has appeared on albums by Lol Coxhill, Mick Beck, Charles Wharf, Something Else, the London Improvisers Orchestra, and SFQ ~ Fell passed away in 2020
January 13, 1958 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Sandy Stewart born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her album Cat Dancer, and for her association with Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks. Stewart backed Nicks regularly and co-wrote several of Nicks's solo songs, including If Anyone Falls, Nightbird, Maybe Love Will Change Your Mind, and Too Far From Texas. Stewart also co-wrote Fleetwood Mac's US top 20 single Seven Wonders, taken of the band's 1987 Tango In The Night album. Stewart has also duetted with Nile Rodgers (This Is Your Day) and written for Tina Turner (Falling Like Rain) and Belinda Carlisle (Valentine)
January 13, 1957 ~ Pop rock, new wave singer, keyboardist, saxophonist Don Snow born in London, UK ~ Best known for his work with Squeeze, notably on the 1982 Sweets From A Stranger album, the Sinceros, and the Catch. Toured with Tina Turner on her 1987 Break Every Rule world tour. Has also worked with Procol Harum, Lene Lovich, the Vibrators, Judie Tzuke, Tracey Ullman, Nik Kershaw (The Riddle), ABC, Tom Jones, Gary Moore, Van Morrison (Too Long In Exile), Joe Cocker, and Kylie Minogue
January 13, 1957 ~ Classic rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist John Lees born in Oldham, UK ~ Co-founding member of Barclay James Harvest, known for songs such as Titles, Life Is For Living and Victim Of Circumstance
January 13, 1955 ~ Frederick Eugene Adams, commonly known as drummer Fred White, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his association with Earth Wind & Fire, serving as the band's drummer from 1974 through 1984 including on acclaimed albums such as That's The Way Of The World, Spirit, All 'n All and Powerlight. Well known hits recorded during White's tenure with the infectious band include Sing A Song, Serpentine Fire, Fantasy, September, Boogie Wonderland, After The Love Has Gone, and Let's Groove. White had been drumming since age nine, and prior to joining his siblings Maurice White and Verdine White in Earth Wind & Fire had notably appeared on Donny Hathaway's pivotal 1972 Live album, at the tender age of a mere sixteen, and Little Feat's Feats Don't Fail Me Now album. White was also a member of the Carlton Showband and Pieces of Peace, and guested on albums by Willie Hutch, Caston & Majors, Deniece Williams (This Is Niecy), the Emotions, Deodato, Leon Ndugu Chancler, and Ramsey Lewis. Upon hearing of White's passing, singer Lenny Kravitz stated he felt blessed to have been in his presence and blessed to have been influenced by him, furter adding White was “a true king” ~ Adams passed away in 2023
January 13, 1955 ~ Keyboardist, music producer, video producer, film producer Jimmy Lifton, full name James Ina Lifton, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ As a musician worked with Merlin, Bruce Nazarian, and Millie Scott. Ventured in producing music videos and eventually into producing feature films, his first major film production being the horror cult classic Mirror Mirror released in 1990
January 13, 1954 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist Trevor Rabin, full name Trevor Charles Rabin, born in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Worked with Rabbitt and Manfred Mann's Earth Band before joining symphonic rock outfit Yes, remaining with the band from 1983 through 1995 and first appearing on the band's best known album 90125 which included the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 Owner Of A Lonely Heart single
January 13, 1952 ~ Bassist, pianist, violinist, producer, composer Pekka Pohjola, full name Jussi Pekka Pohjola, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Member of progressive rock outfit Wigwam. Debuted as a solo artist with 1972's Pihkasilma Kaarnakorva. Also worked with Jussi & the Boys, Made In Sweden, the Group, Jukka Tolonen, and Mike Oldfield ~ Pohjola passed away in 2008
January 13, 1949 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, percussionist Frank Ricotti born in London, UK ~ First gained attention as a member of the National Youth Orchestra, where he was mentored by the orchestra's founder and musical director Bill Ashton. While attending the Trinity College of Music, Ricotti would perform and record with Neil Ardley, and notably issue his first album as a leader in 1969, Our Point Of View which featured backing from Chris Spedding, Chris Laurence and Bryan Spring. Two years later, Ricotti teamed up with Mike de Albuquerque for the album First Wind. Ricotti would hone his skills through the 1970s, working for musical productions, notably playing with the original London cast of the stage musical Hair and on the soundtrack of the 1973 film Jesus Christ Superstar, and primarily work with jazz acts such as Dave Gelly, Graham Collier, Mike Gibbs, Stan Tracey, Harry Beckett, Norma Winstone, Gordon Beck, and Hans Zimmer, before branching out into pop and rock as well. Over the course of his lengthy career, Ricotti has appeared on albums by the likes of Maynard Ferguson, Mike Gibbs, Trapeze (You Are The Music (We're Just The Band)), Peter Frampton (Wind Of Change), Curved Air, Dana Gillespie, Rick Wakeman, Jaki Whitren (Raw But Tender), Murray Head, Caravan, Bloodstone, Al Stewart, Maxine Nightingale, Cliff Richard, Status Quo (Rockin' All Over The World), Graham Bonnet, Chris Rea, Sally Oldfield (Water Bearer), Marshall Hain, Cerrone, Evelyn Thomas (Have A Little Faith In Me), Roger Daltrey, Clannad (Magical Ring), Uriah Heep, A-ha, Tina Turner (Private Dancer), Aztec Camera, Meat Loaf, Grace Jones (Slave To The Rhythm), Elton John, Robbie Nevil, Johnny Hates Jazz, Paul Carrack, Terence Trent d'Arby (Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby), the Art Of Noise, Was (Not Was), Swing Out Sister, Van Morrison (Enlightenment), Richard Thompson (Watching The Dark), the Pet Shop Boys (Very), Rod Stewart, Björk (Homogenic), Mark Knopfler, David Lanz (East Of The Moon), Robbie Williams, Anja Garbarek, Bill Wyman, Westlife, Belle & Sebastian (Dear Catastrophe Waitress), Terence Blanchard, Graham Collier, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Amy Winehouse (Back To Black), Étienne Daho (L'Invitation), Il Divo, Bryan Ferry (Olympia), Mo Foster, and Adele (Skyfall). Ricotti is also especially acclaimed for penning and recording the soundtrack for the Bix Beiderbecke biographical TV series The Beiderbecke Trilogy. Ricotti and his band also made a cameo appearance in the final series, playing in a jazz club
January 13, 1946 ~ Reggae, ska, lovers rock bassist, singer Boris Gardiner born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a solo artist best known for songs such as Elizabethan Reggae, I Wanna Wake Up With You and You're Everything To Me. Has worked with the Upsetters, Delano Stewart, the Dragonaires, the Aggrovators, the Crystallites, the Heptones, Marcia Griffiths, and Lee Scratch Perry
January 13, 1941 ~ Folk singer Frankie Armstrong born in Workington, UK ~ Active since the 1960s, her music often focusing on the lives of women. Renowned as a voice groups for theatrical groups. Acclaimed for her 1966 Birds In The Bush album. Has collaborated with a host of artists including Blowzabella, the Orckestra, Ken Hyder, John Kirkpatrick, Brian Pearson, Leon Rosselson, Dave Van Ronk, and Maddy Prior
January 13, 1938 ~ Crathman Plato Spencer, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter, producer CP Spencer, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Closely associated with the Motown label. Best known as member of the Originals. Also worked with the Marvelettes, the Carpenters, the Spinners, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin, and Edwin Starr ~ Spencer passed away in 2004
January 13, 1938 ~ Christopher David Allen, commonly known as psychedelic rock, space rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Daevid Allen born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founded Soft Machine. Co-founded Gong. Released his solo debut album, Banana Moon, in 1971, featuring guests such as Robert Wyatt, Gilli Smith, Gary Wright, Pip Pyle and Maggie Bell. Has recorded prolifically since, over 50 albums to his name as solo artist or collaborator ~ Allen passed away in 2015
January 13, 1938 ~ Ricardo Anthony Btesh, commonly known as pop singer Richard Anthony, born in Cairo, Egypt ~ Popular 1960s, 1970s pop singer, best known for French covers of English-language songs, including Tu M'Etais Destinée (Paul Anka's You Are My Destiny), C'Est Ma Fête (Lesley Gore's It's My Party), Et J'Entend Siffler Le Train (Bobby Bare's 500 Miles), and Fille Sauvage (the Rolling Stones' Ruby Tuesday) ~ Btesh passed away in 2015
January 13, 1937 ~ Operatic soprano Milka Stojanović born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Debuted at the the Belgrade Opera at age 22 portraying the role of Amelia in Giuseppe Verdi's Un Ballo In Maschera. Would go on to become an in-demand international guest singer with appearances with the Graz Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Cologne Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Hamburg State Opera ~ Stojanovic passed away in 2023
January 13, 1930 ~ Pianist, singer Bobby Lester born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Founding member and co-lead singer of the Moonglows. Bandmate Harvey Fuqua would usually lead on the rock & roll songs, Lester on the doo-wop songs. Lester sang lead on their 1954 single Sincerely, perhaps their best known, which reached the Billboard top 20 ~ Lester passed away in 1980
January 13, 1930 ~ Elizabeth Jane Haaby, commonly known as songwriter, singer Liz Anderson, born in Rosseau, Minnesota, USA ~ Paved the way for women in country. Anderson has had some success as a singer, noted especially for late 1960s tracks such as Mama Spank and Game Of Triangles, yet she enjoyed her biggest success as a songwriter. Artists who recorded her songs include Merle Haggard (The Fugitive), Del Reeves, Roy Drusky (The Pick Of The Week), Conway Twitty (Guess My Eyes Were Bigger Than My Heart), Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette, Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Skeeter Davis, Waylon Jennings, Kitty Wells, Connie Smith, Faron Young, the Browns, Porter Wagoner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Anderson, Norma Jean (I Cried All The Way To The Bank), Brenda Lee, Tex Williams, Lorrie Morgan, and Mary Lou Turner. Anderson's daughter is country singer Lynn Anderson, who also recorded several songs written or co-written by her mother including Ride Ride Ride, If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away), and Big Girls Don't Cry ~ Haaby passed away in 2011