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 17, 1921 ~ Choral conductor Lorna Cooke DeVaron born in Wesley Springs, Illinois, USA ~ One of the most important choral conductors of the 20th century. Premiered works by Benjamin Britten, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Irving Fine, Gunther Schuller, and Daniel Pinkham ~ DeVaron passed away in 2018
January 17, 1918 ~ Singer Irene Daye born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA ~ Briefly sang with Mal Hallett, prior to working with Gene Krupa from 1938 through 1941, including on the hit Drum Boogie. Following her departure from Krupa's ensemble, Daye initially retired from music to raise a family, married to trumpeter Corky Cornelius. When Cornelius passed away in 1943, Daye returned to the musical stage, singing with Charlie Spivak from 1944 through 1950. Daye married Spivak in 1950, retired from performing, and work as her husband's manager until her death at age 53 ~ Daye passed away in 1971
January 17, 1910 ~ Jazz, bebop drummer Big Sid Catlett born in Evansville, Indiana, USA ~ One of the most versatile drummers of his generation. Influenced by Zutty Singleton, Baby Dodds, Jimmy Bertrand. Worked with Benny Carter, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Fletcher Henderson, Don Redman, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Ruth Brown ~ Catlett passed away in 1951
January 17, 1896 ~ Banjoist, bandleader Harry Reser, full name Harrison Franklin Reser, born in Piqua, Ohio, USA ~ Regarded by some as the best banjoist of his day. In 1934 recorded the first version of Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, written by J Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. The song would become a Holiday classic and over time be recorded by over 200 artists. As a composer Reser is best known for The Cat And The Dog, Cracker Jack and Lolly Pops, all written for tenor banjo. Reser has collaborated with artists such as the Clicquot Club Eskimos, Ben Selvin, Benny Krueger, Sam Lanin, Nathan Glantz, Mike Markel, Peg LaCentra, Ray Heatherton, Bing Crosby, and Peggy Lee ~ Reser passed away in 1965January 17, 1751 ~ Composer, violinist Tomaso Albinoni, full name Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni, passed away in Venice, Italy ~ While famous in his day as an opera composer, he is best remembered for his instrumental music, most notably Adagio In G Minor. The composition is attributed to Albinoni but was largely written by 20th century musicologist, composer, and cataloger of the works of Albinoni. Besides operas Albinoni also composer concertos, sonatas, and sinfonias. Unlike his peers Albonini has never sought a post at either a church or noble court, having come from a wealthy family he could afford to compose music independently ~ Albinoni was born in 1671
January 17, 1712 ~ Composer, organist, violinist John Stanley, full name Charles John Stanley, born in London, UK ~ Organist with the Society Of The Inner Temple, a post he held from 1734 until his death over 50 years later. Succeeded William Boyce as Master Of The King's Band in 1779. As a composer wrote operas, cantatas, oratorios and instrumental music. Admired by composer George Frideric Handel who would regularly attend his performances ~ Stanley passed away in 1786