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 19, 2024 ~ Marlina Burgess, commonly known as jazz, blues, soul singer Marlena Shaw, passed away ~ First turned to music by her uncle jazz trumpeter Jimmy Burgess, who introduced her to recordings of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, gospel, and singer Al Hibbler who in Shaw's words “really knows how to phrase a song”. Her uncle first brought her to the stage to sing with his band while Shaw was still in her early teens. As a solo performer, Shaw has been active since the early 1960s, getting her first big break when a regular gig at the Playboy Club, Chicago, drew the attention of representatives of Chess Records, who then signed her to the subsidiary Cadet Records label. Though she never became a household name, Shaw is fondly remembered for her rendition of California Soul taken off her 1969 The Spice Of Life sophomore album, her highly acclaimed 1974 Who Is This Bitch Anyway album, and a string of disco tracks through the late 1970s ~ Burgess was born in 1942
January 19, 2024 ~ Singer Mary Weiss, full name Mary Louise Weiss, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Leader of 1960s R&B girl group the Shangri-Las. Sang lead on Remember (Walking In The Sand), Give Him A Great Big Kiss and Out In The Streets. Sang co-lead on the band's biggest hit, The Leader Of The Pack, in tandem with Elizabeth Weiss. Following the band's disbandement in 1968, Weiss mostly disappeared from the music scene for decades, reemerging in 2007 with her first and only solo album, the critically acclaimed Dangerous Game album ~ Weiss was born in 1948January 19, 2023 ~ Rock bassist Ruud Englebert, full name Rudolphus Franciscus Maria Englebert, passed away ~ Member of 1980s band Vitesse, including on the band's best known Rosalyn and Good Lookin'. Englebert is also well known for his association with Herman Brood, notably present on Brood's 1988 Yada Yada album, and has worked with A Girl Called Johnny, Innersleeve, the Raiders Of The Last Corvette, the New Adventures, and Thé Lau ~ Englebert was born in 1950
January 19, 2022 ~ Amarendra Roy Chowdhury, commonly known as jazz, experimental music, world music percussionist, tabla player Badal Roy, passed away in Wilmington, Delaware, USA ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley, Pat Boone, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington. Self-taught, his playing considered freer that that of most tabla players. Leader and sideman. First gained attention backing Miles Davis, appearing on late 1960s, early 1970s albums such as On The Corner, Big Fun and Get Up With It. Would go on to collaborate with the likes of Dave Liebman, Pharoah Sanders, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Herbie Mann, Pat Metheny, Lester Bowie, Airto Moreira, Charlie Haden, Yoko Ono, Ornette Coleman, Duofel, Stomu Takeishi, and Muruga Booker ~ Chowdhury was born in 1939January 19, 2022 ~ Tenor singer, conductor Nigel Rogers, full name Nigel David Rogers, passed away ~ Sang in German, French, Italian, English. Over 70 albums to his name, mostly early music, baroque and sacred music including works by Claudio Monteverdi, George Frideric Handel, Henry Purcell and Johann Sebastian Bach ~ Rogers was born in 1935
January 19, 2021 ~ Free improvisation guitarist John Russell passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Founded the loose collective Quaqua in 1981. Collaborated with Roger Turner, Stefan Keune, Phil Minton, Evan Parker, Luc Houtkamp, Martin Archer, Henry Kaiser, Terry Day, Mats Gustafsson, Radu Malfatti, and Jon Rose ~ Russell was born in 1954
January 19, 2021 ~ Jazz guitarist Ron Anthony passed away ~ Influenced by Joe Negri. Best known for his association with George Shearing. Has also worked with Tex Beneke, Les Brown, Stan Kenton, Vic Damone, Bob Hope, and extensively with Frank Sinatra from the 1980s until Sinatra's death in 1998 ~ Anthony was born in 1933
January 19, 2020 ~ Jazz, bebop, hard bop saxophonist Jimmy Heath, full name James Edward Heath, passed away in Loganville, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath, with whom he also worked under the group moniker the Heath Brothers. Earned the nickname “Little Bird” for his small stature after his work with Howard McGhee and Dizzy Gillespie, his playing showing influences from Charlie Parker who was dubbed Bird. Has collaborated with Nat Towles, John Coltrane, Kenny Dorham, Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Nat Adderley, Benny Carter, Blue Mitchell, and the American Jazz Orchestra. As a composer best known for the jazz standards Ginger Bread Boy (Milt Jackson, Elvin Jones, Dexter Gordon), CTA (Miles Davis, Lee Morgan), and For Minors Only (Art Blakey, Chet Baker) ~ Heath was born in 1926January 19, 2018 ~ Derrick Desmond Coleman, commonly known as rapper Fredo Santana, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Debuted in 2013 with the album Trapping Ain't Dad. Collaborated with his cousin Chief Keef, Lil' Reese, King Louie, Gino Marley, Frenchie, Lil' Herb, Lil' Bibby, Lil Durk, 808 Mafia, Young Chop, Migos, Juelz Santana, Soulja Boy, Young Scooter, Fat Trel, Kendrick Lamar, and Peewee Longway ~ Coleman was born in 1990
January 19, 2018 ~ Composer, musicologist Marcel Frémiot passed away ~ Prolific author, writing over 100 books on instrumental, electroacoustic, vocal, choral and film music. Artistic director of several record companies. Professor of the first class of electroacoustic music at the Marseille Conservatory ~ Frémiot was born in 1920
January 19, 2017 ~ Country, country-pop outfit Lady Antebellum release You Look Good, lifted off their Heart Break album ~ A few years earlier, the band's popularity declined which they attributed to fatigue. Lady Antebellum would go on a hiatus, with each member focusing on projects outside the band to return with renewed energy for Heart Break, the band's seventh studio album. Its lead single, You Look Good, brought them right back to center stage. It was warmly received by critics, All Noise pointing out the song's fresh sound, while Taste Of Country praised the song's energy. Country singer Thomas Rhett had the song on hold until Lady Antebellum picked it up. You Look Good reached top 10 Billboard Country, peaking at No.8
January 19, 2015 ~ Singer, oud player, violinist, mandolinist, composer John Bilezikjian passed away in Mission Viejo, California, USA ~ Considered a masterful oud player, known for his contributions to world music and impressive collaborations. Sings in Armenian, English, Turkish, and Assyrian. As a solo artist best known for his 1998 Dantz Fever. Has played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Cohen (I'm Your Man), Plácido Domingo, Luis Miguel, Prince Diabate, Robert Palmer, the Brothers Of The Baladi (Hope), and Armen Chakmakian ~ Bilezikjian was born in 1948January 19, 2014 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Steven Fromholz, full name Steven John Fromholz, passed away in Eldorado, Texas, USA ~ Co-founded Frummox with Dan McCrimmon. Collaborated with Stephen Stills and Rick Roberts. Wrote and first recorded I'd Have To Be Crazy, notably covered by Willie Nelson. Other artists who recorded his songs include Hoyt Axton, John Denver (Yellow Cat), Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett (Bears), Rusty Wier, and Sturgill Simpson ~ Fromholz was born in 1945
January 19, 2013 ~ Rock, jazz, folk keyboardist, organist, bassist, guitarist, banjoist, tubist, trombonist, hornist Steve Knight, full name Stephen Sanders Knight, passed away in Riverdake, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of Mountain from 1960 through 1972, present for their 1969 the Woodstock Music and Art Fair performance. Knight appeared on the band's first three albums, Climbing, Nantucket Sleighride and Flowers Of Evil. The band is best known for their 1970 Mississippi Queen single, considered a rock classic to this day. Previously Knight has played with the Feenjon Group, the Peacemakers, Devil's Anvil, and the short-lived late 1960s psychedelic folk outfit Wings ~ Knight was born in 1935
January 19, 2012 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Winston Riley passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ One of the most productive and successful Jamaican reggae producers. Founded the Techniques in 1962. As a producer worked with Hortense Ellis, Johnny Osbourne, Ansel Collins, General Echo, Sister Nancy, Buju Banton, Cutty Ranks, the Lone Ranger, and Frankie Paul ~ Riley was born in 1943January 19, 2008 ~ Punta guitarist Andy Palacio, full name Andy Vivian Palacio, passed away in Belize City, Belize ~ Considered a cultural ambassador of Belize and an important in figure in punta rock, drawing from Garifuna pride yet influenced by R&B, jazz, and rock & roll. Acclaimed for the mid 1990s albums Keimoun (Beat On) and Til Da Mawnin ~ Palacio was born in 1960
January 19, 2008 ~ Folk, pop singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter John Stewart, full name John Coburn Stewart, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known as songwriter, including penning the Monkees No.1 hit Daydream Believer. Others who recorded his songs include Lovin' Spoonful, Nanci Griffith, Rosanne Cash (Runaway Train), and Joan Baez. Member of the Cumberland Three. Member of the Kingston Trio from 1961 through 1967. Married singer Buffy Ford in 1975, with whom he would also regularly work. Also recorded as a solo artist, noted for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Gold of his 1979 Bombs Away Dream Babies album ~ Stewart was born in 1939January 19, 2008 ~ Pop, reggae singer, bassist, songwriter Trevor Taylor, full name Trevor Oliver Taylor, passed away in Cologne, Germany ~ Lead singer of Bad Boys Blue, known for their 1985 hit You're A Woman. Also worked with UB40, Umoya, Temper Temper, and the Mondo Club ~ Taylor was born in 1958
January 19, 2007 ~ Singer, guitarist Denny Doherty, full name Dennis Gerrard Sephen Doherty, passed away in Mississaug, Canada ~ Best known as a member of 1960s pop outfit the Mamas & the Papas, which also included his then-girlfriend Michelle Phillips. The band would score some half a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, including California Dreamin' featuring Doherty on lead vocals. Following the band's disbandement, Doherty recorded as a solo artist, to disappointing success, and ventured into acting for stage, film, and TV ~ Doherty was born in 1940
January 19, 2006 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Wilson Pickett passed away in Reston, Virginia, USA ~ R&B, soul with a grittier edge than most of his contemporaries. Nicknamed “the Wicked Pickett”. Started out as a member of gospel, vocal groups such as the Violinaires and notably the Falcons, teaming up with Eddie Floyd and Mack Rice, one of the key bands that laid the groundwork for later development of soul music. Sang lead on I Found A Love, which he co-wrote. Embarked on a solo career by the early 1960s. His third single, 1965's In The Midnight Hour, sold a million copies. Also known for tracks such as 634-5789 (Soulsville USA), Mustang Sally, and Funky Broadway. Pickett wrote or co-wrote the majority of his recordings ~ Pickett was born in 1941January 19, 2000 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Josh Clayton-Felt passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded alternative rock outfit School Of Fish with Michael Ward, best known for 3 Strange Days of their eponymous School Of Fish debut album released in 1991. Following the band's disbandement has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Inarticulate Nature Boy released in 1996 ~ Clayton-Felt was born in 1967
January 19, 1998 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Carl Perkins, full name Carl Lee Perkins, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Helped shape early rock & roll and rockabilly. Known for songs such as Blue Suede Shoes, Matchbox and Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby. As a songwriter had his songs covered by Elvis Presley (Blue Suede Shoes), Cliff Richard, the Beatles, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Nelson (Boppin' The Blues), Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash (Daddy Sang Bass), Jerry Lee Lewis, Patsy Cline (So Wrong), Eric Clapton, George Thorogood (Dixie Fried), the Country Gentlemen, Kitty Wells, Jason & the Scorchers (Gone Gone Gone), Pam Tillis, Wanda Jackson (Honey Don't), and Lee Rocker ~ Perkins was born in 1932January 19, 1995 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Gene MacLellan passed away in Summerside, Canada ~ Member of Little Caesar & the Consuls. Known for songs such as The Call, Thorn In My Shoe, Pages Of Time, Lonesome River, and Shilo Song. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Anne Murray (Snowbird), Loretta Lynn, Joan Baez, Elvis Presley (Put Your Hand In The Hand), Lynn Anderson, and Bing Crosby ~ MacLellan was born in 1938
January 19, 1992 ~ Malcolm James McCormick, commonly known as MC, rapper Mac Miller, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ First gained atttention with the mixtapes Kids and The Best Day Ever, leading up to a full-length studio debut album, Blue Slide Park, in 2011. McCormick has recorded half a dozen albums until his death of an accidental overdose at age 26. McCormick is best known as featured vocalist on Ariana Grande's 2013 Billboard Hot 100 No.9 hit The Way, Grande's first American top 10 hit lifted off her debut album. Grande and Miller would be romantically involved from 2016 through 2018, breaking up some months prior to his death ~ McCormick passed away in 2018
January 19, 1991 ~ In its 10th week on the charts, You're Amazing by Robert Palmer peaks at No.28 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Robert Palmer had enjoyed popularity especially during the mid-1980s, Addicted To Love, I Didn't Mean To Turn You On, and Simply Irresistible all becoming massive hits. However, by the 1990s the suave gentleman's music would go out of style. The guitar-heavy You're Amazing, at the time of its release described by Billboard as a quirky but potent combination on account of its “strong soul stylings added to headbanger guitar riffs and sweet background harmonies”, would be one of his last hits. Other than You're Amazing Palmer's Don't Explain album would subsequently spawn one more hit, the Billboard Hot 100 No.16 hit Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You being his last to reach the American pop charts. Throughout the remainder of the 1990s, Palmer would occasionally chart inside the top 40 in his native UK, before passing away in 2003