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 26, 1970 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, drummer Louis Schefano born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Co-founding and constant member of alternative rock band Remy Zero. The band first gained attention opening for Radiohead on the American leg of the The Bends tour. Commercially best known for their 1998 Villa Elaine sophomore album and for Save Me, used as the theme song for superhero TV series Smallville, of their third and final album Golden Hum. Schefano has also worked with Verbena, Little Red Rocket, his once-girlfriend Maria Taylor, and recorded as a solo artist
January 26, 1970 ~ Country singer Merle Haggard releases The Fightin' Side Of Me, lifted off the live album of the same name ~ At the height of the Vietnam war and liberal hippies counter-culture, Merle Haggard catered to the rural, conservative working-man. In The Fightin' Side Of Me, Haggard fills the role of a man frustrated with people deriding the country, particularly those who are “harpin' on the wars we fight.” People who do this, the singer claims, are “walkin' on the fightin' side of me”. The single would spend three weeks atop the Billboard Country charts, and was nominated for a CMA Award for Single of the Year, yet lost out to Okie From Muskogee, another Haggard hit from the same year
January 26, 1969 ~ Guitarist, composer, arranger Adam Rafferty born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Bob Cranshaw, Lou Donaldson, Virgil Jones, Gloria Lynn, Frank Wess, Buster Williams, Eric Person, Norah Jones, Chris Potter, the New York Trio Project, Bennie Wallace, Alvin Queen, Dr Lonnie Smith, and Tal Farlow
January 26, 1968 ~ Flavio Basso, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Jupiter Apple or Jupiter Maca, born in Porto Alegre, Brazil ~ Influenced by Paul McCartney, Syd Barrett, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger. Founding member of rock, rockabilly band TNT, present on songs such Entra Nessa and Estou Na Mão. Co-founding member of Os Cascavelletes, known for Nega Bombom and Oce Me Deixa Insano. Released his A Setima Efervescenia solo debut album 1997 ~ Basso passed away in 2015January 26, 1966 ~ Progressive metal singer Andrew McDermott born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK ~ Best known as a member of Threshold, joining the band in 1998 replacing Damian Wilson. Has also worked with Sargant Fury, Yargos, Swampfreaks, and with Powerworld ~ McDermott passed away in 2011
January 26, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Wendy Melvoin, full name Wendy Ann Melvoin, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of jazz pianist Mike Melvoin. Best known for her association with Prince, appearing on albums such as 1999, Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day, and Sign O' The Times. Formed the duo Wendy & Lisa with Lisa Coleman, known for their hit single Waterfalls of the 1987 eponymous Wendy & Lisa album. Has also worked with Seal, Doyle Bramhall II, Meshell Ndegeocello, kd Lang, Sheryl Crow (The Globe Sessions), Neil Finn, Los Lobos, Liz Phair, Gwen Stefani, Nikka Costa (Can'tneverdidnothin), and Rob Thomas
January 26, 1963 ~ Singer Andrew Ridgeley, full name Andrew John Ridgeley, born in Windlesham, UK ~ Half of 1980s pop duo Wham, the other half being George Michael, known for hits such as Young Guns (Go For It), Wham Rap (Enjoy What You Do), Bad Boys, Club Tropicana, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Careless Whisper, Freedom and The Edge Of Heaven, all of which reached UK top 10. As a solo artist released a handful of recordings, his highest charting being 1990's Shake which stalled at No.56 UKJanuary 26, 1963 ~ Trevor Beresford Romeo, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Jazzie B, born in Finsbury, UK ~ Founded Soul II Soul, known for hits such as Keep On Movin' and Back To Life (However Do You Want Me), the latter reaching the Billboard top 10. Jazzie has also produced or remixed tracks for Incognito, Maxi Priest, James Brown, Kym Mazelle, Cheryl Lynn, Teena Marie, Johnny Gill, Ziggy Marley, Nas and Destiny's Child
January 26, 1963 ~ In its 4th week on the charts, Walk Right In by the Rooftop Singers hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Gus Cannon and Hosea Woods, who recorded the original song in 1929 with their jug outfit the Jug Stompers. The success of the 1960s cover by the Rooftop Singers would be a lucky break for Cannon, who by then was in his seventies and had been forced to pawn his banjo to pay the heating bill. Not only did some unexpected money from royalties come his way, the single's success also renewed interest in Cannon's music and led to a recording contract of his own. Folk trio the Rooftop Singers would score one more hit, Tom Cat reaching No.20 Billboard Hot 100January 26, 1961 ~ Guitarist, producer Colin Cripps born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Member of Blue Rodeo, the Jim Cuddy Band, Crash Vegas, and of Junkhouse. As a producer known for his work with Kathleen Edwards, Big Wreck, Tom Wilson, Colin James, Craig Cardiff, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Stephen Fearing, Oh Susanna, the Headstones, Sarah McLachlan, Justin Rutledge, Bryan Adams, Collin Herring, Andrew Walker, and Dawn Langstroth
January 26, 1961 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Keifer, full name Carl Thomas Keifer, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Cinderella. The band released four studio albums, starting with Night Songs in 1985. In the mid 1990s Kiefer was diagnosed with paralysis of the left vocal cord and underwent several operations before having to learn how to sing again. Has reunited with Cinderella on occasion and released his solo debut album, The Way Life Goes, in 2013
January 26, 1958 ~ R&B, quiet storm singer Anita Baker, full name Anita Denise Baker, born in Toledo, Ohio, USA ~ One of the most popular quiet storm singers. Member of funk band Chapter 8, leaving the band in 1985 to focus on her solo career. Released her solo debut, Songstress, in 1983 and would rise to stardom with her sophomore Rapture album which spawned the Billboard top 10 hit Sweet Love. Also known for songs such as Ain't No Need To Worry with the Winans, Giving You The Best That I Got, Talk To Me and Body & SoulJanuary 26, 1957 ~ Saxophonist, keyboardist, director Mike Stevens, full name Michael William Stevens, born in Cambridgeshire, UK ~ Best known as Take That musical director. Also worked with 10cc, Barry White, Brenda Russell, Dionne Warwick, the Temptations, Bill Withers, Eurythmics, Mika, the Sugababes, James Morrison, Will Young, Geri Halliwell, Boyzone, B'witched, 911, and 5ive
January 26, 1955 ~ Rock, hard rock guitarist, songwriter Eddie Van Halen, full name Edward Lodewijk van Halen, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Considered a virtuoso guitarist. Lead guitarist of Van Halen, which he founded with Mark Stone, David Lee Roth and brother Alex van Halen, known for songs such as Runnin' With The Devil, Eruption, Dance The Night Away, Jump, Panama, Why Can't This Be Love, and When It's Love. Van Halen has also worked with Gene Simmons, Nicolette Larson, Michael Jackson, Brian May, Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath, Roger Waters, Steve Lukather, and LL Cool J ~ Van Halen passed away in 2020
January 26, 1953 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Lucinda Williams, full name Lucinda Gayle Williams, born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA ~ Draws from country, folk, rock. Debuted in 1979 with the Ramblin'. Would remain largely unnoticed until 1998's Car Wheels On A Gravel Road, making her a household name. Has released a string of critically acclaimed albums since. Has toured with Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers Band, Tom Petty.January 26, 1951 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Andy Hummel, full name John Andrew Hummel, born in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as original drummer of Big Star, appearing on two of their three albums, No.1 Record and Radio City. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including The India Song, Way Out West, Life's White, What's Going Ahm, The Back Of A Car, and Daisy Glaze ~ Hummel passed away in 2010
January 26, 1951 ~ Progressive rock, soft rock, art rock keyboardist, organist Christopher North, full name Christopher Reed North, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Co-founding and key member of Ambrosia, providing the aural landscapes that balanced his virtuosity on the keyboards with soulful, radio-friendly hooks. Known for his stage presence and the intensity and depth of his performance, North's playing helped define the sound of the band which started in progressive rock only to venture into soft rock with the band scoring several romantic hits popular to this day. North would be hired by the band's bassist Joe Puerta after he saw him perform in a dimly lit room one night. Puerta would later recall that night: “There was a coffin with speakers in it. And at the end of the room, Chris was there, playing the organ with a bottle of wine on the top, smoking a cigarette, and there was a girl massaging his shoulders as he played, so I go, We gotta get this guy in the band.” North is especially noted for his organ playing on the hits Holdin' On To Yesterday, Biggest Part Of Me and You're The Only Woman (You & I), all three generally acknowledged as among the all-time finest organ solos in pop. North also guested on Chuck Girard's eponymous 1974 album, and along with his Ambrosia bandmates on Tales Of Mystery And Imagination, a 1976 album by the Alan Parsons Project. Ambrosia recorded five albums through the early 1980s before disbanding, yet have reconvened since from time to time. They are most acclaimed for their eponymous 1975 debut album, which at the time would be slightly overlooked, and its Alan Parsons produced Somewhere I've Never Travelled follow-up album a year later ~ North passed away in 2026January 26, 1950 ~ Ratislav Delmas, commonly known as rock drummer, singer Rasa Delmas, born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Joined YU Grupa in 1972, a band credited with pioneering the fusion of rock with elements of traditional Balkan music. Present on some of their best known including Trka, Cudna Suma, More and the cultballad Crni Leptir. Had previously worked with Mobi Dik, Pop Masina and Siluete. Following his departure from Grupa in 1976 Delmas would found and front rock band Zebra, known for the singles Moja Mala Zebra and Ma Ko Si Ti ~ Delmas passed away in 2021
January 26, 1948 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Aki Takase born in Osaka, Japan ~ Classically trained. Leader and sidewoman. Actively recording since the late 1970s Takase has collaborated with Lester Bowie, Sheila Jordan, Dave Liebman, John Zorn, her husband Alexander von Schlippenbach, Eugene Chadbourne, Han Bennink, Evan Parker, Paul Lovens, Fred Frith, Maria João, Louis Sclavis, David Murray, Rudi Mahall, Cecil McBee, Bob Moses, Reggie Workman, Karl Berger, Wilbert de Joode, and Sven-Åke Johansson
January 26, 1947 ~ Anargyros Koulouris, commonly known as guitarist Silver Koulouris, born in Piraeus, Greece ~ Member of progressive rock, baroque pop outfit Aphrodite's Child, which also included Demis Roussos, known for a number of late 1960s, early 1970s hits of which Rain And Tears, It's Five O'Clock and Spring Summer Winter And Fall would chart well across Europe including top 10 positions in Italy and the Netherlands
January 26, 1945 ~ Bassist, singer Ashley Hutchings, full name Ashley Stephen Hutchigs, born in London, UK ~ British folk-rock fixture, having co-founded the influential groups Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band. Has also worked with Morris On, the Rainbow Chasers, the Lark Rise Band, and the Bunch
January 26, 1943 ~ Jean Audrey Caliste, commonly known as soul, R&B, funk singer Jean Knight, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for her Stax/Volt single Mr Big Stuff, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1971. The single sold two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy Award but lost to Aretha Franklin's Bridge Over Troubled Water though. Knight would continue to record into the 1980s but was unable to repeat her earlier success ~ Knight passed away in 2023
January 26, 1943 ~ Producer, songwriter Thom Bell, full name Thomas Randolph Bell, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Important figure in 1970s Philly soul. Closely associated with the Delfonics, co-writing songs such as La La Means I Love You, Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love), and Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time. Closely associated with the Stylistics, co-writing songs such as You Are Everything, People Make The World Go Round, and Stop Look Listen To Your Heart. Others who recorded his songs include Brooks O'Dell, Tommy Hunt, Connie Stevens, the Intruders, the Spinners (I'll Be Around), Ronnie Dyson, MFSB, Johnny Mathis, Elton John, the Love Dimension, the O'Jays, the Temptations, and Phyllis Hyman ~ Bell passed away in 2022January 26, 1939 ~ Marshall Philip Leibowitz, commonly known as guitarist, singer Marshall Leib, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as member of the Teddy Bears, which also included a then-unknown Phil Spector, known for their 1958 hit To Know Is To Love Him. The song would mark the beginning of Spector's hit-making career as a producer and songwriter ~ Leibowitz passed away in 2002
January 26, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Ronnie Stephenson born in Sunderland, UK ~ Initially aimed to become a tap dancer like his idol Gene Kelly but was given a drum kit at age 14 and was playing semi-professionally a year later. Frequently backed his brothers pianists Bill Stephenson and Bob Stephenson, before gaining serious attention touring with singer Lita Roza. Stephenson would go on to become one of the most in-demand British jazz drummers of the 1960s, well known for his stints with Johnny Dankworth and Stan Tracey, working with the latter in the house band at Ronnie Scott's renowned London jazz club including accompanying numerous visiting American jazz icons. Stephenson has appeared on albums by Wes Montgomery, Tubby Hayes (100% Proof), JJ Jackson, Ray Warleigh, Rolf Kühn, Victor Feldman, the NDR Bigband, Benny Golson, and Cleo Laine ~ Stephenson passed away in 2002