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 28, 1959 ~ Jazz vibraphonist Bill Ware, full name William Anthony Ware III, born in East Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Played bass and piano early on in his career, eventually focusing mostly on vibraphone. Formed and led Laatin jazz group AM Sleep. Joined the Jazz Passengers in 1987. Also worked with Groove Collective, Steely Dan, Brad Jones, EJ Rodriguez, Vibes, Elvis Costello, Roy Nathanson, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Marshall Crenshaw, DJ Logic, Debbie Harry, Mario Pavone, CeCe Peniston, Bobby Previte, and John Zorn
January 28, 1958 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Brad Robinson, full name Bradford Leigh Robinson, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Lead and rhythm guitarist for the Australian Crawl throughout the band's entire existence from 1978 through 1986. The band enjoyed popularity in their native Australia with songs such as Downhearted, Things Don't Seem, Shut Down, and perhaps their best known Reckless (Don't Be So), the latter reaching top of the charts in 1983 in Australia and top 10 in neighbouring New Zealand. Following the band's disbandement, Robinson has worked as manager for people in the entertainment and sports industries ~ Robinson passed away in 1996
January 28, 1957 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz bassist, double bassist Kent Kessler born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Formed the Neutrino Orchestra in 1977 with Dan Scanlan, Nrobert Funk and Michael Zerang. Also formed Musica Mento with Zerang. Member of the NRG Ensemble from 1985 until the death of leader Hal Russell in 1992. Frequently collaborated with hornist Ken Vandermark. Has also worked with DKV Trio, Hamid Drake, Fred Anderson, Joe McPhee, Peter Brötzmann, Mats Gustafsson, Misha Mengelberg, and with his wife country singer, songwriter Jane Baxter Miller
January 28, 1956 ~ Pierre Michael Schilling, commonly known as synth-pop singer, songwriter Peter Schilling, born in Stuttgart, West Germany ~ Known for incorporating science-fiction themes such as aliens and astronauts into his songs. Has recorded over a dozen albums since the mid 1970s, the first few under his given name of Pierre Schilling. Internationally best known for his early 1980s single Major Tom (Coming Home), a retelling of David Bowie's Space Oddity. Originally recorded in German and rerecorded in English it became a hit especially across Europe. The single would reach top 10 in over half a dozen countries including the No.1 spot in Austria, Switzerland, and his native Germany. On the American Billboard Hot 100, Major Tom (Coming Home) peaked at No.14January 28, 1955 ~ Blues shouter Big Joe Turner records Flip Flop & Fly in New York, New York ~ Written by Charles Calhoun and Big Joe Turner. Backed by pianist Jesse Stone, saxophonist Al Sears, drummer Connie Kay. Released the following month, paired with Ti-ri-lee on the flip side
January 28, 1953 ~ Electronic, industrial keyboardist Chris Carter born in London, UK ~ Best known as member of Throbbing Gristle and half of the duo Chris & Cosey alongside Cosey Fanni Tutti. Has also worked with CTI, Monte Cazazza, Coil, Current '93, John Duncan, Erasure, Eurythmics, Boyd Rice, and Robert Wyatt
January 28, 1952 ~ Jean-Louis Bergheaud, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jean-Louis Murat, born in Chamalières, France ~ Actively recording since the early 1980s. First gained attention in 1988 with the single Si Je Devais Manquer De Toi. Also well known for his album Cheyenne Autumn, released the following year. Broke through with his 1991 single Regrets, a duet with Mylène Farmer which reached No.3 in France. Has recorded steadily since. Also known as an actor ~ Bergheaud passed away in 2023January 28, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Jones born in Welshpool, UK ~ Active since the mid 1960s. Perhaps best known as one third of the 1980s, 1990s trio Fredericks Goldman Jones alongside regular collaborators Carole Fredericks and Jean-Jacques Goldman. Has also worked with Urban District Council Dib Bob Band, Travert & Cie, Buddy C, Tai Phong, El Club, and recorded as a solo artist. Retired from music in 2013 for health reasons
January 28, 1950 ~ Barbara Lynn Klein, commonly known as model, actress, singer Barbi Benton, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a model, appearing on the Playboy cover four times, TV host on Playboy After Dark and Hee Haw, actress in series such as McCloud, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. Released a number of moderately successful country, country pop albums, starting with 1975's Barbi Doll which spawned the country hit single Brass Buckles, a Billboard Country top 10 hit
January 28, 1950 ~ Wilbur Joe McCoy, commonly known as Delta blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Kansas Joe McCoy, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of Papa Charlie McCoy. Husband of Memphis Minnie. Best known for co-writing Why Don't You Do Right, recorded by Lil' Green, Benny Goodman, and by Peggy Lee. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, the Ink Spots, Ella Fitzgerald, Led Zeppelin (When The Levee Breaks), Jo-Ann Kelly, Cleo Laine, and A Perfect Circle ~ McCoy was born in 1905
January 28, 1949 ~ Country, country-pop, rock drummer Eddie Bayers born in Patuxent, Maryland, USA ~ In-demand session drummer. Member of the Notorious Cherry Bombs. Influenced by Al Jackson Jr and Clyde Stubblefield. Worked with Tanya Tucker, John Denver, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, the Beach Boys, Garth Brooks, the Players, George Jones, Dolly Parton, the Medallion Band, Glen Campbell, Kenny Chesney, Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Delbert McClinton, Clay Walker, Julio Iglesias, Alan Jackson, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Uncle Kracker, Bob Seger, Sting, Steve Winwood, and Trisha Yearwood
January 28, 1949 ~ R&B, soul singer, producer, songwriter Gene McFadden born in Olanta, South Carolina, USA ~ First teamed up with John Whitehead in the 1960s forming the Epsilons, a group which eventually toured with Otis Redding. The duo would later help define Philly soul, writing and producing numerous hits for others, including Back Stabbers for the O'Jays, Wake Up Everybody (Part 1) for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and I'll Always Love My Mama for the Intruders. The duo also scored a Billboard R&B charttopper on their own with Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now, released in 1979 ~ McFadden passed away in 2006
January 28, 1948 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz drummer Bob Moses, full name Robert Laurence Moses, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since his teens, starting with Rahsaan Roland Kirk in the mid 1960s. Co-founded the Free Spirits with Larry Coryell, present on the 1967 album Out Of Sight & Sound. Closely associated with Gary Burton, including on the albums The Gary Burton Quartet In Concert and Ring. Well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for When Elpehants Dream Of Music released in 1982. Also present on albums by Jim Hall, Steve Marcus, Jack DeJohnette, Michael Gibbs (Only Chrome Waterfall Orchestra), Pat Metheny (Bright Size Life), Blue Mitchell, Hal Galper, Steve Kuhn, Emily Remler (Transitions), and George GruntzJanuary 28, 1948 ~ Rock keyboardist, guitarist, singer Dave Clarke, full name David Patrick Clarke, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his 1971 Pale Horse solo album featuring Keith Moon and Noel Redding, issued under the moniker Dave Carlsen to avoid confusion with the UK singer Dave Clarke. Subsequently co-founded the Noel Redding Band. Has also worked with the White Line, the Dream Machine, Shut Up Frank, and Tim Rose. Has fronted the Kast Off Kinks since the mid 1990s
January 28, 1945 ~ Drummer, singer Robert Wyatt born in Bristol, UK ~ Leading figure of the Canterbury scene. Co-founding and key member of both Soft Machine and Matching Mole. Has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist, especially acclaimed for the albums Rock Bottom and Dondestan released respectively in 1974 and 1991
January 28, 1943 ~ Drummer Brian Keenan born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of psychedelic soul band the Chamber Brothers, known for incorporating elements of traditional gospel and blues, psychedelica and rock into soul, scoring a Billboard top 20 hit with the eleven-minute single Time Has Come Today in 1968 ~ Keenan passed away in 1985
January 28, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Dick Taylor, full name Richard Clifford Taylor, born in Dartford, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of the Pretty Things remaining with the band from 1963 through 1969 and again from 1978 through 2020. Present on the band's best known including the 1968 SF Sorrow which is considered one of the first rock operas. Previously briefly a member of the Rolling Stones in 1962, succeeded by Bill Wyman. Has also worked with the Mekons, with Electric Banana, and served as co-producer for Hawkwind's 1970 eponymous Hawkwind debut albumJanuary 28, 1941 ~ Morris Dollison Jr, commonly known as electric blues, gospel blues, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Cash McCall, born in New Madrid, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for his 1966 R&B hit When You Wake Up. Co-wrote Otis Clay's It's Wonderful To Be In Love. Co-produced Howlin' Wolf's 1971 Message To The Young album. Co-produced Willie Dixon's 1988 Grammy Award-winning Hidden Charms album ~ Dollison passed away in 2019
January 28, 1941 ~ Osbourne Ruddock, commonly known as engineer, producer King Tubby, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Pivotal to the development of dub in the 1960s and 1970s. Elevated the role of engineer to a role previously reserved for composers, producers, musicians. Cited as the inventor of the concept of the remix. Best known for his work with Augustus Pablo, the Aggrovators, Prince Jammy, Lee Scratch Perry, Bunny Lee, Vivian Jackson, Johnny Clarke, Cornell Campbell, Linval Thompson, Horace Andy, Delroy Wilson, Jah Stitch, Yabby You, Roots Radics, and Sly & Robbie ~ Ruddock passed away in 1989
January 28, 1938 ~ Jazz, R&B, cabaret singer Salena Jones, birth name Joan Elizabeth Shaw, born in Newport News, Virginia, USA ~ Also recorded under the moniker Joan Shaw. Has some 40 albums to her name. Performed and recorded with a host of R&B and jazz artists including Varetta Dillard, Peppermint Harris, King Curtis, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Lavern Baker, Herman Foster, Adelaide Hall, Art Farmer, Brook Benton, Barney Kessel, Sarah Vaughan, Hank Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Kenny Burrell
January 28, 1937 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Carolyn Hester, full name Carolyn Sue Hester, born in Waco, Texas, USA ~ Important figure in 1960s folk revival. Known for her recordings of The House Of The Rising Sun and She Moved Through The Fair. Turned down an offer to join Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey who then turned to Mary Travers to form Peter Paul & Mary. Hester worked with Norman Petty, Richard Fariña to whom she was briefly married, Bill Lee, and Bruce Langhorne
January 28, 1930 ~ Contemporary classical composer Luis de Pablo, full name Luis de Pablo Costales, born in Bilbao, Spain ~ Among a generation of composers dubbed Generación del 51, known for connecting music in Spain to musical developments in Europe after the Civil War. Co-founded the Grupo Nueva Musica. Co-founded Tiempo & Musica. Founded and organized several festivals and cultural events. Accused of giving too much prominence to “left-wing art” by the Franco regime, accused of supporting Franco by the ETA. Spent a number of years living in exile. Known for film scores such as The Spirit Of The Beehive and The Hunt and for operas such as Kiu and La Señorita Cristina ~ De Pablo passed away in 2021
January 28, 1929 ~ Bernard Stanley Bilk, commonly known as clarinetist, singer Acker Bilk, born in Pensford, UK ~ Reportedly, earned the nickname “Acker” from the Somerset slang for friend or mate. Became the second British artist to score a No.1 on the American pop charts in 1962, preceded only by Vera Lynn's Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart a decade earlier. Originally Bilk had named the instrumental Jenny, for his daughter, but changed its title to Stranger On The Shore for use in a British TV series of the same name. Other well known Bilk songs included Summer Set, Buona Sera, and That's My Home ~ Bilk passed away in 2014January 28, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist John Thomas Williams born in Windsor, Vermont, USA ~ Started as a member of Mal Hallett's band. Later played with Johnny Bothwell, Teddy Kotick, Charlie Parker, Charlie Barnet, Stan Getz, Sal Salvador, Charlie Mariano, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Cleveland, Phil Woods, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Raney, and Lon Norman ~ Williams passed away in 2018
January 28, 1927 ~ Ronald Schatt, commonly known as jazz tenor saxophonist, jazz club owner Ronnie Scott, born in Aldgate, UK ~ Best known as jazz club owner, founded Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in 1959. Tenor saxophonist, worked with Johnny Claes, Ted Heath, Ambrose, Cab Kaye, Tito Burns, the Club Eleven Band, Johnny Dankworth, Tadd Dameron, Jack Parnell, Pete King, Victor Feldman, Hank Shaw, Phil Seamen, Kenny Clarke, Johnny Griffin, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Kenny Wheeler, Mike Carr, Bobby Glen, John Critchinson, the Jazz Couriers, Stan Tracey, Joe Harriott, Tubby Hayes, Tony Crombie, Malcolm Cecil, and Martin Drew ~ Schatt passed away in 1996January 28, 1927 ~ Trumpeter Roy Caton, full name Roy Vernon Caton, born in Frackville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Toured with Woody Herman prior to becoming a studio musician in the 1960s. Present on albums by the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers (Back To Back), Nancy Sinatra, Ike & Tina Turner, Love (Forever Changes), the Monkees, Harry Nilsson (Aerial Pandemonium Ballet), and Neil Diamond ~ Caton passed away in 2010