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 29, 1956 ~ Amy Paulette Stewart, commonly known as singer Amii Stewart, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Became a household name with her debut single Knock On Wood of her 1979 album of the same name. The song had originally been a moderate R&B hit in 1966 for Eddie Floyd, who co-wrote the song with Steve Cropper, and had been covered by over 50 artists including Otis Redding, Archie Bell & the Drells, Ella Fitzgerald, and David Bowie, prior to Stewart taking a crack at it. Stewart's high energy discofied rendition would reach top 10 in over a dozen countries, including No.1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 in America, and earned the singer a Grammy Award nomination. Stewart attempted to repeat the formula with her next single, discofying the Doors' Light My Fire which did reasonably well abroad but failed to become a hit in her native America. Stewart continued to record well into the 2010s, racking up over a dozen albums, has collaborated with film composer Ennio Morricone, and has starred in productions of the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar, in which she played the role of Mary Magdalene, and Lady Day, a musical about the life of Billie Holiday with Stewart in the role of Holiday. After Knock On Wood, Stewart has had some chart success in the UK and specifically Italy, the latter her adopted homeland since the mid 1980s, notably with the Gianni Morandi duet Grazie Perché, Friends, and the Mike Francis duet Together, but failed to repeat the global success of her debut single. However, Stewart's Knock On Wood stands as one of the best remembered of the disco era and remains a radio staple to this day. Stewart is the stepsister of singer, actress Miquel Brown, known for the 1983 dance hit So Many Men So Little Time, and aunt to Brown's daughter singer SinittaJanuary 29, 1956 ~ Songwriter, producer Elliot Wolff, full name Elliot Marvin Wolff, born in Oklahoma, USA ~ Served as musical director for Peaches & Herb, toured with Chaka Khan as a keyboard player, and served as staff writer for producer Freddie Perren. Wolff is perhaps best known for writing and producing two of Paula Abdul's biggest hits, as Straight Up and its follow-up Cold Hearted would both top the American Billboard Hot 100. Other artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Wolff include Johnny Gill, A'me Lorain, Gregg Tripp, Atlantic Starr, Color Me Badd, and the Corrs. Wolff died age 60 while on a solo hiking trip near Pecos, New Mexico, USA. Wolffs body would be discovered some two weeks after he went missing ~ Wolff passed away in 2016
January 29, 1955 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Liam Reilly born in Dundalk, Ireland ~ Best known as lead singer of rockers Bagatelle, enjoying popularity in their native Ireland with songs such as Leeson Street Lady, Summer In Dublin and Second Violin, the latter an unexpected hit in Uruguay. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his Savannah Souvenirs debut album in 1989 ~ Reilly passed away in 2021January 29, 1954 ~ Richard Blum, commonly known as Handsome Dick Manitoba, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of punk rock outfit the Dictators, known for their 1975 the Dictators Go Cirl Crazy debut album. The album would sell poorly but would later be regarded by some as the starting point of American proto-punk. Has also worked as a radio host, sang with a reformed MC5 from 2005 until the band's disbandement in 2012, and released his solo debut album Born In The Bronx in 2019
January 29, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Charlie Wilson born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as member of R&B, funk band the Gap Band, known for hits such as Oops Upside Your Head, Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me), Yearning For Your Love, Early In The Morning, You Dropped A Bomb On Me and Outstanding. As a solo artist Wilson debuted in 1992 with the album You Turn My Life Around. Has since regularly reached the top of the R&B charts with songs such as Without You, Supa Sexy featuring T-Pain & Jamie Foxx, You Are, Life Of The Party, I'm Blessed featuring TI, Forever Valentine, The One I Got and All Of My Love featuring Smokey RobinsonJanuary 29, 1953 ~ Keyboardist Peter Baumann born in Berlin, Germany ~ Best known as key member of Tangerine Dream's mid 1970s line-up along with Edgar Froese and Christopher Franke, remaining with the band from 1971 through 1977 and present on some of the band's best-selling albums, Phaedra and Rubycon, both of which reached the British top 20. Has been recording as a solo artist since, starting with the Romance '76 album released in 1976
January 29, 1949 ~ Erdélyi Tamás, commonly known as drummer, producer Tommy Ramone, born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Initially drafted as the Ramones manager but also took on the role of drummer when Joey Ramone found out he couldn't drum fast enough. Tamás produced and drummed on the band's first three albums, The Ramones, Leave Home and Rocket To Russia, as well as on the live album It's Alive. Tamás also formed the bluegrass folk duo Uncle Monk with Claudia Tienan ~ Tamás passed away in 2014
January 29, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Kirchen, full name William Knight Kirchen, born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Considered a pioneer of the twangcore movement alongside artists such as Dave Alvin, Wilco, Big Sandy & the Fly-rite Boys. Member of Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen. Formed swing orchestra the Moonlighters. Collaborated extensively with artists such as Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Gene Vincent and Link Wray. Also known for a string of acclaimed 1990s solo albums such as A Tombstone Every Mile and Hot Rod Lincoln Live
January 29, 1948 ~ Florain Corella Flanagan, commonly known as soul, pop singer Felice Taylor, born in Richmond, California, USA ~ Member of the Sweets alongside sisters Norma Flanagan and Darlene Flanagan, known for The Richest Girl and Satisfy Me Baby. As a solo artist teamed with songwriter, producer team of Barry White and Paul Politi resulting in the late 1960s releases It May Be Winter Outside (But In My Heart It's Spring), I'm Under The Influence Of Love and I Feel Love Comin' On. White would later record new versions of all three songs with his protegées Love Unlimited ~ Flanagan passed away in 2017
January 29, 1947 ~ David Garrick, commonly known as hard rock, progressive rock, art rock singer, songwriter David Byron, born in Epping, UK ~ Known for his operatic voice and flamboyant stage presence. Best known as lead singer of Uriah Heep from 1969 through 1976, present on key albums such as Demons & Wizards, Uriah Heep Live and Sweet Freedom. Released his Take No Prisoners solo debut album in 1975, featuring Heep-bandmates Mick Box, Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake. Formed the shortly-lived Rough Diamond with Clem Clempson and Geoff Britton, known for their eponymous 1977 Rough Diamond album. ~ Garrick passed away in 1985January 29, 1947 ~ Organist, composer Marián Varga born in Skalica, Czechoslovakia ~ Member of Prudy, present on the quintessential 1969 Zvonte Zvonky album. Co-founded art-rock band Collegium Musicum, known for reinterpretations of classic themes by composers such as Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky. Also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Pavol Hammel, and Vladimír Merta ~ Varga passed away in 2017
January 29, 1946 ~ Betty Jo Haskins, commonly known as soul singer Bettye LaVette born in Muskegon, Michigan, USA ~ Active since the early 1960s and long overlooked. Released her 1962 debut single, My Man He's A Lovin' Man, at age 16. Also known for songs such as Let Me Down Easy, He Made A Woman Out Of Me, Right In The Middle Of Falling In Love and I Can't Stop
January 29, 1943 ~ Hector José Regalado, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader, songwriter Rudy Regalado, born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Key member of El Chicano, joining the band in 1971 and present on some of the band's best known including the singles Brown Eyed Girl and Tell Her She's Lovely. Fronted his own Chévere, known for the 1990s albums Mollendo Cafe and La Gloria. Toured with Aretha Franklin. Appeared on recordings by Quincy Jones, Joe Zawinul, Alphonse Mouzon, and Alex Acuña ~ Regalado passed away in 2010
January 29, 1941 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Bobby King, full name Robert L King, born in Jefferson County, Arkansas, USA ~ In-demand session musician. Worked with Hank Ballard, Bobby Blue Bland, Lee Shot Williams, Eddy Clearwater, Freddie King, Lonnie Johnson, the Aces, and Sonny Thompson. As a solo artist best known for his 1962 single Thanks Mr Postman, an answer song to Please Mr Postman by the Marvelettes, and for his sole solo album Chaser released in 1975 ~ King passed away in 1983
January 29, 1937 ~ Pianist, vibraphonist, songwriter, producer Bobby Scott, full name Robert William Scott, born in Mount Pleasant, New York, USA ~ Bandleader for Verve, ABC-Paramount, Bethlehem and Musicmasters. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing A Taste Of Honey, first recorded by Billy Dee Williams, and for co-writing He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother, first recorded by Kelly Gordon. Both songs would become classics covered by numerous artists ~ Scott passed away in 1990
January 29, 1937 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Jeff Clyne, full name Jeffrey Ovid Clyne, born in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Jazz Couriers in the late 1950s alongside Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. Noted for being among the musicians performing on the opening night of famed London jazz club Ronnie Scott's. Backed Stan Tracey on the pivotal Jazz Suite Inspired By Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood album. Has also worked with Blossom Dearie, Ian Carr, Gordon Beck, Dudley Moore, Zoot Sims, Norma Winstone, John Burch, Marion Montgomery, Nucleus, Isotope, Gilgamesh, Amalgam, Turning Point, and Trevor Tomkins ~ Clyne passed away in 2009
January 29, 1936 ~ Bassist James Jamerson born in Edisto, South Carolina, USA ~ Considered one of the most influential bassists in modern music history. Influenced by Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Percy Heath. Played with Washboard Willie and toured with Jackie Wilson prior to starting at Motown where Jamerson, as a member of house band the Funk Brothers, would appear on an estimated just-about-every Motown recording from 1963 through 1968 including You Can't Hurry Love (the Supremes), My Girl (the Temptations), Shotgun (Junior Walker & the All-Stars), For Once In My Life and I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder), Going To A Go-Go (the Miracles), Dancing In the Street (Martha & the Vandellas), What's Going On (Marvin Gaye), and Bernadette and Reach Out I'll Be There (the Four Tops) ~ Jamerson passed away in 1983
January 29, 1933 ~ Alexandre Distel, commonly known as singer, guitarist, actor Sacha Distel, born in Paris, France ~ Known for one British hit, Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head. Mostly known for French versions of English-language songs such as Chanson Bleue and Je T'Appelle Pour Dire Que Je T'Aime, covers of respectively Neil Diamond's Song Sung Blue and Stevie Wonder's I Just Called To Say I Love You. Distel also recorded in German, Spanish and Italian. As a songwriter perhaps best known for La Belle Vie which she co-wrote and recorded in 1962, to English audiences best known as The Good Life as covered by Tony Bennett and subsequently by numerous others ~ Distel passed away in 2004
January 29, 1931 ~ Composer, lyricist Leslie Bricusse born in Pinner, UK ~ Film and musical composer best known for co-writing the James Bond-themes Goldfinger sung by Shirley Bassey and You Only Love Twice sung by Nancy Sinatra. Frequent collaborator of composers such as Anthony Newley, Cyril Ornade, and Henry Mancini. Has worked on numerous musicals and soundtracks, many songs notably covered by a host of pop and jazz artists including Sammy Davis Jr (The Candy Man), Nina Simone (Feelin' Good), Matt Monro (My Kind Of Girl), the Turtles (A Guide For The Married Man), Maureen McGovern (Can You Read My Mind), and Diana Krall (When I Look In Your Eyes) ~ Bricusse passed away in 2021
January 29, 1930 ~ Avant-garde jazz guitarist Derek Bailey born in Sheffield, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Important figure in free improvisation, expanding the guitar experimenting with atonality and noise. Active since the early 1950s. Formed the the Joseph Holbrooke Trio with Tony Oxley and Gavin Bryars. Perhaps best known for co-founding the Spontaneous Music Ensemble. Has also worked with the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, Company, Arcana, Han Bennink, Anthony Braxton, Jamie Muir, John Zorn, Louis Moholo, Noël Akchoté, Trevor Watts, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Fred Frith, Iskra, Kenny Wheeler, Thurston Moore, and David Sylvian ~ Bailey passed away in 2005
January 29, 1926 ~ Jazz guitarist, double bassist Franco Cerri born in Milan, Italy ~ Considered one of the most important European jazz musicians. Cites Django Reinhardt, Barney Kessel, and René Thomas as influences. Has worked with Chet Baker, Buddy Collette, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Griffin, Stéphane Grappelli, Lars Gullin, Billie Holiday, Lee Konitz, Gerry Mulligan, Lou Bennett, Bud Shank, Tony Scott, Phil Woods, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Roberto Vecchioni, Nicola Arigliano, Bunny Foy, Tullio de Piscopo, Pino Presti, Gianluigi Trovesi, Flavio Ambrosetti, and Jean-Luc Ponty ~ Cerri passed away in 2021
January 29, 1924 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Enrico Simonetti born in Alassio, Italy ~ Father of keyboardist, film composer Claudio Simonetti. Active since the early 1950s, playing jazz clubs in his native Italy with Piero Piccioni and Bruno Martino. Emigrated to Brazil in 1953, finding employ as a musician and TV presenter for the popular The Simonetti Show. Returned to Italy by the mid 1960s, where he joined RAI network working as a TV and radio host. Simonetti has also composed over half a dozen soundtracks, including for Macumba Love, Special Killers, Il Magnate and Per Amore Di Cesarina ~ Simonetti passed away in 1978
January 29, 1924 ~ Avant-garde classical composer Luigi Nono born in Venice, Italy ~ Member of the Italian Resistance during World War II, his anti-fascist political orientation would regularly also be reflected in his music. Became one of the leading composers of New Music during the 1950s, alongside contemporaries such as Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Known for compositions such as La Victoire De Guernica, Il Canto Sospeso, Diario Polacco Composizione No.2, and Intolleranze 1960 ~ Nono passed away in 1990
January 29, 1923 ~ Blues, electric blues guitarist, singer Eddie Taylor born in Benoit, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his work with Jimmy Reed, providing the groove for most of the singer's recordings during the 1950s and early 1960s. Taylor also recorded a number of solo singles during the 1950s, notably Bad Boy, Ride 'Em On Down, and Big Town Playboy, though warmly received he never became a household name. Taylor has also guested on albums by Kenny Graham, John Lee Hooker (I'm John Lee Hooker), Curtis Jones, Homesick James, Carey Bell (Carey Bell's Blues Harp), John Littlejohn, Big Walter Horton, and Elmore James ~ Taylor passed away in 1985
January 29, 1920 ~ Bandleader, producer, label executive Paul Gayten, full name Paul Leon Gayten, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Recorded several late 1940s New Orleans R&B hits such as True You Don't Love Me, Since I Fell For You, and I'll Never Be Free. Gayten also wrote For You My Love, a hit for Larry Darnell. Discovered Clarence Frogman Henry and produced his first hit Ain't Got No Home. Backed Chubby Newsom on Hip Shaking Mama. Played piano on Chuck Berry's Carol. Gayten also worked with Annie Laurie, Hank Mobley, and Jimmy Scott ~ Gayten passed away in 1991