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 30, 2026 ~ Richard Willett Miller, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Parthenon Huxley, passed away in Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA ~ Best known for his association with the Electric Light Orchestra-offshoot the Orchestra. Also recorded under the moniker Rick Rock, notably the 1983 single Buddha Buddha ~ Miller was born in 1956
January 30, 2025 ~ Singer Marianne Faithfull, full name Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull, passed away in London, UK ~ Rose to international fame with her 1964 single As Tears Go By becoming one of the leading ladies of the British invasion. Other well known recordings include Come And Stay With Me, This Little Bird and Dreamin' My Dreams ~ Faithfull was born in 1946
January 30, 2022 ~ Hargus Melvin Robbins, commonly known as country, rock pianist Hargus Pig Robbins, passed away ~ In-demand session musician since the mid 1950s. Appears on classic country tracks such as White Lightning (George Jones), I Fall To Pieces (Patsy Cline), Coal Miner's Daughter (Loretta Lynn), Behind Closed Doors (Charlie Rich), The Gambler (Kenny Rogers). Has also worked with Dolly Parton, Connie Smith, Patti Page, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, JJ Cale, John Hartford, Mark Knopfler, Merle Haggard, Roger Miller, Moe Bandy, and Conway Twitty ~ Robbins was born in 1938
January 30, 2022 ~ Composer Jon Appleton, full name Jon Howard Appleton, passed away in Vermont, USA ~ Pioneer in electro-acoustic music, known for compositions such as Chef D'Oeuvre and Newark Airport Rock ~ Appleton was born in 1939
January 30, 2022 ~ Singer Norma Waterson, full name Norma Christine Waterson, passed away ~ Best known as member of 1960s acclaimed traditional folk outfit the Watersons, which also included siblings Mike Waterson and Lal Waterson, cousin John Harrison and later her husband Martin Carthy. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Richard Thompson, Roger Swallow, James Yorkston, and Blue Murder ~ Waterson was born in 1939
January 30, 2022 ~ Jazz, blues, R&B drummer Philip Paul passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Backed artists such as Arthur Prysock, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell and Dizzy Gillespie early on in his career playing at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. Scouted by Tiny Bradshaw in the early 1950s. Would go on to become the studio drummer for King Records by 1952, appearing on over 350 recordings including by artists such as Hank Ballard (The Twist), Milt Buckner, Little Willie John (Fever), Grandpa Jones, Wynonie Harris (Good Rockin' Tonight), Cowboy Copas, Bonnie Lou, and just about every Freddie King record including Hide-away and Tore Down. Notable collaborations outside the King Records-label include John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Otis Big Smokey Smothers, Nat Adderley, Herbie Mann and Roy Meriwether ~ Paul was born in 1925
January 30, 2020 ~ Pop singer Dua Lipa releases Physical, lifted off her Future Nostalgia sophomore album ~ With Dua Lipa drawing from dance-pop, power pop and synth-pop, the song was praised for its high energy and Lipa's vocals uniquely reinterpreting the 1980s era, and would reach top 10 in well over a dozen countries including her native UK. Although the main lyrical hook, ‘let's get physical’, suggest Lipa was inspired by Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit of the same name, Lipa did acknowledge there was definitely a nod to the song, but she stated it was a “spur-of-the-moment kind of song, which at times had a Eurythmics vibe to it.”
January 30, 2017 ~ Singer Bruno Mars releases That's What I Like, lifted off his 24K Magic album ~ Though criticized by some for its shallow lyrical content, Bruno Mars telling all the things he likes, which just happen to be luxury items that will impress a girl, the song reached top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and would top the American Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as earn Mars an American Music Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song. Furthermore, the accompanying music video would receive wide acclaim and several awards largely due to Mars's dancing skills and tight and well executed choreographyJanuary 30, 2014 ~ James Timothy Shaw, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer, songwriter, producer Mighty Hannibal, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ As a solo artist known for The Biggest Cry, I Need A Woman (Cause I'm A Man), Baby Please Change Your Mind, I'm Coming Home, Hymn No.5, The Truth Shall Make You Free. Worked with the Overalls, Johnny Otis, and Leon Russell ~ Shaw was born in 1939
January 30, 2014 ~ Contemporary classical, jazz trombonist, conductor, composer William Motzing, full name William Edward Motzing Jr, passed away in Manhasset, New York, USA ~ As a trombonist has worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Kai Winding, Jon Eardley, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Russo, and Sal Salvador through the early 1970s. Would find his greatest fame after relocating to Australia, becoming an in-demand film and TV composer with over 30 soundtracks to his name including Newsfront, Young Einstein and The Quiet American. Arranger and conductor on a number of Australian hits including Peter Allen's I Still Call Australia Home, Sherbet's Howzat, INXS' The Swing, and Billy Field's Bad Habits ~ Motzing was born in 1937
January 30, 2013 ~ Blues singer, pianist, guitarist Ann Rabson passed away in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA ~ Helped revive acoustic blues. Drew critical comparison to pre-war female blues singers such as Lucille Bogan, Ida Cox, and Bessie Smith. Co-founding member of Saffire The Uppity Blues Women, with whom she recorded over half a dozen albums. Especially acclaimed for her 1997 Music Makin' Mama solo debut album released in 1997, and the collaborative Not Alone album with Bob Margolin released in 2012. Rabson has also guested on albums by Ani DiFranco, Skeeter Brandon, Carla Sciaky (The Awakening), Deborah Coleman, Mark Hodgson, AJ Salas, EG Kight, and Pinetop Perkins. Rabson passed away at age 67 after a long battle with cancer ~ Rabson was born in 1945January 30, 2011 ~ John Barry Prendergast, commonly known as composer, arranger, conductor John Barry, passed away in Oyster Bay, New York, USA ~ Prolific film composer including for 11 Bond films. Scores written or co-written by Barry include Goldfinger, Lion In Winter, Somewhere In Time, Body Heat, Out Of Africa, and Dances With Wolves. Worked with Jack Parnell, Ted Heath, Adam Faith, and Les Vandyke ~ Prendergast was born in 1933
January 30, 1996 ~ Producer Bob Thiele passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Teresa Brewer. Founded Signature Records which had Lester Young, Erroll Garner, and Coleman Hawkins until the label folded in 1948. Also worked at other labels, Impulse, Decca Records and ABC Records, as well as from time to time run his own, Flying Dutchman Records, Red Barron Records. Co-wrote, along with George David Weiss, the Louis Armstrong hit What A Wonderful World. Worked as producer on array of quintessential albums including ones by John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, and BB King (Lucille) ~ Thiele was born in 1922January 30, 1995 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist George James passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Active since the late 1920s. Perhaps best known for the 1952 hit Forgive Me, recorded with the Howard Biggs orchestra. As a backing musician, James has worked with Jimmie Noone, Ida Marples, and Jabbo Smith, toured with Louis Armstrong, and later would go on to play with the Savoy Bearcats, Fats Waller, James P Johnson, Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Lucky Millinder, and Noble Sissle. James continued to perform well into the 1970s ~ James was born in 1906
January 30, 1991 ~ Pop trio Wilson Phillips release You're In Love, lifted off their eponymous Wilson Phillips album ~ All members of the trio came from muscial families, Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas, while siblings Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson's parents were Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford of the Honeys. When producer Glen Ballard first heard the trio sing, he was impressed by how they sang together, it sounded like one voice, which makes sense if you consider they all grew up together. Ballard would land the trio a record deal and produce their eponymous debut album. You're In Love would be the album's third Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, preceded by Hold On and Release Me, and earned the trio a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance by a Duo or GroupJanuary 30, 1989 ~ Blues-rock, roots rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Samantha Fish born in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ Sister of singer Amanda Fish. Draws from blues, rock, country, R&B and bluegrass. Cites Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones as influences. First gained attention with her 2009 Live Bait album and has been recording steadily since. Has worked with Cassie Taylor, Dani Wilde, Devon Allman, Mike Zito, and Luther Dickinson
January 30, 1984 ~ Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter, actor Kid Cudi, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Rose to fame in 2008 with his debut single Day 'n Nite, included on his 2009 full-length debut album Man On The Moon (The End Of Day). Has recorded steadily since to commercial success and critical acclaim. Has collaborated with Kanye West, Common, MGMT, Ratatat, King Chip, Too $hort, Pharrell Williams, Travis Scott, Eminem, David Guetta, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, and Steve Aoki
January 30, 1984 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, actor Luke Kelly passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Regarded by some as one of Ireland's greatest folk singers. Co-founded the Dubliners, serving as co-lead singer alongside Ronnie Drew from 1962 through 1983 with a temporary hiatus in 1964. The band is known for their energetic stage presence and scored chart success with singles such as Seven Drunken Nights, Black Velvet Band, Hand Me Down My Bible, Free The People and The Irish Rover, the latter a collaborative single with the Pogues ~ Kelly was born in 1940
January 30, 1982 ~ In its 12th week on the charts, I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) by Hall & Oates hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ While often interpreted as a song about a love relationship, John Oates has said it is actually about the music business: “That song is really about not being pushed around by big labels, managers, and agents and being told what to do, and being true to yourself creatively.” It was intentionally generalized, so listeners could more easily connect to the song. I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) became the band's fourth American charttopper, preceded by Rich Girl, Kiss On My List, and Private Eyes
January 30, 1982 ~ Samuel John Hopkins, commonly known as electric blues, country blues, folk blues guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Praised for his fingerstyle technique paired with free and loose phrasing. Regarded as one of the most importan country blues guitarists and a major influence on rock guitarists. Toured and recorded extensively. Known for songs such as T-Model Blues, Tim Moore's Farm and Back To New Orleans (Baby Please Don't Go) ~ Hopkins was born in 1912January 30, 1979 ~ Indie rock, folk rock, Americana singer, guitarist, songwriter Amy Cook born in San Jose, California, USA ~ Actively recording since her 2000 self-released From The 52nd Story. Has opened for Chris Isaak, Shawn Colvin, Leo Kottke, Ryan Bingham. Artists who guested on Cook's albums include Meshell Ndegeocello, David Garza, Robert Plant, and Ben Kweller
January 30, 1975 ~ Power pop, pop punk, dance rock singer, guitarist, pianist Yumi Yoshimura born in Osaka, Japan ~ Forms the pop duo PUFFY with Ami Onuki, with whom she recorded a little over a dozen albums. They are best known for a string of late 1990s singles, including Kore Ga Watashi No Ikuru Michi, Circuit No Musume, and Nagisa Ni Matsuwaru Etc all reaching the No.1 spot in their native Japan. To avoid confusion with singer, rapper, producer Sean Combs, who at the time also used the moniker Puffy, the duo used the moniker Puffy AmiYumi for their American releases. Briefly married to singer Takanori Nishikawa around the turn of the century, with whom she has one son
January 30, 1968 ~ Avant-garde, alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, rock bassist, double bassist, singer Trevor Dunn born in Eureka, California, USA ~ Rose to fame in the 1990s as co-founding member of experimental band Mr Bungle, remaining with the band from 1985 through 2000 and rejoining in 2019. Has collaborated with a host of acts from as many genres, including fronting his own avant-garde jazz-rock outfit the Trio-Convulsant as well as collaborate with Secret Chiefs 3, Tomahawk, Nels Cline, the Fantomas, the Melvins, Erik Friedlander, Eyvind Kang, Afro-Mystik, the Tin Hat Trio, Tipsy, Bureau of Atomic Tourism, and excessively with John Zorn
January 30, 1967 ~ Keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, percussionist, producer, songwriter James Poyser, full name James Jason Poyser, born in Sheffield, UK ~ Member of the Roots. Member of the Soultronics. Producer, songwriter, session musician. Has co-written songs for Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill (Superstar), Common, and Mariah Carey. Other notable collaborations include Teddy Pendergrass, Jermaine Dupri, Phyllis Hyman, Kelly Price, Eric Benét, Musiq Soulchild, Guru, D'Angelo, Jill Scott, Talib Kweli, Jazzyfatnastees, Anthony Hamilton (Comin' From Where I'm From), Joss Stone, Estelle, and Nikka Costa (Can'tneverdidnothin)January 30, 1967 ~ Heavy metal singer Jay Gordon born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Founder, lead singer of metal outfit Orgy, known for their 1998 Candyass debut album which spawned the hits Stitches and a cover of New Order's Blue Monday. The band has released subsequent recordings but would be unable to replicate the success of their debut album
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