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.
July 14, 2022 ~ R&B singer William Poogie Hart passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead singer of the Delfonics, a key band in late 1960s, early 1970s soul, Philly soul. Most of the band's material was written by Hart and producer Thom Bell. Well known songs include Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time, La La Means I Love You, I'm Sorry and Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love). The latter, a 1968 Billboard R&B top 20 hit in its original form, would be used as the basis for the chorus of Ready Or Not, a mid 1990s hit for the Fugees. Others who have covered or sampled their songs include Booker T & the MG's, the Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, and the Notorious BIG ~ Hart was born in 1945
July 14, 2015 ~ Singer Dave Somerville, full name David Troy Somerville, passed away in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Lead singer of the Diamonds, a vocal harmony group known for a string of late 1950s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Little Darlin', Silhouettes, and The Stroll. Somerville recorded as a solo artist during the 1960s, going by the moniker David Troy, and joined the Four Preps in 1967 as replacement for Ed Cobb, the group's original bass singer. Somerville has also co-written The Ballad Of The Unknown Stuntman, the song serving as both the inspiration and theme song for the successful ABC TV series The Fall Guy ~ Somerville was born in 1933
July 14, 2014 ~ Maria Evangelina Leonel Gandolfo, commonly known as post-punk, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Vange Leonel, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Known for her soulful, bluesy vocals, inspired by Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin. Rose to fame as member of post-punk outfit Nau, known for their eponymous 1987 Nau album. Has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Vange released in 1991 which included her best known song Noite Preta. Leonel came out as a lesbian in the mid 1990s and has since been a vocal advocate for the gay cause and women's rights. Leonel is also known as an author ~ Leonel was born in 1963
July 14, 2012 ~ Jazz bassist Victor Gaskin passed away in Fredericksted, Virgin Islands ~ Worked with Paul Horn, Red Mitchell, the Jazz Crusaders, Curtis Amy, Dupree Bolton, Buddy Collette, Shelly Manne, Bud Shank, Cannonball Adderley, Duke Ellington, Billy Taylor, Johnny Hartman, Hank Jones, Monty Alexander, Herbie Mann, John Mayall, and Oliver Nelson ~ Gaskin was born in 1934July 14, 2005 ~ Drummer Michael Dahlquist passed away in Skokie, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of indie rock band Silkworm, influential on artists such as Jeff Tweedy, Stephen Malkmus, and Clint Conley. After Dahlquist's death in 2005 the band would disband. Bandmates Andy Cohen and Tim Midvett would subsequently continue under the moniker Bottomless Pit. Dahlquist has also worked with the Crust Brothers, appearing on the 1998 Marquee Mark album ~ Dahlquist was born in 1965
July 14, 1999 ~ Gary Charles Samuelson, commonly known as heavy metal, speed metal drummer Gar Samuelson, passed away in Orange City, Florida, USA ~ Member of the New Yorkers during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Best known as member of Megadeth from 1984 through 1987. Present on the band's first two albums, 1985's Killing Is My Business (And Business Is Good) and 1986's Peace Sells (But Who's Buying). Fired from the band for his problematic substance abuse and for once too often pawning the band's equipment for drug money. Following his departure Samuelson would play with Fatal Opera, which also included his brother Stew Samuelson, until his death ~ Samuelson was born in 1958
July 14, 1998 ~ Jazz singer Beryl Bryden, full name Beryl Audley Brown, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by blues singer Bessie Smith. Once named “Britain's queen of the blues” by Ella Fitzgerald. Worked with Humphrey Lyttelton, Freddy Randall, Mick Mulligan, George Melly, Chris Barber, Lonnie Donegan, Monty Sunshine, Rod Mason, the Metropolitan Jazz Band, Digby Fairweather, and Nat Gonella ~ Bryden was born in 1920
July 14, 1994 ~ Badrila Ines Bourelly, commonly known as singer, songwriter Bibi Bourelly born in Berlin, Germany ~ Daughter of guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly. Bibi wrote or co-wrote songs for Rihanna (B---h Have My Money, Higher, Pose), Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello (I Have A Question), Little Simz, Christina Aguilera (Accelerate), and Mariah Carey. Also guested on tracks by Lil Wayne (Without You) and Usher (Chains). As a solo artist Bourelly debuted in 2015 with the single Riot
July 14, 1986 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, singer Dan Smith, full name Daniel Campbell Smith, born in London, UK ~ Frontman, lead singer, primary songwriter of Bastille, known best for their Pompeii hit single of the 2013 Bad Blood debut album. The single would reach top 10 in America and across Europe. Other well known songs include Flaws, Of The Night, Good Grief and Happier featuring Marshmello
July 14, 1986 ~ Pop, synth-pop, new wave, blue-eyed soul group Spandau Ballet release Through The Barricades, lifted off the album of the same name ~ Reached top 10 in their native UK and Ireland, their final top 10 hit in both. Thomas Kidso Reilly had been hired by Spandau Ballet to sell merchandise during their 1983 UK tour and became a friend of the band. Later the same year, the Belfast-native became a casualty of The Troubles, the violent sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland, shot and killed after being stopped by an army patrol. The following year, on a stop during their tour, guitarist Gary Kemp met with Kidso's brother and visited Reilly's grave. The experience inspired him to write Through The Barricades, referencing the barricades on the streets that were used as peace lines. Kemp's brother and bandmate Martin Kemp later explained: “It was written about Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland and finding love across that divide but it is also about finding love across any sort of divide that keeps people apart.”
July 14, 1979 ~ Composer Pedro Flores, full name Pedro Juan Flores Cordóva, passed away in San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA ~ One of Puerto Rico's most beloved composers of ballads and boleros. Member of Trio Borinquen in the de 1920s, alongside Rafael Hernández Marín. Would form his own trio by the end of the decade. Best known for songs such as Obsesion, Amor Perdido, Baja Un Palmar, Borrach No Vale, Sin Bandera, Despedida, Perdon. Songs written by Flores would be recorded by Benny Moré, Los Panchos, Celia Cruz, and María Luisa Landín ~ Flores was born in 1894
July 14, 1979 ~ In its 12th week on the charts, Dance The Night Away by Van Halen peaks at No.15 Billboard Hot 100 ~ By far the lightest and most radio-friendly Van Halen song up to this point, the band's label insisted the cheerful Dance The Night Away would be released as the lead single off their Van Halen II sophomore album. The band dismissed the idea as they felt it did not represent their sound, yet the label was adamant and it became their first Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hitJuly 14, 1975 ~ Jaime Luis Gomez, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter Taboo, born in East Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Black Eyed Peas, known for songs such as Where Is The Love, Boom Boom Pow, I Gotta Feeling, Meet Me Halfway, Imma Be and Rock That Body. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Yellowcard's Ryan Key, David Rolas, Juan Luis Guerra, and George Pajon
July 14, 1975 ~ Singer Tameka Cottle, full name Tameka Dianne Cottle, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of 1990s R&B outfit Xscape, scoring hits such as Just Kickin' It, Understanding, Who Can I Run To, and The Arms Of The One Who Loves You, all of which reached top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Cottle also co-wrote the Grammy Award-winning TLC hit No Scrubs. Cottle married rapper, singer TI in 2010
July 14, 1975 ~ Arthur James Singleton, commonly known as jazz drummer Zutty Singleton, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Got his nickname, a Creole word for “cute”, in his infancy. Has worked with Papa Celestin, Fate Marable, Charlie Creath, Doc Cook, Dave Peyton, Jimmie Noone, Louis Armstrong, Bubber Miley, Tommy Ladnier, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Otto Hardwick, Slim Gaillard, Wingy Manone, Eddie Condon, Nappy Lamare, Art Hodes, and Max Kaminsky. Singleton retired from music in 1970 after suffering a stroke ~ Singleton was born in 1898
July 14, 1973 ~ Clarence Joseph LeBlanc, commonly known as guitarist Clarence White, passed away in Palmdale, California, USA ~ Influential bluegrass, country, country rock guitarist. Critically acclaimed. Admired by peers. Helped popularize the guitar as a viable lead instrument in bluegrass. Influential on future bluegrass stars such as Dan Crary, Norman Blake, Tony Rice. Helped birth country-rock, especially through his tenure with the Byrds. Has also worked with bands such as Three Little Country Boys, the Kentucky Colonels, Muleskinner. In-demand session musician appearing on recording vy the Everly Brothers, Ricky Nelson, the Monkees, Gene Clark, Joe Cocker, Pat Boone, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Arlo Guthrie ~ LeBlanc was born in 1944July 14, 1973 ~ Marjorie Hendrix, commonly known as R&B singer Margie Hendrix, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Cookies. Left in the late 1950s to form the backup vocal section, Raelettes, for Ray Charles with whom she also had a brief affair resulting in the birth of a son in 1959. Hendricks can be heard on many classic Charles tracks including Tell The Truth, The Night Time Is The Right Time, What'd I Say, Sticks & Stones, Hit The Road Jack, Unchain My Heart, I Can't Stop Loving You, Bye Bye Love, and You Are My Sunshine. Charles fired Hendrix in 1964 due to alcohol and drug abuse ~ Hendrix was born in 1935
July 14, 1972 ~ William Braunstein, commonly known as rapper, producer Ill Bill, born in Flushing, New York, USA ~ Brother of rapper Necro, with whom he also worked. First gained attention as member of underground hip-hop group Non-Phixion. Has also worked as a solo artist and with acts such as Circle Of Tyrants, La Coka Nostra, DJ Muggs, the Heavy Metal Kings, and with the Secret Society
July 14, 1970 ~ Jazz guitarist, bandleader, composer, arranger Jacob Young, full name Jacob Albert Young, born in Lillehammer, Norway ~ Worked with Karin Krog, Arild Andersen, Larry Goldings, Nils Petter Molvær, Bendik Hofseth, Terje Gewelt, Per Oddvar Johansen, Arve Henriksen, Jarle Vespestad, Trygve Seim, Mats Ellertsen, Vigleik Storaas, Christian Wallumrød, Håkon Kornstad, Knut Reiersrud, Audun Erlien, Arild Andersen, Mathias Eick, Vidar Johansen, Jon Christensen, and Ivan Mazuze
July 14, 1970 ~ Pianist Thomas Lauderdale, full name Thomas Mack Lauderdale, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with the band Pink Martini, known for their politically motivated concerts championing for causes such as affordavle housing and the environment. They have collaborated with Jimmy Scott, Carol Channing, Rufus Wainwright, Courtney Taylor-Taylor, the Boston Pops, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the BBC Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra
July 14, 1966 ~ Pianist, keyboardist, accordionist Ellen Reid, full name Ellen Lorraine Reid, born in Selkirk, Canada ~ Best known as keyboardist and backing vocalist of the Crash Test Dummies, appearing on all the band's albums. Sang lead on Just Chillin', Get You In The Morning, A Little Something, and The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead. Released her solo debut album, Cinderellen, in 2001
July 14, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tanya Donelly born in Newport, Rhode Island, USA ~ Co-founded Throwing Muses with her step-sister Kristin Hersh. Founded alternative rock outfit the Breeders, which also included the Pixies-bassist Kim Deal. Formed and fronted Belly. Has recorded as a solo artist since the late 1990s
July 14, 1965 ~ Jazz pianist Larry Fuller born in Toledo, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Last pianist to play with legendary bassist Ray Brown. Also worked with Jeff Hamilton, John Pizzarelli, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, Ernestine Anderson, John Legend, Nicholas Payton, Harry Sweets Edison, Phil Woods, Marlena Shaw, Kevin Mahogany, John Clayton, John Heard, Emily Reimier, Jimmy Witherspoon, Eddie Harris, Anita O'Day, and Regina Carter
July 14, 1965 ~ Drummer Mike Scaccia, full name Michael Ralph Scaccia, born in Babylon, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of several acclaimed metal and alternative rock bands, most notably Ministry, Rigor Mortis and Revolting Cocks. Has also worked with Lard, 1,000 Homo DJs, Skrew, the League Of Blind Women, and with Buck Satan & the 666 Shooters ~ Scaccia passed away in 2012
July 14, 1965 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, composer Spencer Williams passed away in Flushing, New York, USA ~ Best remembered as a songwriter. Closely associated with Josephine Baker and with Fats Waller. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Shim-me-sha-wabble (the Emerson Dance Orchestra, Willie The Lion Smith, Zutty Singleton) Basin Street Blues (Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke), I Ain't Got Nobody (Marion Harris, Bessie Smith, Louis Prima), Royal Garden Blues (Mamie Smith, Wingy Manone), I've Found A New Baby (the Dixie Stompers, McKinney's Cotton Pickers), When Lights Are Low (Benny Carter, Chet Baker, Vic Damone), Everybody Loves My Baby (Aileen Stanley, the Boswell Sisters, Lionel Hampton), and Tishomingo Blues (Eddie Nelson, Duke Ellington) ~ Williams was born in 1889Page 1 ~ Page 2