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 20, 2024 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Jerry Miller, full name Jerry A Miller Jr, passed away in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of Moby Grape which, though critically considered one of the most innovative to emerge from 1960s San Francisco drawing from folk, rock, blues, and country, never achieved the same level of fame as their contemporaries. The three-guitar outfit, featuring Miller on lead, is known best for the eponymous Moby Grape debut album, and has been praised by the likes of Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Taj Mahal, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Page, the latter citing the band as one of the main influences of Led Zeppelin. Following the band's initial disbandement in 1969, Moby Grape has reformed in various line-ups over the years. Miller has also formed the Rhythm Dukes, and recorded several albums as a solo artist. In 2023, looking back on the early days, Miller revealed in an interview with the Spectator the band's tumultuous career didn't faze him: “The way I see it, I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I've still got my health and my music, and I still get to do what I most love for a living. Maybe the Grape were screwed, but so what? If you haven't been ripped off, you haven't been in the music business” ~ Miller was born in 1943
July 20, 2024 ~ Sandra Lou Posey, commonly known as pop singer Sandy Posey, passed away in Lebanon, Tennessee, USA ~ Working as a receptionist at a recording studio, Posey regularly sang back-up including on sessions for Joe Tex, Bobby Goldsboro, Tommy Roe, Elvis Presley, and Percy Sledge, including on the latter's When A Man Loves A Woman hit. As a solo artist, Posey would enjoy a brief spell of success in the mid 1960s, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 with the singles Born A Woman, Single Girl, and I Take It Back. Posey continued to record into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat the success of her earliest releases. From the early 1970s onwards, however, she did enjoy some minor success on the Billboard Country charts, where Bring Him Safely Home To Me and Born To Be With You both reached top 30, respectively in 1971 and 1978 ~ Posey was born in 1944
July 20, 2021 ~ Charles Edward Weiss, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Chuck E Weiss, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Played blues, beat poetry, rock & roll. got his start in music as touring drummer for Lightnin' Hopkins. To mainstream audiences perhaps best known as the subject of Rickie Lee Jones' 1979 Chuck E's In Love hit single. Released his eponymous Chuck E Weiss debut album in 1981. Had Tony Gilkyson and Tom Waits guest on his 1999 Extremely Cool album, with Waits also signing on as co-producer ~ Weiss was born in 1945July 20, 2020 ~ Singer Denise Johnson passed away ~ Best known for her association with Primal Scream singing backup for the band from 1990 through 1995. Sang co-lead on the single Don't Fight It (Feel It) taken of the quintessential 1991 Screamadelica album. Johnson has also worked with New Order, the Pet Shop Boys, and A Certain Ratio, and has recorded as a solo artist ~ Johnson was born in 1963
July 20, 2020 ~ William Michael McGee, commonly known as drummer Mickey McGee, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the early 1970s backing Linda Ronstadt on the Don't Cry Now album and subsequently Jackson Browne on the For Everyman album. Member of the Flying Burrito Brothers from 1975 through 1981. Has also worked with Juice Newton, for whom he co-wrote Blue and I'll Never Love Again, with Ricky Nelson, JD Souther, Warren Zevon, and Chris Darrow ~ McGee was born in 1947July 20, 2016 ~ Organist André Isoir passed away in Long-pont-sur-Orge, France ~ Recorded over 50 albums. Acclaimed for his interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's The Art Of The Fugue. Best known as head organist at Eglise St Medard church, a position he held from 1952 through 1967 ~ Isoir was born in 1935
July 20, 2015 ~ Singer, songwriter Wayne Carson, full name Wayne Carson Head, passed away in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter who wrote or co-wrote several classics originally recorded by BJ Thomas (Always On My Mind) and perhaps most notably the Box Tops (The Letter, Neon Rainbow, and Soul Deep). Others who have recorded his songs include Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, the Beach Boys, Dionne Warwick, Mel Tillis, Petula Clark, Clarence Carter, Gary US Bonds, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, Conway Twitty, Johnny Paycheck, Gary Stewart, Moe Bandy, Glen Campbell, Shelby Lynne, April Fools, Waylon Jennings, and Claude King ~ Carson was born in 1943July 20, 2013 ~ Trumpeter Laurie Frink, full name Laurie Ann Frink, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Mel Lewis, Gerry Mulligan, George Russell, Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton, Bob Mintzer, Maria Schneider, John Hollenbeck, Darcy James Argue, Ryan Truesdell, and Jentsch Group Large ~ Frink was born in 1951
July 20, 2009 ~ Singer Ria Brieffies, full name Maria Petronella Brieffies, passed away in Westerland, the Netherlands ~ Best known as member of pop girl group the Dolly Dots. The band would score numerous top 10 hits in the Netherlands, starting in the late 1970s, including Tell It All About Boys, Hela-do-ladi-do, STOP, Do You Wanna Wanna, She's A Liar, Dreaming Of You, and What A Night. After the groups disbandedment has released a handful of solo recordings, notably the 1989 single Love Always Finds A Reason, a duet with Glenn Medeiros. Briefly toured with her own jazz band, het Ria Brieffies Kwintet, before retiring from music in the 1990s ~ Brieffies was born in 1957July 20, 2008 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Artie Traum, full name Arthur Roy Traum, passed away in Bearsville, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Band, Arlen Roth, Warren Bernhardt, Maria Muldaur, Pat Alger, Tony Levin, John Sebastian, Richie Havens, Eric Andersen, Paul Butterfield, Paul Siebel, Rory Block, James Taylor, Pete Seeger, David Grisman, Livingston Taylor, Michael Franks, Happy Traum, the Blues Project, and the Woodstock Mountain Revue ~ Traum was born in 1943
July 20, 2000 ~ Gospel, R&B singer Mabel Scott, full name Mabel Bernice Scott, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best remembered for her 1948 hits Elevator Boogie and Boogie Woogie Santa Claus. Married to pianist Charles Brown from 1949 through 1951. Disillusioned with the music industry Scott retired from music by the early 1950s, and would only sing gospel in church for the rest of her life ~ Scott was born in 1915
July 20, 1993 ~ Joanna Deborah Bussinger, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Debrah Scarlett, born in Basel, Switzerland ~ Swiss-Norwegian singer internationally best known for representing Norway in the 2015 Eurovision Songfestival duetting with Kjetil Mørland on A Monster Like Me, reaching 8th place
July 20, 1991 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Earl Robinson, full name Earl Hawley Robinson, passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Father of jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson. Influenced by classical music and folk artists such as Woody Guthrie, Paul Robeson, and Pete Seeger. Penned and first recorded The House I Live In, which would be covered by Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, Sarah Vaughan, Mahalia Jackson, and Kim Weston. Co-penned Ballad For Americans, which would become a signature for Robeson. Blacklisted during the MacCarthy era for his membership of the Communist Party ~ Robinson was born in 1910July 20, 1987 ~ Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Riky Rick, born in Kwamashu, South Africa ~ Active since the mid-2010s, debuting with the single Barbershop featuring Da LES. Would release his acclaimed full-length Family Values debut album in 2015, featuring guests such as Cassper Nyovest, Okmalumkoolkat and Black Motion. Known for songs such as Sondela, Silukotini, and Oh Lord. Battling depression Makhado commited suicide at age 34 ~ Makhado passed away in 2022
July 20, 1986 ~ Rock group Santana celebrate their 20th anniversary ~ The band play a massive group reunion concert on frontman, guitarist Carlos Santana's birthday featuring current and former members in San Francisco, California, to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary
July 20, 1984 ~ Composer, music director, violinist Gail Kubik, full name Gail Thompson Kubik, passed away in Covina, California, USA ~ Staff composer for NBC Radio. Music director for Motion Picture Bureau during World War II, composing and conducting scores for motion pictures. Won the 1952 Pullitzer Prize for Music for his composition Symphony Concertante ~ Kubik was born in 1914
July 20, 1983 ~ Pop band Duran Duran headline charity concert at Dominion Theatre, London ~ The band headline Prince's Trust Rock Gala attended by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It would be the first time the band and Lady Di meet, the latter previously having commented they were her favorite band
July 20, 1983 ~ Rock, heavy metal, gothic jazz keyboardist Rosie Smith, full name Rosemary Ellen Smith, born in London, UK ~ Best known as member of Cradle Of Filth, remaining with the band until 2009. Has also recorded as a solo artist, going by the moniker Rosa Damascena, describing her music as gazz or “Gothic jazz”
July 20, 1981 ~ Jazz, classical hornist James Buffington, full name James Lawrence Buffington, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the few French horn players in jazz. Has recorded occasionally as a leader but best known as an in-demand sideman active since the 1950s. Well-known for his association with Miles Davis, notably present on the albums Miles Ahead and Sketches Of Spain, and with Gil Evans. Has also appeared on albums by the likes of Chet Baker, Coleman Hawkins, Manny Albam (The Drum Suite), Art Farmer, John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Jimmy Smith, Stan Getz, Stanley Turrentine (Look Of Love), Moondog, Freddie Hubbard, Houston Person, George Benson (White Rabbit), Hank Crawford, Janis Ian (Between The Lines), Sister Sledge, Meco, Joe Farrell, and Wes Montgomery ~ Buffington was born in 1922July 20, 1980 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Mike Kennerty, full name Michael Brian Kennerty, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known as rhythm guitarist for All-American Rejects. Also worked with Masked Intruder, Direct Hit, Screeching Weasel, the Copyrights, Red City Radio, Euclid Crash, and Mr Crispy
July 20, 1978 ~ Pop, R&B singer Elliott Yamin, full name Efraym Elliott Yamin, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention as a contestant on American Idol, reaching third place in the show's fifth season in 2006. Released his eponymous Elliott Yamin debut album the next year, spawning the single Wait For You, and has been recording steadily since
July 20, 1978 ~ Guitarist, singer Teddy Bunn, full name Theodore Leroy Bunn, passed away in Lancaster, California, USA ~ Reportedly, Bunn played solely by ear as he never learned to read notes. Bunn made his recording debut in the late 1920s, backing Fats Pichon and Red Allen, and shortly thereafter with Duke Ellington. Within weeks, he would team up with the Six Jolly Jesters, an ensemble consisting of some of Duke Ellington's sidemen, a kazooist, and a washboard player. Bunn is perhaps best known for his 1930 recordings with the Washboard Serenaders, including Teddy's Blues named for Bunn, as a key member of the Spirits Of Rhythm, led by Leo Watson, and for his association with the Washboard Rhythm Kings. Bunn is also noted for being one of the very first ever to record for the Blue Note label, both as a soloist and as a member of the Port Of Harlem Jazzmen. Over the course of his career Bunn has led his own groups, perhaps most notably the Waves Of Rhythm in the mid 1940s, and worked with artists such as Fats Waller, King Oliver, Lizzie Miles, Victoria Spivey, Red McKenzie, Jimmie Noone, Tommy Ladnier, JC Higginbotham, Sidney Bechet, Georgia White, Lionel Hampton, Big Joe Turner, Edgar Hayes, Jack McVea, Hadda Brooks, and Louis Jordan. Sadly, Bunn's career stalled in the 1960s due to his rapidly deteriorating health, a series of heart attacks and finally a stroke in 1970 leaving him partially blind and crippled. Yet, although perhaps somewhat forgotten today, among jazz aficionados Bunn is remembered as one of the finest guitarists of his generation with a vast and wide body of work in swing, stride, blues, jump blues, and R&B. On his widely praised virtues as an accompanist and inspired improviser, Bunn has been quoted as saying: “I can usually sense what the cats are going to play a split second before they do it” ~ Bunn was born in 1910
July 20, 1972 ~ Giovanna Bersola, commonly known as Eurodance singer Jenny B, born in Catania, Italy ~ Best known as singer with Playahitty, appearing on The Summer Is Magic, and with Corona, appearing on Rhythm Of The Night. Both tracks would be among the best remembered of mid 1990s eurodance, and remain radio staples to this day. The former would reach top 20 across Europe, including top 10 in Italy and the Netherlands, as well as top 10 on the Canadian dance charts, while the latter, issued as Corona's debut single, reached top 10 in over a dozen countries, including No.1 in Italy. Rhythm Of The Night, Corona's only track to feature Bersola, also did well in America, where it only barely missed the top 10, peaking at No.11 Billboard Hot 100. Bersola has also appeared on tracks by JK, Nevada (Take Me To Heaven), Libra, Red Velvet, Funky Company, Gemelli Diversi, Benny Benassi, Simpson Tune, Alan Sorrenti (Paradiso Beach), Massimo Ranieri (La Voce Del Silenzio), Stylus Robb, Favretto, Marracash, and Culture Beat (Your Love), and recorded a handful of albums as a solo artist starting with Come Un Sogno in 2000. The same year, Bersola also won the Mia Martini Critics Award of the Sanremo Music Festival, the most important Italian song contest and awards ceremony, with her song Seplice SaiJuly 20, 1971 ~ Robert Earl Davis Jr, commonly known as hip-hop DJ, rapper DJ Screw, born in Smithville, Texas, USA ~ Pivotal figure in Southern rap known best for establishing the “chopped and screwed” technique. Has released over 350 mixtapes, both as a solo musician and as frontman of the acclaimed collective Screwed Up Click. Rediscovered by a wider audience some five years after his death of a codeine overdose, finding a new generation of followers ~ Davis passed away in 2000
July 20, 1971 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, songwriter Jason Loewenstein born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as member of pivotal lo-fi, indie rock outfit Sebadoh, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums since the late 1980s including the acclaimed Sebadoh III and Bakesale. Also known for his association with the Fiery Furnaces, performing and recording with the Brooklyn-based band since 2005 also serving as the band's engineer on the albums Remember and I'm Going Away. Loewenstein has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with Circle Of Buzzards, Will Oldham, David Kilgour, and Lou Barlow