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 25, 1907 ~ Saxophonist Johnny Hodges born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Alongside Benny Carter considered one of the definitive alto sax players of the big band era. Started playing with artists such as Lloyd Scott, Sidney Bechet, Luckey Roberts, Chick Webb. Joined Duke Ellington on the recommendation of Ellington's clarinetist Barney Bigard. Hodges would become one of the most prominent players in Duke's ensemble. With the exception of the period 1951 through 1955, when he led his own band, Hodges played with Ellington from 1928 to his death in 1970. Signature pieces would include Confab With Rab, Jeep's Blues and Hodge Podge. Hodges's death prompted Ellington to remark the band “would never sound the same.” ~ Hodges passed away in 1970July 25, 1897 ~ Blues guitarist, country blues pioneer Sylvester Weaver born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Country blues pioneer. Backed Sara Martin on early 1920s recordings such as Longing For Daddy Blues and I've Gotta Leave My Daddy Behind. Also worked with Walter Beasley, and Helen Humes ~ Weaver passed away in 1960
July 25, 1895 ~ Jazz clarinetist, violinist Darnell Howard born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Regarded as a skilled soloist, influenced by Jimmie Noone, Howard has enjoyed a lengthy career as a sideman and occasional leader starting in his mid-teens. Played the violin, notably backing WC Handy, before taking up the reeds. Howard would go on to work with Charlie Elgar, King Oliver, Erskine Tate, Fletcher Henderson, Coleman Hawkins, Kid Ory, Muggsy Spanier, Bob Scobey, Don Ewell, Elmer Snowden, and Burt Bales. Howard is perhaps best known for his stint with Earl Hines for most of the 1930s, including notably playing the violin on the 1933 Cavernism recording ~ Howard passed away in 1966
July 25, 1894 ~ Singer, actor Walter Brennan, full name Walter Andrew Brennan, born in Lynn, Massachusetts, USA ~ As a singer best known for a number of early 1960s singles, notably Dutchman's Gold, Old Rivers, Mama Sang A Song. Best known as an actor, won an Academy Award thrice for his roles in Come & Get It, Kentucky and The Westerner ~ Brennan passed away in 1974
July 25, 1894 ~ Yvonne Wigniolle, commonly known as singer, actress Yvonne Printemps born in Ermont, France ~ Operette, stage, screen singer and actress renowned internationally in the early 20th century, known for her warm singing and personal charm. Performed on stages in Paris, London's West End and New York's Broadway ~ Wigniolle passed away in 1977