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 29, 2020 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, songwriter Dave Mackay, full name David Owen Mackay, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Fixture on the southern California jazz scene, grounded in bop and hard bop. Well over half a dozen albums as a leader. In-demand sideman, present on recordings by Don Ellis, Warne Marsh, Bill Henderson, Michael Parks, Emil Richards, Chet Baker, and Lori Bell ~ McKay was born in 1932
July 29, 2018 ~ Klapa, pop, jazz, blues singer, pianist, songwriter Oliver Dragojevic passed away in Split, Yugoslavia ~ One of Croatia's most beloved performers, considered a cultural icon, with a career spanning five decades. Known for merging traditional klapa melodies with jazz. Has performed globally at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, L'Olympia and Sydney Opera House. Member of cult band Batali before venturing out on his own by the early 1970s. Well known songs include Ca Ce Mi Copacabana, Galeb I Ja, Romanca, Oprosti Mi Pape, Stari Morski Vuk, La Musica Di Notte, Bez Tebe, Pred Tvodim Vratima, and Psimo Moja ~ Dragojevic was born in 1947
July 29, 2018 ~ Trumpeter Tomasz Stańko passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Leader and sideman. Mainly works in free jazz and avant-garde idioms. Formed his first band, the Jazz Darings, in 1962, also featuring Janusz Muniak, Adam Makowicz, Jacek Ostaszeweski, and Wiktor Perelmuter. The band is credited to be the first European outfit to play free jazz. Stanko has also worked with Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Reggie Workman, Rufus Reid, Lester Bowie, David Murray, Manu Katché, Chico Freeman, Cecil Taylor, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Krzysztof Penderecki, Don Cherry, Edward Vesala, Tomasz Szukalski, Howard Johnson, Gary Peacock, and Billy Hart ~ Stańko was born in 1942
July 29, 2015 ~ Steel guitarist Buddy Emmons passed away in Hermitage, Tennessee, USA ~ Plays country, jazz, Western swing. Widely seen as one of the leading pedal steel guitarists of his day. Member of Ernest Tubb's backing unit the Texas Troubadours. Member of Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Member of the Dillards, a band believed to be quintessential in late 1960s country-rock. In-demand session musician. Has worked with Casey Clark, George Jones, Melba Montgomery, Roger Miller, Mel Tillis, Donna Fargo, Duane Eddy, Charlie Walker, Linda Ronstadt, Gram Parsons, Bob Wills, Ray Pennington, the Everly Brothers, the Carpenters, John Hartford, Jimmy Dickens, Ray Price (notably on You Took Her Off My Hands), Judy Collins, George Strait, John Sebastian, and Ray Charles ~ Emmons was born in 1937July 29, 2014 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor, composer Giorgio Gaslini passed away in Parma, Italy ~ Worked with Anthony Braxton, Steve Lacy, Don Cherry, Roswell Rudd, Max Roach, Gato Barbieri, Jean-Luc Ponty, Enrico Rava, Kent Carter, Jean-François Jenny-Clark, I Nuovi Angeli, Pierro Leveratto, Gianni Bedori, Julius Farmer, Paolo Damiani, Roberto Ottaviano, Claudio Fasoli, Bruno Tomasso, Daniele di Gregorio, and Roberto Bonati ~ Gaslini was born in 1929
July 29, 2014 ~ Leo Morris, commonly known as drummer Idris Muhammad, passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ As a leader acclaimed for his 1970 Black Rhythm Revolution debut album. Renowned session jazz, R&B, funk drummer active since his mid-teens. Played on the Hawketts's Mardi Gras Mambo at age 15, and on Fats Domino's Blueberry Hill two years later. Appeared on albums by Willis Jackson, Nat Adderley (Calling Out Loud), Pharoah Sanders, Grant Green, Horace Silver, Sonny Stitt, Grover Washington Jr (Inner City Blues), Hank Crawford, Eric Gale, Bob James, Roberta Flack, Richard Groove Holmes (Good Vibrations), Freddie Hubbard, Luiz Bonfá, George Benson, John Scofield (Groove Elation), and Rusty Bryant ~ Morris was born in 1939
July 29, 2011 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Gene McDaniels passed away in Kittery Point, Maine, USA ~ As a singer known for early 1960s hits such as A Hundred Pounds Of Clay and Tower Of Strength. As a songwriter McDaniels is best known for the jazz-soul protest song Compared To What, made famous by Roberta Flack and also recorded by Les McCann and Eddie Harris, Ray Charles, Della Reese, John Legend, the Roots, and Sweetwater. In the 1970s McDaniels turned to producing working with artists such as Gladys Knight, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Smith, the Floaters, and Jennifer Rush ~ McDaniels was born in 1935
July 29, 2010 ~ Jazz drummer Martin Drew passed away in Harefield, UK ~ Best known for his associations with Ronnie Scott and with Oscar Peterson. Also worked with Eddie Thompson, John Critchinson, Dick Morrisey, Jim Mullen, Mornington Lockett, Nigel Hitchcock, Steve Melling, Andrew Cleyndert, the New Couriers, Paul Morgan, Barney Kessel, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, JJ Johnson, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Ron Carter, Woody Herman, Peanuts Hucko, George Coleman, Ruby Braff, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Terence Blanchard, Arturo Sandoval, Alan Skidmore, Ken Peplowski, Monty Alexander, Milt Jackson, Chico Freeman, Johnny Griffin, Simon Spillett, Stanley Turrentine, Zoot Sims, Art Farmer, Plas Johnson, Scott Hamilton, and Toots Thielemans ~ Drew was born in 1944July 29, 2010 ~ Trumpeter Roy Caton, full name Roy Vernon Caton, passed away in Avila Beach, California, USA ~ Toured with Woody Herman prior to becoming a studio musician in the 1960s. Present on albums by the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers (Back To Back), Nancy Sinatra, Ike & Tina Turner, Love (Forever Changes), the Monkees, Harry Nilsson (Aerial Pandemonium Ballet), and Neil Diamond ~ Caton was born in 1927
July 29, 2007 ~ Double bassist Art Davis, full name Arthur David Davis, passed away in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Classically trained. As opportunities in the classical world were sparse for black musicians, turned to jazz making his recording debut backing drummer Max Roach on the 1958 Deeds Not Words album. Closely associated with saxophonist John Coltrane, present on quintessential 1960s albums such as My Favorite Things, A Love Supreme, and Ascension. Revered for his mastery of the bass, Davis is a sought-after sideman present on albums by Lee Morgan (Expoodibent), Leo Wright (Blues Shout), Coleman Hawkins, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Abbey Lincoln (Straight Ahead), Booker Little, Quincy Jones, Eric Dolphy (Candid Dolphy), Jack Teagarden, Freddie Hubbard, Carol Sloane, Buddy Emmons (Steel Guitar Jazz), Shirley Scott, Solomon Burke (Rock 'n Soul), Buffy Sainte-Marie, Freda Payne, and Dizzy Reece ~ Davis was born in 1934
July 29, 2007 ~ Jump blues, R&B blues shouter Jimmy Nelson, also known as Jimmy T99 Nelson, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Mentored by Big Joe Turner, whose shouting style he emulated. Recorded a number of singles during the 1950s, most notably T-99 Blues which would top the Billboard R&B charts, Meet Me With Your Black Dress On, and Free And Easy Mind. Nelson would work day jobs through the 1970s, performing and sitting in with bands on occasion. As a singer would reemerge after Ace issued a compilation album of previously unreleased Nelson songs in the 1980s ~ Nelson was born in 1919July 29, 2005 ~ Fred Smith, commonly known as R&B songwriter, producer Fred Sledge Smith, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing several hits for the Olympics including Hully Gully later notably covered by the Hollywood Argyles, Chubby Checker, and the Beach Boys. Smith also co-produced Bob & Earl's 1963 original recording of Harlem Shuffle, widely considered one of the most enduring early 1960s R&B recordings ~ Smith was born in 1933
July 29, 2004 ~ Jazz double bassist Al McKibbon passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Lucky Millinder, Tab Smith, JC Heard, and Coleman Hawkins before taking over for Ray Brown in Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra in 1947, remaining for three years. In the 1950s McKibbon played with Miles Davis, Earl Hines, Count Basie, Johnny Hodges, Thelonious Monk, George Shearing, Cal Tjader, Nat Adderley, and with Herbie Nichols. During the 1960s he appeared as sideman on albums by Lorez Alexandria, Sonny Criss, Charles Kynard, Jack Wilson, the Jazz Crusaders, and Shuggie Otis (Here Comes Shuggie). He also played on Randy Newman's 1970 critically acclaimed sophomore LP 12 Songs. McKibbon would continue to perform until 2004 ~ McKibbon was born in 1919
July 29, 2003 ~ Jazz, big band, orchestral jazz pianist, orchestrator, composer, arranger Luther Henderson, full name Luther Lincoln Henderson Jr, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Has worked with Lena Horne, Jule Styne, Richard Rodgers and Duke Ellington. Best known for his Broadway-work, serving as orchestrator, arranger, musical director on over 50 musicals including Ellington's Beggar's Holiday, Funny Girl, No No Nanette and Ain't Misbehavin'. Has worked as arranger for artists such as Robert Goulet, Nancy Wilson, Sandler & Young, Eartha Kitt, Diahann Carroll, and Liza Minnelli ~ Henderson was born in 1919
July 29, 1999 ~ Singer, bassist Anita Carter passed away in Goodletsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter. Member of sibling act the Carter Sisters alongside Helen Carter and June Carter. As a solo artist Anita scored hits with Down The Trail Of Aching Tears with Hank Snow, Blue Bird Island, and I Got You with Waylon Jennings. Recorded the first version of Love's Ring Of Fire in 1962, later made famous by Johnny Cash who added horns and recorded it as Ring Of Fire ~ Carter was born in 1933July 29, 1997 ~ Charles Jagelka, commonly known as jazz guitarist, banjoist Chuck Wayne, passed away in Jackson, New Jersey, USA ~ The guitarist had started on the mandolin in a Russian balalaika band, but abandoned the instrument in favor of the guitar. Influenced by saxophonists Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins, whose warm legato sax play he tried to transcend to the guitar. Although underappreciated, he was held in the highest regards by critics and peers and considered one of the earliest guitarists in bebop. The guitarist would become particularly known for appearing on several key Dizzy Gillespie tracks, including Groovin' High and Blue 'n Boogie, and for his association with Woody Herman, including on the three-part composition Summer Sequence. Wayne has also worked with George Shearing, served as Tony Bennett's musical director in the mid 1950s, and has worked extensively for CBS TV shows through the early 1970s. As a leader, Wayne recorded from the 1950s onward, and is especially acclaimed for his Tapestry album released in 1963. Over the course of his lengthy career, Wayne has also appeared on albums by George Wallington, Red Norvo, Benny Goodman, Milt Jackson, Gil Evans, Joe Bushkin, Clifford Jordan, Joe Puma, Duke Jordan, and Frank Wess ~ Jagelka was born in 1923
July 29, 1997 ~ R&B trio SWV release Release Some Tension, the trio's third studio album ~ For their third, and as it would turn out their final studio album before their initial disbandement, SWV employed a host of top-notch producers, including Sean Combs, Timbaland, and Deric Angelettie, as well as the day's finest hip hop guests including E-40, Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim, Snoop Dogg, and Redman. Although warmly received by critics, who welcomed the trio's return to hip hop abandoning the then-popular slick urban sound, the album fared less well than their previous two albums. Nevertheless, Release Some Tension included some fine gems fondly remembered to this day by fans. Highlights of the album include its lead single Can We, which would also be used for the soundtrack of Booty Call, and the top 40 singles Someone and Rain. The trio disbanded the following year, a break instigated by lead singer Cheryl Gamble, and reconvened in the 2000s, albeit it to lesser success
July 29, 1996 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, hornist Bill Green, full name William Ernest Green, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ In-demand session musician active since the mid 1950s. To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for appearing on the Beach Boys landmark album Pet Sounds released in 1966, and on Marvin Gaye's 1973 Let's Get It On album as well as I Want You released in 1976. More jazz-oriented work includes sessions for Buddy Collette, Benny Carter (Aspects), Peggy Lee, Cannonball Adderley, Oliver Nelson (Sound Pieces), Lou Rawls, Blue Mitchell, Sarah Vaughan, Gene Ammons, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, and Quincy Jones ~ Green was born in 1925
July 29, 1996 ~ R&B, hip hop outfit Blackstreet release No Diggity featuring Dr Dre and Queen Pen, lifted off their Another Level sophomore album ~ Spending four consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, ending a fourteen week run for Los Del Rio's Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix), it would be by far the biggest hit for Blackstreet. Other than topping the charts in their native America, No Diggity also reached top 10 in over half a dozen other countries, including the Netherlands, Ireland, and the UK. The title generally means “absolutely” or “for sure”', though it can have many meanings. In slang the lyrics are a suggestive prelude to sex. Teddy Riley, who co-wrote and co-produced the song, would later comment to Soul Culture how none of the band particularly liked the song: “None of them. They would even say it. That's why I'm singing the first verse. You know how they say they pushed the little one out there to see if it tastes good and see if he would get egged? Well they pushed me out there, and it became a hit. And now they wish they were singing the first verse, so that they can have the notoriety like me”
July 29, 1996 ~ Bassist Jason Thirsk, full name Jason Matthew Thirsk, passed away ~ Founding member of punk rock outfit Pennywise, remaining with the band from its inception in 1988 until his death by suicide in 1996. Present on the band's 1995 breakthrough About Time album. The band recruited One Hit Wonder bassist Randy Bradbury and continue to record. Their next album, 1997's Full Circle, would be dedicated to Thirsk and contain several songs carrying an anti-suicide message ~ Thirsk was born in 1967
July 29, 1995 ~ Jazz, swing, easy listening trumpeter Les Elgart, full name Lester Elliott Elgart, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Served in orchestras led by the likes of Raymond Scott, Charlie Spivak, and Harry James prior to teaming up with his brother Larry Elgart by the mid 1940s. With the declining popularity of big bands by the end of the decade, the siblings parted ways, Les going on to freelance, before reuniting by late 1952 with a new and unique blend of brass and reeds, with a handsome sound and smart arrangements appealing to a large audience through the end of the decade with albums such as Sophisticated Swing, The Elgart Touch, and For Dancers Also. One of their best known tracks, Bandstand Boogie, would be used as the theme song to the musical TV show American Bandstand ~ Elgart was born in 1917
July 29, 1994 ~ R&B, blues, folk rock singer, songwriter Gary Farr, full name Gary Anthony Farr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as founder and frontman of early 1960s British R&B outfit the T-Bones. Despite gaining a local reputation, notably inheriting the Yardbirds' Friday night slot at the Marquee Club, London, and a critically well-received Dem Bones Dem Bones Dem T-Bones EP the band failed to chart and broke up in 1967. Following the band's disbandement Farr recorded three albums as a solo artist, to little commercial success, before semi-retiring from music by the mid 1970s ~ Farr was born in 1944
July 29, 1994 ~ Francisco Angel Bastar, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader, songwriter Kako, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the most important timbaleros. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Kako y Su Cumbo Vol 1 in 1961. Has worked with Arsenío Rodriguez, Tito Puente, Ismael Rivera, Willie Colón, Mon Rivera, and the Alegre All-Stars ~ Bastar was born in 1936
July 29, 1987 ~ Country singer, songwriter Leah Turner born in Morongo Valley, California, USA ~ At the advice of Kenny Loggins, Turner relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career as a singer. After relocating again, this time to Nashville, Tennessee, Turner released her eponymous Leah Turner debut album in 2014, spawning the modest country hits Take The Keys and Pull Me Back. Turner is perhaps best known for co-writing Let It Be Me, recorded by both Rob Mayes and Vanessa Marie Carter
July 29, 1985 ~ Christian rock drummer Lauren Barlow, full name Lauren Ashley Nicole Barlow, born in Illinois, USA ~ One third of Christian girl group BarlowGirl, formed with her siblings bass guitarist, keyboardist Alyssa Barlow and guitarist Rebecca Barlow. Initially a backing band for their father Vince Barlow, the trio would become a popular festival act, and aided by a tribute song titled Barlow Girls by fellow Christian rockers Superchick, rose to fame prior to releasing their eponymous 2004 BarlowGirl debut album. They are best known for the singles Never Alone and I Need You To Love Me. They recorded about half a dozen albums, most acclaimed for their 2009 Love & War album, before disbanding the band in the early 2000sJuly 29, 1985 ~ Classical, jazz composer Nicholas Urie born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Collaborated with Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Samuels, Brian Landrus. As a composer had his works performed by the Metropole Orchestra, John Scofield, Kurt Elling, Vince Mendoza, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Mobius Chamber Orchestra, and the Jazz Composers Orchestra