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.
June 1, 1981 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Brandi Carlile born in Ravensdale, Washington, USA ~ Influenced by Elton John. Debuted in 2005 with the critically acclaimed eponymous Brandi Carlile album. Co-founded all-female country supergroup Highwomen, which also featured Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, later complemented by Natalie Hemby. Worked with the Hanseroth Brothers, T-Bone Burnett (who produced Carliles sophomore album The Story), the Indigo Girls, Newton Faulkner, Amy Ray, Chad Smith, Benmont Tench, Trina Shoemaker, the Avett Brothers, Dave Cobb, and Shooter Jennings
June 1, 1980 ~ Singer, guitarist Askil Holm, full name Askil Lænd Holm, born in Namsos, Norway ~ First gained attention in 2006 teaming up with Espen Lind, Alejandro Fuentes and Kurt Nilsen on the collaborative Hallelujah Live album, spawning the Norwegian No.1 hits Hallelujah. Its follow-up album, 2009's Hallelujah Live Volume 2 would also produce a No.1 hit single with With Or Without You. As a solo artist best known for his 2007 sophomore Harmony Hotel album, which reached the Norwegian top 10
June 1, 1978 ~ Matko Sasek, commonly known as hip-hop, electronic, urban producer, songwriter Koolade, born in Zagreb, Croatia ~ Helped establish hip-hop as a viable genre in the Balkans. Internationally perhaps best known for co-producing Masta Ace's Bewautiful of Ace's 2004 A Long Hot Summer album and for hi collaborations with Ghostface Killah, Sean Price, Xzibit, Tony Touch, Rah Digga, Too $hort, and Bow Wow
June 1, 1977 ~ Rock, hard rock group Kiss release Christine Sixteen, lead single off their Love Gun album ~ Gene Simmons, who wrote the song and sings lead, came up with the song title after ribbing his bandmate Paul Stanley for only writing songs about girls and love, “All you ever do is write girl songs like Christine Sixteen.”, only to realize the song title he just made up was actually pretty good. Simmons had envisioned the protagonist of the song as someone only slightly older than the sixteen-year old Christine, yet the song would often be interpreted as a song about an older man and an underage girl. Reportedly, both Alex van Halen and Eddie Van Halen played on the original demo of the song. The demo version never surfaced, but Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley would model his guitar solo after Eddie's guitar play on the demo. Christine Sixteen would reach No.25 Billboard Hot 100
June 1, 1974 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alanis Morissette born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Released two moderately successful dance-pop albums before switching to rock with the 1995 Jagged Little Pill album. It would be critically acclaimed, catapult her to international fame, sell over 30 million copies and spawn the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits You Oughta Know, Ironic and You Learn
June 1, 1974 ~ Folk punk, experimental singer, accordionist, guitarist, pianist Jason Webley born in Everett, Washington, USA ~ Gave up his day job to begin busking in early 1998 and later the same year independently released his Viaje debut album. Webley, critically compared to Tom Waits, Vladimir Vysotsky, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan, would release his perhaps most acclaimed album Against The Night the following year, and has since become a popular festival act. Webley is known for his distinctive eclectic sound, drawing from folk, punk and gypsy rock, and for his theatrical flair, often incorporating pranks and performance art into his stage performances. Aside from his solo albums, Webley has appeared on recordings by the likes of Aiko Shimada, the Haints, Led To Sea, Reverend Peyton, and Sxip Shirey, and has notably released several collaborative albums with Amanda Palmer
June 1, 1974 ~ In its 15th week on the charts, Midnight At The Oasis by Maria Muldaur peaks at No.6 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Muldaur had previously recorded with the Even Dozen Jug Band, Jim Kweskin, and notably two albums with her then-husband Geoff Muldaur. However, when the couple split, Maria Muldaur set out to record her eponymous debut album, employing a host of the day's top notch guests including Dr John, Spooner Oldham, Klaus Voormann, and Jim Keltner, as well as the then-relatively unknown guitarist David Nichtern. When most of the tracks for the album were already selected, producer Lenny Waronker felt it was a pretty well-balanced set with both ballads and a few up-tempo songs but the album still lacked a mid-tempo track. Muldaur suggested Nichtern demo a song he had previously written about a romantic encounter, and it was immediately selected. Midnight At The Oasis would become Muldaur's biggest hit, reaching top 10 in Australia, Canada, and her native America. The success of the single also helped propel the parent album to No.3 Billboard Hot 200. Muldaur continued to record well into the 21st century, often to critical acclaim and regularly working with some of the finest guests, yet would be unable to repeat the success of Midnight At The Oasis. Muldaur only reached the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart once more, I'm A Woman off her sophomore Waitress In A Donut Shop album peaked at No.12 in 1975
June 1, 1973 ~ Pop rock outfit Wings release Live And Let Die, the theme song to the James Bond film of the same name ~ McCartney was approached to write the theme song before the screenplay was finished, and requested to be sent the novel upon which the film was based. Originally, the film's producers had intended the song to be sung by Shirley Bassey or Thelma Houston, yet McCartney insisted on performing the song with his pop rock outfit Wings. The song would be warmly received by critics, and reached top 10 in several countriest including No.2 on the American Billboard Hot 100 charts. It was also nominated for an Academy Award, making it the first James Bond theme to achieve this feat, but ultimately lost the award to Barbra Streisand's The Way We Were. Retrospectively, Live And Let Die has been acknowledged as one of McCartney's greatest songs. The 1991 cover by Guns 'n Roses, recorded for their Use Your Illusion I album, would do especially well in Europe, including reaching No.5 in McCartney's native UK, surpassing the original which had peaked at No.9
June 1, 1972 ~ Singer, songwriter Mindy Smith born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Influenced by John Prine, Alison Krauss, Patty Griffin, Shania Twain, Kris Kristofferson, Buddy Miller, Bill Gaither, and Dolly Parton. First gained attention, and a record deal, with her version of Jolene, for the 2003 Parton tribute album Just Because I'm A Woman. Debuted the next year with the album One Moment More and has recorded regularly since. Well known songs include Come To Jesus, Out Loud, I Know The Reason, and Highs And Lowsrs
June 1, 1968 ~ Actor, singer Jason Donovan, full name Jason Sean Donovan, born in Malvern, Australia ~ Enjoyed popularity in the UK and Australia during the late 1980s, early 1990s as one of the artists produced by hit-making team Stock Aitken & Waterman. Scored the UK No.1 hits Too Many Broken Hearts, Sealed With A Kiss, Any Dream Will Do and Especially For You, the latter a duet with Neighbours co-star Kylie Minogue
June 1, 1967 ~ Singer Connie Francis records My Heart Cries For You ~ Written by Carl Sigman and Percy Faith. Produced by Pete Spargo. Previously a hit for Guy Mitchell, whose version reached No.2 pop charts in 1951. Connie Francis would later also record versions in German (Mein Herz Ruft Nach Dir) and French (Mon Coeur Pleure Pour Vous)
June 1, 1967 ~ House, tribal house DJ, producer, remixer Roger Sanchez born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Well known for his hit Another Chance of his 2001 First Contact album. Won a Grammy Award for his 2003 remix of No Doubt's Hella Good. Has also remixed for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Daft Punk, the Police, and Maroon 5June 1, 1966 ~ George Vital Laine, commonly known as drummer, bandleader Papa Jack Laine, passed away in Metairie, Louisiana, USA ~ Pioneering bandleader often credited for nurturing and mentoring young talent, including future jazz greats such as Chink Martin, Achille Baquet, Abbie Brunies, Merritt Brunies, Emile Christian, Frank Christian, Eddie Edwards, Nick LaRocca, Gussie Mueller, Alcide Yellow Nunez, Alphonse Picou, Larry Shields, Henry Ragas, Tony Sbarbaro, and Ragbaby Stephens ~ Laine was born in 1873
June 1, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record I'll Cry Instead at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Credited to Lennon/Paul McCartney, mostly written by John Lennon. Produced by George Martin. Intended for use in the film A Hard Day's Night yet replaced by the director, who didn't like the song, with Can't Buy Me Love. Included on the accompanying album though. Released as a single in July, featuring I'm Happy Just To Dance With You as the B-side
June 1, 1963 ~ In its 10th week on the charts, Two Faces Have I by Lou Christie peaks at No.6 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Preceded by The Gypsy Cried, Two Faces Have I became the singer's second charting single, second millionseller, and his first American top 10 hit. Like nearly most of his best known, Two Faces Have I was written by Twyla Herbert and Lou Christie. The song would later serve as the inspiration for Bruce Springsteen's Two Faces, featured on Springsteen's 1987 Tunnel Of Love album
June 1, 1960 ~ Guitarist Jesse Johnson born in Rock Island, Illinois, USA ~ Member of funk band the Time, known for their association with Prince. Co-wrote The Bird and Jungle Love. Also involved with Vanity 6, for whom he co-wrote Bite The Beat. Johnson would go on to release a number of solo albums, starting with 1985's Jesse Johnson's Revue. Well known songs include Be Your Man, Can You Help Me, I Want My Girl, Free World and the Sly Stone-duet Crazay. Also known as a producer working with artists such as Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Ta Mara & the Seen, After 7, Kool Skool, Debbie Allen, Cheryl Lynn and Les Rita Mitsouko
June 1, 1960 ~ Punk, post-punk, alternative rock bassist Simon Gallup, full name Simon Jonathon Galup, born in Duxhurst, UK ~ Member of the Cure from 1979 through 1982, rejoining in 1985. Present on some of the band's best known albums including Pornography, Seventeen Seconds and Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me
June 1, 1959 ~ Synth-pop, new wave keyboardist Alan Wilder, full name Alan Charles Wilder, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Member of Depeche Mode, joining the band in 1982 replacing original member Vince Clarke and remaining through 1995. First appeared on the band's Broken Frame sophomore album and present on some of the band's key albums including 1987's Music For The Masses and 1990's Violator
June 1, 1958 ~ Producer, songwriter Jochem Fluitsma born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Half of Fluitsma & Van Tijn, the other half being Eric van Tijn. Usually working behind the scenes, producing and writing for others the duo became a household name in 1996 when they recorded 15 Miljoen Mensen, initially for a Postbank advertisement. The song jumped to the top of the charts and has been a staple of Dutch popmusic since. As producer, songwriter duo the pair have worked with de Kast, the Dolly Dots, Mai Tai, Richenel, the Scene, Linda Roos & Jessica, Guus Meeuwis, Vagant, Lois Lane, Willeke Alberti, Mathilde Santing, Henk Westbroek, Caught In The Act, de Jazzpolitie, 4 Fun, Hind, and Status Quo. The pair wrote the Dutch entry for Eurovision Songfestival twice, Edsilia Rombley's Hemel & Aarde in 1998, ranking 6th overall, and Ruth Jacott's Vrede in 1993, which came in 4th place
June 1, 1957 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records You Send Me at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Cooke's debut single as a solo artist. Instant smash hit. Written by Sam Cooke, produced by Robert Bumps Blackwell. Topped both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Considered a landmark recording in the history of soul. Would be named One Of The 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll by the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Cooke was backed on the original recording by René Hall and Clifton White on guitars, Ted Brinson bass, and Earl Palmer drums. Over time the song would be covered by over a 100 artists including Otis Redding, ZZ Hill, Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Ponderosa Twins Plus One and the Manhattans
June 1, 1956 ~ Singer Amanda Miguel born in Gaiman, Argentina ~ Member of Mediterréneo, which also included Diego Verdaguer whom she would later marry. Well over a dozen albums to her name as a solo artist, many produced by her husband, starting with El Sonido Vol.1 released in 1981. Well-known songs include Asi No Te Amara Jamas, El Me Mintio, Mi Buen Corazón, and Rompecorazones
June 1, 1956 ~ Actress, singer Lisa Hartman born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Released her eponymous Lisa Hartman debut album in 1976. Scored a Billboard Country No.1 hit in 1999 with When I Said I Do, a duet with her husband Clint Black taken of the latter's D'Lectrified. Hartman and Black married in 1991
June 1, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Ronnie Dunn born in Coleman, Texas, USA ~ Formed the duo Brooks & Dunn duo with Kix Brooks, debuting in 1991 with the Brand New Man album. The duo would dominate the Billboard Country charts since, scoring numerous hits including Neon Moon, Boot Scootin' Boogie, She Used To Be Mine, That Ain't No Way To Go, Little Miss Honky Tonk, A Man This Lonely, Husbands And Wives, It's Getting Better All The Time, Play Something Country, Cowgirls Don't Cry featuring Reba McEntire
June 1, 1950 ~ Charlene Marilynn D'Angelo, mononymously known as easy listening, R&B singer, pianist, songwriter Charlene, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her single I've Never Been To Me. Upon its initial 1977 release it barely dented the charts, but the 1982 re-release would reach top 10 across the globe including No.1 positions in Australia, Canada and the UK
June 1, 1950 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Tom Robinson born in Cambridge, UK ~ Active since the mid 1970s, scoring hits since the early 1980s. Known for songs such as 2-4-6-8 Motorway, Listen To The Radio (Radio Atmospherics), Don't Take No For An Answer, War Baby, and Glad To Be Gay. Also known as an activist for gay rights, for Amnesty International and against racism