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 3, 2025 ~ Claude Benzaquen, commonly known as rock & roll singer Frankie Jordan, passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Influenced by jazz and blues, Jordan became one of France's earliest rock & roll singers. The singer is particularly known for a number of French-language adaptations of American songs. Well known songs include Tu Parles Trop, originally Joe Jones' You Talk Too Much, and Dieu Merci Elle M'Aime Aussie, which was a cover of the gospel-tinged Ray Charles classic Hallelujah I Love Her So. His biggest hit would be La Panne D'Essence, an adaptation of Floyd Robinson's Out Of Gas, recorded as a duet with singer Sylvia Vartan. The latter single issued in 1961 would also effectively launch Vartan's career. Throughout his brief musical career, Jordan maintained his studies in dentistry and after receiving his graduation went on to become a dentist in Paris, France ~ Benzaquen was born in 1938
June 3, 2024 ~ Mark D Ross, commonly known as MC, rapper Brother Marquis, passed away in Gadsden, Alabama, USA ~ Member of rap group 2 Live Crew, known for their humor and sexually explicit lyrics. Marquis recorded about half a dozen albums with the band, including As Nasty As They Wanna Be which spawned the hit Me So Horny, and Banned In The USA, of which the title track became the band's highest charting Billboard Hot 100 single, peaking at No.20. Ross departed the band in the early 1990s, and initially ventured into stand-up comedy. Ross also notably guested on Ice-T's 99 Problems off his 1993 Home Invasion album. Reportedly, the song was inspired by an off-the-cuff remark Ross made, “Man, I got 99 problems, but a bitch ain't one”. After Ice-T completed the song, he invited Ross to do a verse. A remake of the song by Jay-Z, recorded for The Black Album released in 2004, would become a major hit ~ Ross was born in 1966
June 3, 2022 ~ Jazz trombonist Grachan Moncur III passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Son of jazz bassist Grachan Moncur II. Nephew of saxophonist Al Cooper. Toured with Ray Charles from the lae 1950s through the early 1960s. Noteworthy recordings as a leader include the acclaimed 1963 Evolution debut album featuring Jackie McLean and Lee Morgan and Some Other Stuff released the following year featuring Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. Has also worked with Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Archie Shepp, Marion Brown, Beaver Harris, Roswell Rudd, 360 Degree Music Experience, and with Cassandra Wilson ~ Moncur was born in 1937June 3, 2020 ~ Pianist, songwriter Gaynel Hodge passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Earth Angel, a 1954 hit for the Penguins. Founding member of the Platters, the Turks, the Hollywood Flames. Has also worked with artists such as Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Guitar Watson, Dr John, Ted Taylor, Richard Berry, Dick Dale, the Chamber Brothers, the Rivingtons, and Duane Eddy ~ Hodge was born in 1937
June 3, 2017 ~ The 48th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Mostly sunny, this year's edition would draw in total some 89,500 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 3rd's bill would include James TW, Chef Special, Kensington, Martin Garrix, Justin Bieber, the White Lies, Kaiser Chiefs, Five Finger Death Punch, Ten Bells, the Pierce Brothes, the Crystal Fighters, Richard Ashcroft, Alma, Declan McKenna, Ronnie Flex, Deuxperience, and Lotte Walda
June 3, 2016 ~ Violinist, mandolinist, guitarist Dave Swarbrick, full name David Cyril Eric Swarbrick, passed away in Aberystwych, UK ~ Best known as key member of Fairport Convention, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums starting with the critically acclaimed Liege And Lief album released in 1969. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Dave Swarbrick in 1976. Revered as one of Britain's most acclaimed folk rock violinists, Swarbrick has appeared on albums by Martin Carthy, Ewan MacColl, AL Lloyd, John Renbourn, Sandy Denny (Sandy), Richard Thompson, Heads Hands & Feet, Alan Stivell, Peter Bellamy, and Tom Paxton ~ Swarbrick was born in 1941June 3, 2011 ~ Pop, pop rock, soft rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Andrew Gold, full name Andrew Maurice Gold, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for a number of 1970s hits, notably Lonely Boy, Thank You For Being A Friend and Never Let Her Slip Away. Formed the duo Wax with Graham Gouldman. Has also worked with Bryndle, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, and Vince Gill ~ Gold was born in 1951
June 3, 2011 ~ Singer Benny Spellman passed away in Pensacola, Florida, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1962 single Lipstick Traces On A Cigarette b/w Fortune Teller, both songs written by Allen Toussaint. Also worked with Earl King, Huey Piano Smith, Ernie K-Doe, Wilson Pickett, the Neville Brothers, and the O'Jays ~ Spellman was born in 1931
June 3, 2009 ~ Cora Ann Walton, commonly known as singer Koko Taylor, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Discovered by Willie Dixon. Sometimes referred to as “the Queen of the Blues” and known for her rough, raw, powerful vocals. Influenced Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland, and Shannon Curfman. Broke through with the Dixon-penned Wang Dang Doodle in 1964, previously recorded by Howlin' Wolf. The single would sell a million copies and reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Taylor would enjoy popularity especially from the mid 1970s through the 1980s with a string of albums for the Alligator Records label including the acclaimed I Got What It Takes and The Earthshaker. Taylor continued to perform well into her 70s, at times giving over 70 concerts per year ~ Taylor was born in 1928June 3, 2006 ~ The 37th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. A sunny, warm weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of some 68,000 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 3rd's bil would be the Dresden Dolls, Nelly Furtado, Kaiser Chiefs, Placebo, Kubb, Admiral Freebee, Paul Weller, Mo'jones, and Kraak & Smaak
June 3, 2001 ~ The 32nd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. A chilly but mostly dry weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of 64, 200 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 2rd's bill would be Ellen ten Damme, Green Lizard, Papa Roach, Zita Swoon, K's Choice, Das Pop, Brainpower, OutKast, St Germain, and Johan
June 3, 1991 ~ Singer Lenny Kravitz releases It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over, lifted off his Mama Said sophomore album ~ Inspired by a line, “it ain't over till it's over”, often credited to baseball player Yogi Berra, known for his “Yogi-isms”, comments often containing seemingly contradictions or obvious observations yet with underlying wit and wisdom. Lenny Kravitz wrote the song while his marriage to Lisa Bonet was in hot water, as an attempt to rekindle the relationship. The single, which also featured the regular horn section from Earth Wind & Fire known as the Phenix Horns, would be his first major hit in his native America, where it peaked at No.2 Billboard Hot 100. In a 2000 interview, Kravitz would comment: “That song just came out one day, and I knew it had a classic vibe. And I still love that song very much today”. The marriage, however, didn't last, the couple divorced amicably in 1993. The actress, singer Zoë Kravitz is their daughter
June 3, 1989 ~ In its 12th week on the charts, Rock On by Michael Damian hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Michael Damian is best known for portraying the role of Danny Romaloti in the soap opera The Young & The Restless, yet he has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a singer, starred in musicals, and in his youth was a member of the family band the Weirz. As a recording artist, Damian is best known for his sole Billboard Hot 100 charttopper Rock On, surpassing the 1973 original by David Essex which peaked at No.5. Damian would score two more top 40 hits, Cover Of Love and Was It Nothing At All
June 3, 1988 ~ David Lawrence Brewster Jr, commonly known as rapper, songwriter, actor Dave East, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Jadakiss, the Notorious BIG, Raekwon, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg. First gained attention in the early-2010s with a series of mixtapes, leading up to a full-length Survival debut album released in 2019. Has collaborated with artists such as Lumidee, Juelz Santana, Greatness Jones, and Trae the TruthJune 3, 1986 ~ Florence Marjorie Robertson, commonly known as stage and film actress, singer, dancer Anna Neagle, passed away in West Byfleet, UK ~ Provided glamour and sophistication in war-torn London during World War II. Known for lightweight musicals, comedy and especially for her roles in historical dramas ~ Robertson was born in 1904
June 3, 1985 ~ New wave, pop rock outfit Talking Heads release Road To Nowhere, lifted off their Little Creatures album ~ Singer David Byrne wanted to write a song that presented a resigned, even joyful look at doom. In a 1992 interview with Q Magazine, the singer explained the chorus came first and the rest of the song fell together: “It was just the four lines of what became the chorus that started the whole thing: We're on a road to nowhere, Come on inside, Takin' that ride to nowhere, We'll take that ride.” The single was welcomed by critics, and did especially well in Europe, reaching top 10 in Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the UK. The song featured several session musicians of note, including former Tower Of Power member Lenny Pickett on saxophone, and a white gospel backing choir put together by singer Lani Groves. Engineer Eric Thorngren would later recall: “When I told (Groves) the configuration we were looking for, she put together that whole thing. They did real gospel, and the blend of that with Talking Heads really took the song to another place. I was just floored”June 3, 1983 ~ Indietronica, electropop, synth-pop, pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist Javiera Mena, full name Javiera Alejandra Mena Carrasco, born in Santiago, Chile ~ Rose to fame with her 2006 Esquemas Juveniles debut album and has recorded consistently since. Well known for songs such as Al Siquiente Nivel, Hasta La Verdad, and Otra Era
June 3, 1982 ~ Russell Edward Davidson, commonly known as rock, hard rock, blues rock, psychedelic rock singer, drummer, percussionist Rusty Day, passed away in Longwood, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention as early member of the Amboy Dukes, replacing previous lead singer John Drake. Sang lead on the 1969 Migration album before leaving the band. Member of early 1970s supergroup Cactus. Declined the offer to join AC/DC as replacement for the late Bon Scott. Fatally shot at his home at age 36, the murder officially remaining unsolved to this day ~ Davidson was born in 1945
June 3, 1981 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, songwriter Sam Amidon, full name Samuel Tear Amidon, born in Brattleboro, Vermont, USA ~ Married to singer Beth Orton. Member of Popcorn Behavior. Member of Doveman. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Solo Fiddle consisting of traditional fiddle instrumentals released in 2001
June 3, 1976 ~ Jazz singer, songwriter Hilde Louise Asbjørnsen born in Sykkylven, Norway ~ Formed the duo Asbjørnsen & Joh with Lene Kongsvik Johansen early on in her career. Best known for her solo recordings, having recorded over half a dozen albums starting with the Per Husby-produced Eleven Nights And Two Early Mornings album released in 2004
June 3, 1974 ~ Pop pianist, keyboardist, director, producer, songwriter Jason Halbert born in Port Arthur, Texas, USA ~ Member of DC Talk. Co-founding member of Sonicflood. Touring keyboardist for Paulina Rubio and Reba McEntire. Music director for Nick Carter, Clay Aiken, Justin Guarini, and notably Kelly Clarkson. Co-wrote a vast amount of the latter's songs, including Catch My Breath and Cry, and notably produced Clarkson's 2013 Grammy Award winning Stronger album. Halbert also formed the duo the Brezhnev Society with Todd Mark Evans
June 3, 1974 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Kelly Jones born in Cwmaman, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, guitarist for alternative rock band the Stereophonics. The band would score a string of UK top 10 hits starting in the late 1990s, well known songs include The Bartender And The Thief, Just Looking, Pick A Part That's New, Have A Nice Day, Madame Helga, and Dakota, the latter topping the UK singles chart in 2005June 3, 1974 ~ The 5th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Drizzly with occasional rain, some 30,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Status Quo, Steeleye Span, Rory Gallagher, Fungus, Captain Beefheart, and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
June 3, 1969 ~ Producer, songwriter Søren Rasted, full name Søren Nystrøm Raster, born in Blovstrød, Denmark ~ Best known as member and along with bandmate Claus Norreen primary songwriter of Eurodance outfit Aqua active from the mid 1990s through 2001. The band has sold over 20 million records and is best known for their 1997 Barbie Girl dance hit, a No.1 hit across Europe and a top 10 hit on the American Billboard Hot 100. Married to bandmate Lene Nystrøm from 2001 through 2016, the couple have two children. Rasted has also served as producer and songwriter for a wide array of Danish artists
June 3, 1968 ~ Hard rock singer Dave Gleeson, full name David Sean Gleeson, born in Newcastle, Australia ~ Lead singer for the Screaming Jets, known best for a string of successful 1990s albums and their energetic live show. The single Better taken of their 1991 All For One debut album would reach top 10 in the band's native AustraliaJune 3, 1968 ~ Jamie Murphy, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jamie O'Neal born in Sydney, Australia ~ Released her full-length Shiver in 2000, which included the Billboard Country No.1 hits There Is No Arizona and When I Think About Angels. Would again reach the top 10 with Somebody's Hero in 2005