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 5, 1993 ~ Harold Lloyd Jenkins, commonly known as country, rock & roll, pop singer, songwriter Conway Twitty, passed away in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ Emerging from the 1950s rockabilly scene, Twitty would eventually establish himself as the premier romantic country singer, dubbed “the High Priest of Country Music”, with an impressive string of over four dozen nearly-consecutive Billboard Country top 10 hits from the late 1960s until his death in the early 1990s. Well known songs include Hello Darlin', She Needs Someone To Hold Her (When She Cries), Linda On My Mind, This Time I've Hurt Her More Than She Loves Me, I've Already Loved You In My Mind, I'd Love To Lay You Down, Tight Fittin' Jeans, Slow Hand, and Desperado Love. Twitty also regularly duetted with Loretta Lynn, the pair recording over half a dozen albums together, four of which reached the No.1 spot on the Billboard Country album charts ~ Twitty was born in 1933June 5, 1990 ~ Dion Isaiah McFarlane, commonly known as producer, DJ, rapper Mustard, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Closely associated with YG and Ty Dolla $ign. Released his 10 Summers solo debut album in 2014. Best known for Roddy Ricch with Roddy Ricch, a hit in 2019. Has produced artists such as Tyga, Problem, Bow Wow, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, will.i.am, TI, Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Jamie Foxx, Rihanna, and Ella Mai
June 5, 1989 ~ Singer Van Morrison releases Have I Told You Lately, lead single off his Avalon Sunset album ~ Although originally written by Van Morrison as a prayer, the song is often perceived as a romantic ballad and has become a favorite at weddings. The song would be notably covered by Rod Stewart for his Unplugged (And Seated) album, the single reaching top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Van Morrison has also recorded the song with the Chieftains in 1995 for their The Long Black Veil album, which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals
June 5, 1983 ~ Conductor, composer, musicologist Anthony Lewis, full name Anthony Carey Lewis, passed away in Haslemere, UK ~ Co-founder and first chief editor of Musica Brittanica. Professor of music at the University of Birmingham and principial of the Royal Academy of Music, London. As a conductor played a key role in the baroque music revival of the mid 20th century. Well-known recording include Henry Purcell's Didi And Aeneas, George Frideric Handel's Sosarme, and Jean-Philippe Rameau's Hippolyte Et Aricie ~ Lewis was born in 1915
June 5, 1980 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Brandi Shearer born in Oregon, USA ~ Released her Museum debut album in 1999 and has recorded consistently throughout the 2000s. The album would feature backing from jazz guitarist Ted Savarese, in whose jazz-oriented Drizzoletto ensemble Shearer played rhythm guitar
June 5, 1979 ~ David Bisbal Ferre, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, actor David Bisbal, born in Almeria, Spain ~ Released his Corazon Latino debut album in 2002. Has since constistently reached the Spanish top 10, many of his singles topping the charts. Known for songs such as Digale, Bulleria, Quien Me Iba A Decir, Esclavo De Sus Besos, Diez Mil Maneras and Antes Que No
June 5, 1977 ~ John Adam Estes, commonly known as country blues, blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Sleepy John Estes, passed away in Brownsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Cited by Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant as one of his earliest influences. Known for songs such as Drop Down Mama, Runnin' Around, Rats In My Kitchen and Working Man Blues. Faded out of public view by the 1950s. Worked with Hammie Nixon, Yank Rachell, Hambone Willie Newbern, Son Bonds, and Charlie Pickett ~ Estes was born ca.1899June 5, 1976 ~ Ian Matthias Bavitz, commonly known as rapper, producer Aesop Rock or Aesop the Black Wolf, born in Syosset, New York, USA ~ At the forefront of underground and alternative hip-hop acts during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Released his Music For Earthworms debut album in 1997. Has collaborated with MF Doom, DJ Krush, El-P, and Percee P, and Tame One ~ Bavitz passed away in 2025
June 5, 1975 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, mandolinist, harpist Duncan Patterson born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of Anathema, playing a key role in steering the band towards a softer, deeper sound especially through his songwriting for the albums Eternity and Alternative 4. Following his departure from the band in 1998 teamed up with Mick Moss in Antimatter, basically an amalgation of two solo projects, with whom he recorded four albums through the mid 2000s. Founded Ion, merging acoustic and traditional music. Patterson has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Eternity Suite released in 2015, and guested on recordings by Breaklose, the Aftermath, Phase, and Corde Oblique
June 5, 1973 ~ Rock outfit Chicago release Feelin' Stronger Every Day, lead single off their Chicago VI album ~ Written by trombonist James Pankow and singer, bassist Peter Cetera. According to their bandmate drummer Danny Seraphine “Peter wrote that song about his marriage falling apart, he'd gone through a real hard time and was starting to feel stronger again”. At the time of its release, the song was welcomed by critics with Record World stating the band had outdone themselves, further praising James William Guercio's superb production. Feelin' Stronger Every Day would reach No.10 Billboard Hot 100June 5, 1972 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, singer Dominic Chad born in Exeter, UK ~ Member of alternative rock outfit Mansun, with whom he recorded four albums through the early 2000s. The band is especially known for their 1997 Attack Of The Grey Lantern debut album and would earn a cult following in America. Following the band's disbandement Chad has worked as a support worked, supporting people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and brain injuries
June 5, 1970 ~ Electropop, eurodance, dance-pop keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Claus Norreen born in Charlottenlund, Denmark ~ Co-founding member of Aqua, remaining with the band through 2001 and rejoining on occasion in later years. The band is best known for their 1997 crossover dance hit Barbie Girl which reached top 10 across the globe including No.1 spots in the UK, the Netherlands and the band's native Denmark
June 5, 1969 ~ R&B, soul singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, trumpeter, hornist, percussionist, songwriter Brian McKnight, full name Brian Kelly McKnight, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Started singing as a child in his family's church choir. Brother of Take 6's Claude McKnight III. Signed to Mercury Records at age 19, releasing his eponymous Brian McKnight debut album in 1992. Has recorded well over a dozen albums since to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Known best for songs such as The Way Love Goes, the Vanessa Williams-duet Love Is, One Last Cry, You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time) featuring Mase, and perhaps his best known Back At One, the latter reaching Billboard Hot 100 top 10June 5, 1966 ~ Musical actor, singer Michael McCarthy born in Turners Cross, Ireland ~ Perhaps best known for his role as Javert in the musical Les Miserables. Other notable credits include roles in Cabaret, Camelot, The Phantom Of The Opera, and Chess. Has also appeared in operas, such as Rigoletto, in dramatic roles, and has recorded a number of solo albums
June 5, 1965 ~ Guitarist, producer Tyler Bates born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as a film composer in the action and horror film genres, notable credits including Get Carter, Doomsday, Watchmen, Guardians Of The Galaxy, and John Wick. Produced and appeared on Marilyn Manson's 2015 The Pale Emperor album, and co-produced Bush's 2020 The Kingdom album
June 5, 1964 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their 1st American tour at the Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, California ~ The band embarked on their first ever American tour in support of their first US album The Rolling Stones, playing 11 shows through June the 20th. While in America the band would also make a number of TV appearances, and record several tracks at Chess Studios, Chicago, used on their EP Five By Five and their sophomore US album 12 x 5
June 5, 1962 ~ Pop, rock & roll singer Billy Fury records Because Of Love at Decca Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Ruth Batchelor and Bob Roberts. Recorded by Elvis Presley earlier the same year for his Girls Girls Girls film and soundtrack album. Billy Fury's version would be released as a single, Running Around featured on the flip side, in October and reach UK top 20June 5, 1961 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, novelist Chris Kelsey born in Bangor, Maine, USA ~ Draws from bebop, free jazz, funk, and fusion, augmented by elements of contemporary classical music. Has worked almost exclusively as a leader of smaller ensembles, usually trios or quartets, with well over a dozen albums to his name. Especially acclaimed for the album Renewal released in 2004. Noted for founding What I Say, a quintet dedicated to exploring the 1970s music of Miles Davis, releasing the critically acclaimed What I Say (The Electric Miles Project) in 2013. Also known as a novelist, inspired by crime writers such as Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett
June 5, 1958 ~ Heavy metal drummer Graeme Crallan, also known as Crash Crallan, born in Hartlepool, UK ~ Co-founded White Spirit, which also included guitarist Janick Gers of future Iron Maiden fame. Though the band's sole album, the eponymous White Spirit released in 1980, was critically acclaimed it sold poorly and the band would split up the next year. Crallan would subsequently briefly work with Tank, appearing on the band's 1984 Honour & Blood album before departing the band. Crallan passed away at age 50 after sustaining injuries in a fall in the streets of London ~ Crallan passed away in 2008
June 5, 1957 ~ Alternative rock, rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Enrico Ruggero born in Milan, Italy ~ Member of 1970s punk band Decibel. Ventured out on his own by the early 1980s, both as a solo singer and as a songwriter for others. Wrote Il Mare D'Inverno, a hit for Loredana Bertè. As a singer known for songs such as Si Puo Dare Di Piu, Mistero, Sole D'Europe, representing Italy in the 1993 Eurovision Songfestival with the latter and reaching 12th place.
June 5, 1956 ~ Kennethe Bruce Gorelick, commonly known as smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Broke through with his 1986 Ductones to become one of the all-time best-selling artists with sales exceeding 75 million records. Has collaborated with Andrea Bocelli, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, David Foster, Kashif, and Michael Bolton
June 5, 1956 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Mick Hutton born in Chester, UK ~ Worked with Harry Beckett, Julian Argüelles, Iain Ballamy, Django Bates, Ken Stubbs, Chris Biscoe, Bill Bruford, Earthworks, Alan Barnes, Peter Erskine, Tina May, Jim Mullen, John Scofield, Alan Skidmore, Tommy Smith, John Taylor, Stan Tracey, Kenny Wheeler, Robin Williamson, Martin Speake, Paul Motian, Andy Panayi, Barry Green, Paul Robinson, Ross Stanley, Gordon Beck, First House, Nick Purnell, Stan Sulzmann, Estelle Kokot, Elkie Brooks, Humphrey Lyttelton, Gary Husband, Joanna Eden, the Boat Rockers, and Tim GarlandJune 5, 1955 ~ Jazz, classical, rock violinist Hugh Marsh born in Montreal, Canada ~ Best known for his virtuosity on the electric violin. First gained attention in a series of late 1970s concerts with Moe Koffman. It would lead to performances with idols of Marsh including Doug Riley, Sonny Greenwich, and Don Thompson. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with the independently released The Bear Walks in 1984
June 5, 1953 ~ Folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter María José Cantilo born in Belgrano, Argentina ~ Emerged in the mid-1980s, releasing her eponymous María José Cantilo debut album in 1984, to become one of the defining voices in Argentine rock of the 1980s. Has collaborated with the likes of David Lebón, Leon Gieco, Osvaldo Fattorusso, Daniel Colombres, Oscar Moro, and with her older brother Miguel Cantilo. In 1990 Cantilo would become a Playboy model gracing the cover of the May issue of the magazine's Argentina edition ~ Cantilo passed away in 2022
June 5, 1952 ~ Jazz, traditional pop singer Doris Day records When I Fall In Love at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Written by Edward Heyman and Victor Young. Released the following month, paired with Take Me In Your Arms on the flip side. Though introduced by Jeri Southern in the film One Minute To Zero released earlier the same year, it was Doris Day's Percy Faith-produced rendition that would make it a hit. It has since become a standard, covered by numerous artists including Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Etta Jones, Donny Osmond, Linda Ronstadt, and Rick Astley
June 5, 1952 ~ Monnette Goldman, commonly known as guitarist Monnette Sudler, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Dubbed “the Queen of the Jazz Guitar”, Sudler has been a trailblazer on the Philadelphia scene since the early 1970s. Known for her open, free-flowing style, Sudler got her start in music playing with vibraphonist Khan Jamal in the Sounds Of Liberation. As a leader, Sudler recorded over half a dozen albums, including the acclaimed 1976 Time For A Change album. As a sidewoman and collaborator, Sudler has worked with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Cecil McBee, Odean Pope, Shirley Scott, Steve Turre, Cedar Walton, Archie Shepp, Kenny Barron, Hamiet Bluiett, and Grover Washington Jr. She is also known for organizing and hosting the Philadelphia Guitar Summit, held annually in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 2009 through 2019 showcasing guitarists from a range of genres including rock, country, folk, and jazz ~ Sudler passed away in 2022
June 5, 1952 ~ Michael Henry McBrain, commonly known as rock, heavy metal drummer Nicko McBrain born in Hackney, London, UK ~ Best known as member of Iron Maiden, joining the band in 1982 as replacement for Clive Burr. First apppeared on the 1983 Piece Of Mind album. Had previously worked with Gordon Giltrap, the Streetwalkers, Pat Travers, Jenny Darren, and Trust