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.
March 13, 2026 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock guitarist Phil Campbell, full name Philip Anthony Campbell, born in Pontypridd, UK ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, Jan Akkerman. Founded Persian Risk in 1979, and appeared on the band's Calling For You and Ridin' High singles. Best known as member of Motörhead from 1984, replacing Brian Robertson, until its disbandement in 2015 after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. The band is considered to have been extremely influential in re-energising heavy metal and a precursor to the new wave of British heavy metal. Campbell founded Phil Campbell & the Bastard Sons in 2016, which actually includes his sons Todd Campbell, Dane Campbell and Tyla Campbell. Released his Old Lions Still Roar solo debut album in 2019 ~ Campbell was born in 1961March 13, 2024 ~ Pop drummer Dick Allix passed away ~ Co-founding member of Vanity Fare, known for a handful of late 1960s singles. I Live For The Sun, Early In The Morning, and Hitchin' A Ride, all lifted off their The Sun The Wind And Other Things debut album, would all reach top 20 in the band's native UK. Allix departed the band in 1970, and would later become known among sports fans as a sports promoter, manager, and co-founder of the Professional Darts Corporation ~ Allix was born in 1945
March 13, 2024 ~ Gypsy jazz, swing, jazz fusion guitarist Sylvain Luc passed away in Paris, France ~ Praised for his fingerstyle playing technique. About a dozen albums to his name as a leader or solo artist since the early 1990s, especially noted for the 2002 album Trio Sud featuring regular collaborators bassist Jean-Marc Jafet and drummer André Ceccarelli, and Solo Ambre released in 2005. An in-demand sideman, Luc has guested on albums by Patrick Bruel, Françoise Hardy, Charles Aznavour, Lokua Kanza, Biréli Lagrène, Didier Lockwood, Richard Bona, Vincent Peirani, and Juan Carmona ~ Luc was born in 1965
March 13, 2023 ~ Jose Henrique Campos Pereira, commonly known as punk, punk rock bassist Canisso, passed away in Santana de Parnaiba, Brazil ~ Best known as member of Raimundos from its inception in 1987 through 2002, rejoining in 2007. The punk rock outfit is hugely influenced by American rockers the Ramones and would go on to become one of the most influential rock bands in Brazil, especially popular during the 1990s and acclaimed for their 1996 Lavô Tá Novo album. Has also briefly worked with Rodox during the early 2000s, and founded Rockfellas with Paul di'Anno ~ Campos was born in 1965
March 13, 2023 ~ Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, organist Jim Gordon, full name James Beck Gordon, passed away in Vacaville, California, USA ~ In-demand session drummer. Best known for his work with Eric Clapton in the 1970s supergroup Derek & the Dominos, including reportedly contributing the piano coda for Layla. Has also appeared on albums by Nancy Sinatra (Boots), Buffalo Springfield, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Ike & Tina Turner, Harry Nilsson, Mason Williams, Bread, Merle Haggard, George Harrison (All Things Must Pass), John Lennon (Imagine), John Lee Hooker, Dr John, Carly Simon (No Secrets), Elvin Bishop, Seals & Crofts (Summer Breeze), Linda Ronstadt, Albert Hammond, Steely Dan (Pretzel Logic), Tom Waits, Thelma Houston, the Carpenters, Nils Lofgren (Cry Tough), Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Tom Petty, Captain & Tennille, and Lowell George. Has released a sole solo album, Plays Heavy, in 1971. In 1983, in a psychotic episode associated with undiagnosed schizophrenia Gordon murdered his mother, he would be sentenced to 16 years to life and remained incarcerated until his death ~ Gordon was born in 1945
March 13, 2023 ~ World music, soul jazz guitarist, DJ, turntablist, producer Simon Emmerson passed away ~ Founded the Afrobeat, world music group Afro Celt Sound System, known for merging electronic music with traditional Gaelic and West African influences. The band is perhaps best known for their 1999 Volume 2 (Release) sophomore album. A shortened version of the album's Release title track would be used for the supernatural horror film Stigmata released the same year. Emmerson also served as a producer for the likes of Manu Dibango and Baaba Maal, notably producing the latter's acclaimed 1994 Firin' In Fouta album ~ Emmerson was born in 1956March 13, 2022 ~ Mary Ann McDevitt, commonly known as jazz, dance band, pop singer Mary Lee, passed away in Glasgow, UK ~ Performed locally from a young age, including doing impressions of popular stars of the day such as Gracie Fields and Maurice Chevalier. At age 13, McDevitt lied about her age and entered into a competition for a singing spot with dance bandleader Roy Fox, one of the most popular ensembles of the 1930s. She was asked to join the band, but as the minimum age was 14 her father responded she was not available until her next birthday. After turning 14, McDevitt joined the band where she would become known as Little Mary Lee. Notable recordings include Mickey's Son And Daughter, Truckin', If I Had Rhythm In My Nursery Rhyme, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off, and This Year's Kisses. Due to her young age, the rest of the band were told not to swear in front of her or tell “unsavoury” stories. McDevitt would go on to work with a wide array of musical acts, notably with Bert Ambrose during World War II, and later work mostly in variety shows ~ McDevitt was born in 1921
March 13, 2020 ~ Hubertus Richenel Baars, mononymously known as singer Richenel, passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as a disco singer, later ventured into dance, lounge and jazz. Member of disco outfit Luxor. As a solo artist, Richenel debuted in 1984 with the single Statue Of Desire, which failed to chart. His sophomore single, 1985's L'Esclave Endormi, became a UK hit. It drew the attention of producer, songwriting duo Fluitsma & Van Tijn with whom he scored several Dutch top 40 hits such as Temptation, Don't Save Your Love and his biggest hit Dance Around The World. The latter would reach No.9 in the Netherlands as well as chart well in Italy, Germany, and across Scandinavia. Other notable recordings include Secret Wish, which was later covered by the SOS Band, Are You Just Using Me written by George Michael, and Oasis and Fascination, the latter two of which became hits on the French dance charts and in New York's underground club scene ~ Baars was born in 1957
March 13, 2019 ~ Soul, funk, R&B singer Michael Wycoff passed away ~ Sang backup on Stevie Wonder's landmark album Songs In The Key Of Life released in 1976. As a solo artist scored a handful of moderate early 1980s hits on the Billboard R&B charts, his best known being Tell Me Love taken of his third and final album On The Line released in 1983. Also known for the Evelyn Champagne King-duet Can We Be Friends. Although his albums were critically acclaimed sales remained low. Wycoff would struggle with alcohol and drugs addiction, eventually ending up homeless, but found his way back through his faith and ultimately became a Minister of Music working with several Los Angeles area churches ~ Wycoff was born in 1956
March 13, 2018 ~ Pop, pop rock singer Claudia Fontaine passed away ~ Formed the 1980s pop group Afrodiziak, initially a duo with Caron Wheeler and later joined by Naomi Thompson. The group is best known as backing choir on recordings by Elvis Costello, the Jam (Beat Surrender), Madness, Neneh Cherry, Heaven 17, and the Hothouse Flowers. Fontaine is also noted for singing lead on the Beatmasters's 1989 Warm Love hit single, and as touring member for Pink Floyd, Robbie Williams, Joe Cocker ~ Fontaine was born in 1960
March 13, 2015 ~ Christopher David Allen, commonly known as psychedelic rock, space rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Daevid Allen passed away in Australia ~ Co-founded Soft Machine. Co-founded Gong. Released his solo debut album, Banana Moon, in 1971, featuring guests such as Robert Wyatt, Gilli Smith, Gary Wright, Pip Pyle and Maggie Bell. Has recorded prolifically since, over 50 albums to his name as solo artist or collaborator ~ Allen was born in 1938March 13, 2014 ~ Jazz drummer Al Harewood passed away ~ Worked with JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Art Farmer, Gigi Gryce, David Amram, Betty Carter, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Lou Donaldson, Horace Parlan, Ike Quebec, Dexter Gordon, Grant Green, Stanley Turrentine, Benny Carter, Booker Ervin, Benny Golson, Betty Carter, Dodo Greene, Bobby Hutcherson, Dick Katz, Horace Parlan, Dizzy Reece, Buddy Tate, and Al Grey ~ Harewood was born in 1923
March 13, 2013 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock drummer Clive Burr, full name Clive Ronald Burr, passed away in London, UK ~ Member of Samson. Best known as drummer for Iron Maiden from 1979 through 1982, replaced by Nicko McBrain. Present on the band's first three albums, namely Iron Maiden, Killers and the band's breakthrough album The Number Of The Beast. Co-wrote Gangland of the latter album. Following his departure from the band Burr has played with Trust, Alcatrazz, supergroup Gogmagog, and Dee Snider. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Burr retired from music in the late 1990s ~ Burr was born in 1957March 13, 2008 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Martin Fierro passed away in Marin County, California, USA ~ Best known for his work with Doug Sahm, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jerry Garcia (Hooteroll), Legion Of Mary, and with Zero. Has also collaborated with Mother Earth, James Cotton, the String Cheese Incident, and the Dark Star Orchestra ~ Fierro was born in 1942
March 13, 2003 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Ian Samwell, full name Ian Ralph Samwell, passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Penned Cliff Richard's Move It debut single. Co-wrote the Small Faces' 1965 Whatcha Gonna Do About It hit. Also notably remembered for producing America's A Horse With No Name hit single. Has also worked with artists such as Joe Brown, Elkie Brooks, Kenny Lynch, Dusty Springfield, Sounds Incorporated, Georgie Fame, the Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, and Joni Mitchell ~ Samwell was born in 1937March 13, 2003 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Roberto Murolo passed away in Naples, Italy ~ Member of the Midas Quartet from 1939 through 1946. As a solo artist known for his focus on Neapolitan songs and acclaimed for his Napoletana Antologia (Cronologica Della Canzone Parenopea) album series consisting of Neapolitan song dating back to the 12th century ~ Murolo was born in 1912
March 13, 1998 ~ Rock, R&B keyboardist, organist, singer Dave Lewis, full name David Eugene Lewis, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Gained local popularity as eponym and frontman of the Dave Lewis Combo, opening for artists such as Sugar Pie DeSanto, Sugar Chile Robinson, Nellie Lutcher, Wild Bill Davis, and Bill Haley. Key figure on the Pacific Northwest 1950s, 1960s R&B scene. Best known for his early 1960s singles David's Mood Part 2 and Little Green Thing ~ Lewis was born ca.1938March 13, 1998 ~ Hip-hop, trap rapper, singer, songwriter Jack Harlow, full name Jackman Thomas Harlow, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Co-founding member of Private Garden collective. Released his full-length That's What They All Say solo debut album in 2020 which included his Billboard top 10 hit What's Poppin'
March 13, 1998 ~ Alexander Minto Hughes, commonly known as reggae, ska singer Judge Dread, passed away in Canterbury, UK ~ Influenced Ian Dury and Buster Bloodvessel. Known for his sexual innuendo and double entendres, reportedly has more songs banned by the BBC than any other artist. Second only to Bob Marley in terms of reggae sales during the 1970s. Known for songs such as Big Six, Big Seven and Je T'Aime Moi Non Plus ~ Hughes was born in 1945
March 13, 1994 ~ Jazz guitarist, banjoist, singer Danny Barker, full name Daniel Moses Barker, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Cab Calloway, Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Jelly Roll Morton, Baby Dodds, James P Johnson, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Sidney Bechet, Mezz Mezzrow, Fess Williams, Billy Fowler, Albert Nicholas, Bunk Johnson, Charlie Parker, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Paul Barbarin, Vic Dickenson, and Billie Holiday ~ Barker was born in 1909
March 13, 1993 ~ In its 10th week on the charts, Informer by Snow hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Reggae purists viewed the song as another example of then-popular “watered down” reggae, yet Informer would be a smash hit across the globe, topping the charts in over a dozen countries, including spending seven consecutive weeks atop the American Billboard Hot 100 charts. Snow was raised on classic rock, but after Jamaicans moved into his neighborhood, reggae became a major influence on the singer. The accompanying music video for Informer showed scenes of the singer behind bars, appropriately as the song first began getting airplay while Snow was incarcerated on charges of aggrevated assault, of which he would eventually be acquitted and freed. Later on in his career, Snow would on occassion reach top 10 in his native Canada, notably Everybody Wants To Be Like You peaking at No.2 in 2000, yet the Canadian singer would fail to equal the success of Informer, his one big hit
March 13, 1991 ~ James Dugald McPartland, commonly known as jazz, dixieland cornetist Jimmy McPartland passed away in Port Washington, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Married to pianist Marian McPartland. Replaced Bix Beiderbecke in the Wolverines. Worked with Ben Pollack, Russ Columbo, Harry Reser, George Wein, Eddie Condon, Art Hodes, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, and Tommy Dorsey ~ McPartland was born in 1907
March 13, 1987 ~ Singer Bryan Adams releases Heat Of The Night, lifted off his Into The Fire album ~ Partly inspired by the film noir classic The Third Man starring Orson Welles, as well as by a trip Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, the song's two songwriters, took to Berlin before the Wall came down. Issued as the lead single off Into The Fire, the singer's fifth studio album, it would reach top 10 both in Canada, where it peaked at No.7, and on the American Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No.6March 13, 1987 ~ Jazz saxophonist, pianist, percussionist, singer Harald Lassen born in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Eponym and frontman of LASSEN. Has worked with noted jazz musicians Arild Andersen and Jon Christensen early on in his career. Formed the duo Duplex with Christian Meaas Svendsen. Other notable collaborations include Pixel, Mopti, Bugge Wesseltoft, Morten Qvenild, Emilie Stoesen Christensen, Bram de Looze, Anja Lauvdal, Rob Waring, and Ray Phiri
March 13, 1985 ~ Jazz singer Annette Hanshaw, full name Catherine Annette Hanshaw, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Among the most popular stars of the late 1920s through the 1930s. Recorded some 250 songs. Sold over four millions records by the mid 1930s. Known for songs such as 1929's Big City Blues and 1930's Body & Soul. Worked with the Original Memphis Five, Willard Robison, Sam Lanin, Lou Gold, Rudy Vallée, Red Nichols, Miff Mole, Phil Napoleon, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Adrian Rollini, Vic Berton, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, and Glen Gray ~ Hanshaw was born in 1901
March 13, 1985 ~ Abraham Shadrinsky, commonly known as producer, label owner Bob Shad, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Produced artists such as Lightnin' Hopkins, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Smokey Hogg, Peppermint Harris, Curley Weaver, Sarah Vaughan, Maynard Ferguson, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Billy Eckstine, Dinah Washington, Patti Page, Vic Damone, the Platters, Big Bill Broonzy, Shelly Manne, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Haynes, Blue Mitchell, Buddy Terry, Pete Yellon, Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967's Big Brother & the Holding Company), and Ted Nugent ~ Shadrinsky was born in 1920