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 14, 2025 ~ Avant-garde, improvisation, jazz, post-punk saxophonist, flutist, conductor, composer Bruno Romani passed away ~ Though firmly rooted in jazz, Romani is perhaps best known as founding member of Detonazione. The band is one of the most influential Italian post-punk bands of the 1980s, especially acclaimed for the albums Riflessi Congseguenti and Ultimi Pezzi. Romani has recorded over half a dozen contemporary jazz albums as a leader or co-leader, was involved with ensembles such as the Transition Jazz Group, Evolution Reloaded, and the Electro Acoustic Ensemble, and collaborated with a host of pop acts, perhaps most notably a series of albums with eclectic singer Alice in the 1990s ~ Romani was born in 1960
March 14, 2024 ~ Alternative rock, pop rock, electronic singer, songwriter Angela McCluskey passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of critically acclaimed Los Angeles-based outfit Wild Colonials which also included her husband Paul Cantelon, the folk-tinged band known best for the mid 1990s albums Fruit Of Life and This Can't Be Life. McCluskey has also recorded as a solo artist, specifically acclaimed for her 2004 The Things We Do album, and has notably guested on tracks by the Garden Of Eden, Télépopmusik (Breathe), Deep Forest, Kendrick Lamar (Is It Love), Morgan Page, Delerium, Andy Caldwell, Paul Oakenfold (You Could Be Happy), Parov Stelar, and Big Gigantic. Upon hearing of her death, McCluskey's friend of 25 years Julie Panebianco remarked: “She was a singer's singer. Her versions of Famous Blue Raincoat and My Funny Valentine are the ‘only’ versions. She didn't just cover songs, she stole them” ~ McCluskey was born in 1960
March 14, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist Bobby Caldwell, full name Robert Hunter Caldwell, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his 1978 What You Won't Do For Love hit single. It would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and be covered by Go West, Phyllis Hyman, and Boyz II Men. Caldwell is also known for co-penning The Next Time I Fall, recorded as a duet by Peter Cetera & Amy Grant. Others who recorded songs co-written by Caldwell include Roberta Flack, Boz Scaggs, and Glenn Medeiros ~ Caldwell was born in 1951March 14, 2021 ~ Singer, songwriter Thione Seck, full name Thione Ballago Seck, passed away in Dakar, Senegal ~ Member of the Orchestra Baobab from 1974 through 1979. Founded and fronted Raam Daan, which would become one of the most popular mbalax acts in Senegal rivaled only by Youssou n'Dour. Has also recorded as a solo artist. ~ Seck was born in 1955
March 14, 2020 ~ Neil Andrew Megson, commonly known as bassist, singer Genesis P Orridge, born in Manchester, UK ~ Singer, multi-instrumentalist, poet, performance artist, occultist. Identifies as third gender with the preferred pronouns “s/he” and “h/er”. Iconic within avant-garde art scene. Often referred to as “Godparent of Industrial Music”. Founded Coum Transmissions artist collective in 1969. Best known for fronting Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV. Also worked with Thee Majesty, Splinter Test, and Pigface ~ Megson was born in 1950March 14, 2018 ~ Piper Liam O'Flynn passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Influenced by Willie Clancy and Séamus Ennis. Best known as a solo artist and as key member of Planxty. Also worked with Christy Moore, Dónal Lunny, Andy Irvine, Kate Bush (including on the 1982 album The Dreaming), Mark Knopfler, the Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Mike Oldfield, Mary Black, Enya, Sinéad O'Connor, Nigel Kennedy, Rita Connolly, Matt Molloy, and Bill Whelan ~ O'Flynn was born in 1945
March 14, 2018 ~ Bluegrass guitarist, banjoist Steve Mandell, full name Stephen Arnold Mandell, passed away ~ Best known for teaming up with Eric Weissberg for the soundtrack of the 1972 film Deliverance, its theme song Dueling Banjos reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. Previously a member of the Garrett Mountain Boys alongside mandolinist David Grisman. Has also worked with Judy Collins, worked on Broadway and appeared in the 1976 The Robber Bridegroom musical ~ Mandell was born ca. [artist-steve-mandell]
March 14, 2016 ~ Composer, conductor Peter Maxwell Davies passed away in Sanday, UK ~ Enfant terrible of the 1960s. Frequently shocked audiences and critics. Prolific composer who wrote in a variety of styles and idioms often combining disparate styles in one piece. Co-founded the Pierrot Players ensemble with Harrison Birtwistle ~ Davies was born in 1934
March 14, 2013 ~ Jazz percussionist Daniel Ponce passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Exiled from Cuba by the early 1980s, Ponce would emerge from the New York Latin jazz scene as a renowned sideman. To mainstream audiences perhaps best known for playing the bata drums on Herbie Hancock's 1983 Rockit hit single. Ponce has also collaborated with artists such as Paquito d'Rivera, José Fajardo, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Laurie Anderson, Mick Jagger, and Yoko Ono ~ Ponce was born in 1953
March 14, 2013 ~ Singer Jack Greene, full name Jack Henry Greene, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Fronted the Peach Tree Boys. Founded the Tennessee Mountain Boys. Duetted with Jeannie Seely. Member of Ernest Tubb's backing unit the Texas Troubadours. As a solo artist known for a string of country hits starting in the mid 1960s including There Goes My Everything, All The Time, You Are My Treasure, Until My Dreams Come True, and The Statue Of A Fool ~ Greene was born in 1930
March 14, 2011 ~ Jack N Johnson, commonly known as guitarist Big Jack Johnson, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of bandleader, fiddler, mandolinist Ellis Johnson. Worked with Earnest Roy Sr, CV Veal & the Shufflers, Johnny Duncan, the Jelly Roll Kings, Sam Carr, Frank Frost, the Cornlickers, Dale Wise, Dave Groninger, Tony Ryder, and Bobby Gentilo ~ Johnson was born in 1940March 14, 2011 ~ Songwriter, singer Todd Cerney, full name Todd David Cerney, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of 1990s outfit Toast teaming up with former Bread members Jimmy Griffin, Robb Royer and Larry Knechtel. Best known as a songwriter. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as I'll Fall In Love Again (Steve Carlisle), The Blue House Of Broken Hearts (Levon Helm), Too Late (the Kendalls), I'll Still Be Loving You (Restless Heart), Notorious (Loverboy), Let Go (Cheap Trick), If Ever A Love There Was (the Four Tops), Forget About Love (Eddie Money), Don't Stop Now (the Cover Girls), No Mercy (Ty Herndon), Good Morning Beautiful (Steve Holy), Blues Is My Business (Etta James), Tell Me That You Love Me (Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton), and Keep On Rolling (Bo Bice). Cerney also played guitar, mandolin, keyboards and sang with some of the aforementioned as well as with the Dixie Chicks, and the Nashville Songwriters Band ~ Cerney was born in 1953
March 14, 2009 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Alain Bashung passed away in Paris, France ~ Widely revered and influential in French rock for reviving the French chanson from the early 1980s onwards. Known for songs such as Gaby Oh Gaby, Vertige De l'Amour, Josephine, Ma Petite Entreprise, and La Nuit Je Mens. Has collaborated with a host of French and international artists including Sonny Landreth, Ally McErlaine, Link Wray, Marc Ribot, Brigitte Fontaine, Jean Fauque, Rodolphe Burger, Les Valentins, Jean-Marc Lederman, Adrian Utley, Noir Désir, Vanessa Paradis, Françoise Hardy, Arno, Daniel Darc, Gaetan Roussel, and Arman Melies ~ Bashung was born in 1947
March 14, 2000 ~ Leonard Raymond Sipes, commonly known as country singer Tommy Collins, passed away in Ashland City, Tennessee, USA ~ Popular from the 1950s through the 1970s, Collins helped develop the Bakersfield sound. As a singer known for songs such as You Better Not Do That, Whatcha Gonna Do Now, It Tickles and If You Can't Bite Don't Growl. As a songwriter known for a number of quintessential country songs recorded by Merle Haggard (The Roots Of My Raisin'), Buck Owens (But I Do), Ferlin Husky (I Could Sing All Night), and Faron Young (If You Ain't Lovin' You Ain't Livin') ~ Sipes was born in 1930
March 14, 1994 ~ Acid jazz, funk, R&B outfit the Brand New Heavies release Dream On Dreamer, lead single off their Brother Sister album ~ At this point in their career, the band had made a name for themselves on the British R&B scene as one of the funkiest outfits, earning them a select but devoted following. However, the critically acclaimed Dream On Dreamer would be their first to reach top 20 in their native UK, peaking at No.15, and cracked the top 20 on both the Dutch pop charts and the American Billboard R&B. In America, Billboard praised the song's “immediately contagious chorus”, while Cashbox declared it “an infectious, groove-heavy jam,” further adding especial praise for lead vocalist N'dea Davenport as a “gifted, dynamic and quite flexible vocalist.” Closer to home, critics were equally receptive as NME stated Davenport “swoops magnificently into a pool of delicious strings” and Record Mirror named the song an “extremely appealing new two step soul shuffler”
March 14, 1991 ~ Jerome Solon Felder, commonly known as lyricist, songwriter Doc Pomus, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote numerous classic rock & roll hits. Frequent songwriting partner of Mort Shuman. Artists who have recorded his songs include Elvis Presley (Little Sister, Suspicion, Viva Las Vegas), the Crystals, Joe Turner, Conway Twitty, Charlie Rich, Dion & the Belmonts (A Teenager In Love), the McCoys, Gary US Bonds (Seven Day Weekend), Ben E King (Here Comes The Night), Jimmy Clanton, Del Shannon, Fabian, the Coasters (Young Blood), the Mystics, Bobby Darin, the Drifters (Sweets For My Sweet, Save The Last Dance For Me), Gene McDaniels, Marty Wilde, Jess Conrad, Ray Charles (Lonely Avenue), and Connie Francis ~ Pomus was born in 1925
March 14, 1986 ~ Singer, bassist Este Haim, full name Este Arielle Haim, born in San Fernando Valley, California, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit Haim alongside Alana Haim and Danielle Haim, drawing critical comparison to Fleetwood Mac and the Bangles. The band debuted in 2013 with the album Days Are Gone and has recorded consistently since. They are best known for songs such as Forever, The Wire, Want You Back, A Little Of Your Love, Now I'm In It, and Gasoline featuring Taylor SwiftMarch 14, 1975 ~ Jazz trombonist Gianluca Petrella born in Bari, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Started his career backing Roberto Ottaviano in the early 1990s. Actively recording as a leader since 2001, including with his group Indigo 4. Has collaborated with Joey Calderazzo, Jimmy Owens, Greg Osby, Paolo Fresu, Carla Bley, Pat Metheny, Marc Ducret, Manu Dibango, Nicola Conte, Bobby Previte, and Enrico Rava
March 14, 1975 ~ James Lamont Gillespie, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Haven Gillespie, passed away in Covington, Kentucky, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of songwriters such as Beasley Smith, Ervin R Smith, Richard Whiting, Wayne King, Loya Curtis, and J Fred Coots. Perhaps best known for co-penning Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town with Haven Gillespie. The song, first recorded by banjoist Harry Reser, would become a Holiday classic recorded by over 200 artists. Other well known songs co-written by Gillespie include You Go To My Head (Larry Clinton, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong), That Lucky Old Sun (Frankie Laine, Vaughn Monroe, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Benson, Aretha Franklin), and Breezin' Along With The Breeze (Johnny Marvin, Abe Lyman, the Revelers, Fred Waring) ~ Gillespie was born in 1888March 14, 1970 ~ Guitarist Andy Patalan born in Lorain, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as guitarist of alternative rock band Sponge, playing alongside his brother bassist, producer Tim Patalan. Founding member of Solid Frog and of Throttlebody. Has briefly worked with Brownsville Station, serving in the band from 2011 to 2013
March 14, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Kristian Bush born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as half of Sugarland, the other half being singer Jennifer Nettles. Also worked with Billy Graham, Storyteller, Ellis Paul, Laura Bell Bundy, Matt Nathanson, the dB's, Lucy Hale, Kristina Train, Larkin Poe, Canaan Smith, Lauren Alaina, Jaida Dreyer, Alana Springsteen, Byron Gallimore, and Dark Water
March 14, 1969 ~ Mandolinist Matt Flinner born in Pueblo, Colorado, USA ~ Worked with Sugarbeat, Modern Mandolin Quartet, David Grier, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Darol Anger, Tim O'Brien, Trey Anastasio, Darrell Scott, Frank Vignola, Alison Brown, Missy Raines, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, and the Ying Quartet
March 14, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist Raul Midón born in Embudo, New Mexico, USA ~ In-demand session musician worked with Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, and Julio Iglesias. Released his major-label solo debut album, State Of Mind, in 2005 which featured guest appearances from Stevie Wonder and Jason Mraz. Subsequent albums would feature guests such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Dean Parks, Paulinho Da Costa, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Miller, and Richard Bona
March 14, 1965 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer, producer, engineer Billy Sherwood, full name William Wyman Sherwood, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Best known as member of progressive rock band Yes, starting in 1997. Would take over bass duties in 2015, following the death of original bassist Chris Squire. Also worked with Asia, World Trade, Lodgic, Circa and with Yoso and has released several solo albums starting with The Big Peace in 1997March 14, 1961 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Einmal Komm' Ich Wieder at Austrophon Studio, Vienna, Austria ~ Written by Werner Scharfenberger and Fini Busch. Produced by Gerhard Mendelsohn. After a number of English-language hits translated into German, this would be Connie Francis' first single with both sides written originally in German. Released later the same year, b/w Immer Und Uberall, the single would reach top 20 on the German pop charts
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