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 15, 1961 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Schöner Fremder Mann at Austrophon Studio, Vienna, Austria ~ Written by Athina Hosey, Hal Gordon, Jean Nicholas. Produced by Gerhard Mendelsohn. German-language version of her previous hit Someone Else's Boy. Connie Francis would also record the song in French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese
March 15, 1959 ~ Tenor saxophonist Lester Young, full name Lester Willis Young, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman known for his free-floating style. Influenced Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Gerry Mulligan, Paul Quinichette, and Sonny Stitt. Lovingly dubbed “Pres”, short for President, a nickname given to him by Billie Holiday. In return Young gave Holiday the nickname “Lady Day”. Worked with Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Andy Kirk, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich, and Charlie Parker. Posthumously honored by Charles Mingus in the track Goodbye Pork Pie Hat), and by Wayne Shorter in Lester Left Town ~ Young was born in 1909March 15, 1959 ~ Rock, jangle pop singer, guitarist Mike Connell, full name Michael Collier Connell, born in Georgia, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter of the Connells, which also includes his brother bassist David Connell. The band is best known for the albums Boylan Heights and One Simple Word
March 15, 1958 ~ Double bassist Gerald L Cannon, full name Gerald Leon Cannon, born in Racine, Washington, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Justin Robinson, Dexter Gordon, Cedar Walton, Billy Higgins, Jimmy Scott, Hamiet Bluiett, Ed Thigpen, Frank Foster, John Bunch, Eddie Harris, Stanley Turrentine, Bunky Green, extensively with Roy Hargrove, Chucho Valdes, Rubén González, Elvin Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Abbey Lincoln, Gary Bartz, Joe Lovano, Monty Alexander, Larry Willis, Eddie Henderson, Steve Turre, Eric Reed, Sherman Irby, Wayne Escoffery, Roberta Donnay, and Russell Malone
March 15, 1956 ~ John Rivas, commonly known as hip-hop, electro DJ Mr Magic, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Prominent radio DJ, credited by some for hosting the first radio rap show starting in 1979 on New York's WHBI and moving to WBLS by the early 1980s. As a recording artist known for the 1984 12" Magic's Message (There's A Better Way). Closely associated with the Juice Crew, fronted by Magic's on-air assistant Marley Marl ~ Rivas passed away in 2009March 15, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Carlo Marrale born in Genoa, Italy ~ Co-founded Matia Bazar, which also included Piero Cassano, Antonella Ruggiero, Giancarlo Golzi and Aldo Stellita, known for songs such as Ma Perché, Solo Tu, Stasera Che Sera, Mister Mandarino, and perhaps their best known Tio Sento
March 15, 1952 ~ Howard Andrew Trafford, commonly known as singer, songwriter Howard Devoto, born in Scunthorpe, UK ~ Original frontman of punk rock outfit the Buzzcocks, present only on the 1977 The Spiral Scratch EP. Departed from the band in 1977 to form Magazine, known for minor UK hits Shot By Both Sides and Song From Under The Floorboards. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Bernard Szajner, Luxuria, and ShelleyDevoto with Pete Shelley
March 15, 1948 ~ Drummer Steve Nisbett, also known as Steve Grizzly Nisbett, born in Nevis, St Kitts & Nevis ~ Longtime drummer for UK reggae outfit Steel Pulse, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums including the Grammy Award-winner Babylon The Bandit released in 1986. Nisbett remained with the band from its inception in 1977 until retiring from music altogether in 2001 for health reasons. Prior to his tenure with Steel Pulse, Nisbett has worked with soul outfits such as Penny Black, Rebel, and Roy Gee & the Stax Explosion ~ Nisbett passed away in 2018March 15, 1947 ~ Sarah Jean Perkins, commonly known as jazz, pop, R&B singer Jean Carn, born in Columbus, Georgia, USA ~ Known for songs such as Free Love, My Love Don't Come Easy, Love Don't Love Nobody (Part 1) and perhaps her best known Closer Than Close, the latter topping the Bilboard R&B charts in 1986. Worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Norman Connors, the Temptations, Glenn Jones, Phyllis Hyman, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff
March 15, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist Ry Cooder, full name Ryland Peter Cooder born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Draws from roots rock, folk, blues, country, world music. Plays numerous instruments including bass, mandolin and bouzouki but best known as a slide guitarist. Actively recording since the early 1970s. Film composer, notably for Paris, Texas and Crossroads. In-demand sideman. Has worked with Captain Beefheart, Gordon Lightfoot, Ali Farka Touré, Eric Clapton, the Buena Vista Social Club, the Rolling Stones (Sticky Fingers), Van Morrison, Neil Young, Randy Newman, Linda Ronstadt, Little Village, David Lindley, the Chieftains, the Doobie Brothers, Carla Olson, Taj Mahal, Longbranch Pennywhistle, John Hiatt (Bring The Family), Aaron Neville, Bill Frisell, and Warren ZevonMarch 15, 1947 ~ Percussionist, keyboardist, songwriter Stomu Yamashta born in Kyoto, Japan ~ Known for merging traditional Japanese beats with Western progresseive rock in the 1960s and 1970s. Fronted supergroup Go, which also included Steve Winwood, Al di Meola, Klaus Schulze and Michael Shrieve
March 15, 1946 ~ Guitarist, bassist, songwriter Doug Edwards born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Best known as a member of Skylark, co-penning their 1972 hit Wildflower. Later Edwards was a member of the Hometown Band and Chilliwack. He also guested on Glass Tiger's Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone and on the Poppy Family's Which Way You Going Billy ~ Edwards passed away in 2016
March 15, 1946 ~ Funk, rock guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Howard Scott born in San Pedro, California, USA ~ Influenced by TJ Summerville, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Wayne Bennett. Founding member, frontman of funk outfit War, known for songs such as The Cisco Kid, Slipping Into Darkness and Why Can't We Be Friends
March 15, 1946 ~ Guitarist Michelino Mavatiku Visi, also mononymously known as Michelino, born in Matadi, Congo ~ Played with Afrisa International, led by Tabu Ley Rochereau. Subsequently joined TPOK Jazz, considered one of the premier bands to come out of Congo
March 15, 1944 ~ Jazz pianist Joachim Kühn, full name Joachim Kurt Kühn, born in Leipzig, Germany ~ Brother of clarinetist Rolf Kühn, with whom he also worked. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Don Cherry, Karl Berger, Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Michel Portal, Barre Phillips, Ray Lema, Jean-Luc Ponty, Alphonse Mouzon, Billy Cobham, Michael Brecker, Jean-François Jenny-Clark, and Daniel Humair
March 15, 1944 ~ Keyboardist, percussionist, producer, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, full name Ralph Anthony MacDonald, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote Where Is The Love, a hit for Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway. Co-wrote Just The Two Of Us, a hit for Grover Washington Jr & Bill Withers. Closely associated with Harry Belafonte, backing Belafonte for about a decade through 1967. Co-founded Arista Music with Bill Eaton and William Salter. Has worked in one capacity or another with a wide array of artists including Burt Bacharach, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Art Garfunkel, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Miriam Makeba, David Sanborn, Steely Dan, Luther Vandross, Amy Winehouse, Ashford & Simpson, the Average White Band, the Brothers Johnson, Jimmy Buffett, Bob James, Ron Carter, Paul Desmond, Junior Mance, Max Roach, Shirley Scott, and Gábor Szabó ~ MacDonald passed away in 2011
March 15, 1943 ~ Sylvester Stewart, commonly known as inger, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Sly Stone, born in Denton, Texas, USA ~ Frontman of Sly & the Family Stone, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. Although their period of commercial success was brief, the band and in particular frontman Sly Stone have been acknowledged for their pioneering role, drawing from rock, gospel, psychedelia and R&B to create a high-energy hybrid, danceable and often with a unifying political message. Although less prolific, Stone is considered on par with James Brown and George Clinton in terms of impact, and is widely recognized for spearheading the emergence of psychedelic soul and funk. Retrospectively, Crawdaddy has credited Stone as “the founder of progressive soul”. Some of the band's best known songs include Dance To The Music, Stand, Hot Fun In The Summertime, and I Want To Take You Higher, and the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Everyday People, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), and Family Affair. The band effectively disbanded by the mid 1970s as Stone increasingly struggled with his demons and over time retreated from public life, becoming somewhat of a recluse. Regardless, the band's timeless recordings remain both beloved by listeners and influential on funk and hip hop artists to this day. Upon Sly & the Family Stone's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993, the Hall commented: “Their songs were more than danceable hits, they were a force for positive change. When Sly & the Family Stone played, we all got along. We were part of the family” ~ Stewart passed away in 2025March 15, 1942 ~ Drummer Hughie Flint born in Manchester, UK ~ Best known for his tenure with John Mayall as a member of the Bluesbreakers, including on John Mayall Plays John Mayall and the pivotal The Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton album. Also worked with Alexis Korner, Savoy Brown, McGuinness-Flint, Chanter, the Blues Band, Georgie Fame, and Champion Jack Dupree
March 15, 1942 ~ Country songwriter Wayland Holyfield born in Mallettown, Arkansas, USA ~ Got his first break when Johnny Russell scored a 1973 Billboard Country top 10 hit with Rednecks White Socks And Blue Ribbon Beer, co-written by Holyfield with Bob McDill and Chuck Neese. Holyfield is perhaps best known for co-writing several songs recorded by Don Williams including You're My Best Friend and Some Broken Hearts Never Mend, both of which have become standards, both a No.1 Billboard Country hit, both covered by over fifty artists. Other songs written or co-written by Holyfield have been recorded by Jeanne Pruett, Waylon Jennings, Crystal Gayle (I'll Do It All Over Again), Charley Pride (I'll Be Leaving Alone), Steve Wariner, Ronnie Milsap (Nobody Likes Sad Songs), Tammy Wynette, Charly McClain, Michael Martin Murphey (Don't Count The Rainy Days), Anne Murray (Could I Have This Dance), Julio Iglesias, George Jones, and George Strait ~ Holyfield passed away in 2024
March 15, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter, lyricist Mike Love born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Beach Boys, alongside his cousins Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson and their friend Al Jardine. Co-wrote songs such as Fun Fun Fun, I Get Around, Help Me Rhonda, California Girls, and Good Vibrations. Love also fronted the short-lived Celebration, and has recorded a number of solo albums, starting with Looking Back With Love released in 1981March 15, 1940 ~ Conductor, composer, arranger, TV personality Augusto Martelli born in Genoa, Italy ~ Best known as a composer for film and TV and as a host of various TV shows, especially on Canale 5 ~ Martelli passed away in 2014
March 15, 1940 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Jacques Hustin born in Liège, Belgium ~ Active since the mid 1960s enjoying popularity with songs such as Camelias. Internationally perhaps best known for representing his native Belgium at the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival with his self-penned Fleur De Liberté, reaching 9th place. Hustin would continue to record and perform throughout the 1980s, eventually retiring from music to focus on his painting career ~ Hustin passed away in 2009
March 15, 1940 ~ Singer, guitarist Jørgen Olsen born ~ Best known for, alongside Niels Olsen, forming the sibling outfits the Kids and the Olsen Brothers, winning the 2000 Eurovision Songfestival for their native Denmark with the song Fly On The Wings Of Love
March 15, 1940 ~ Rock, psychedelic rock, jam band bassist, trumpeter, singer Phil Lesh, full name Philip Chapman Lesh, born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Grateful Dead, a band especially acclaimed for a string of late 1960s, early 1970s albums including Anthem Of The Sun, Live/Dead, Workingman's Dead, and American Beauty. Bandmate drummer Mickey Hart has referred to Lesh as “the group's intellectual, who brought a classical composer's mindset and skills to a five-chord rock & roll band”. Following the Grateful Dead's disbandement in the mid 1990s, Lesh has worked with several spin-off groups and former bandmates including the Other Ones, Dead, and Furthur ~ Lesh passed away in 2024March 15, 1940 ~ Swamp pop singer, keyboardist, bassist, fiddler, percussionist, songwriter Tommy McLain, full name Thomas Murray McLain, born in Jonesville, Louisiana, USA ~ Spent the 1950s and 1960s playing in a number of regional bands, including most notably the Vel-tones and the Boogie Kings. As a solo artist, McClain would become best known for his rendition of Sweet Dreams, written and first recorded by Don Gibson. Prior to McClain's rendition, which reached No.15 Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 and briefly elevated the singer to national fame, the song had been recorded by Faron Young, Patsy Cline, and the Everly Brothers. McLain would remain a popular live act over the next couple of years, touring nationally with some of the biggest acts of the era, before fading from view. However, the Louisiana native would remain a popular regional act, eventually earning him the nickname “the King of Swamp Pop” and an induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. In 2022, McClain would release his first full-length album in over 40 years, I Ran Down Every Dream, which earned universal critical acclaim and featured guests and longtime fans such as Ivan Neville, Van Dyke Parks, Nick Lowe, and Elvis Costello, the latter of which has once described McLain as “one of the great unsung heroes of American vocalizing” ~ McLain passed away in 2025