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 2, 1952 ~ Saxophonist Paul Williams opens the Moondog Coronation Ball, Cleveland, Ohio, a concert generally accepted as the first major rock & roll concert ~ The event at the Cleveland Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, organized by radio DJ Alan Freed, is considered to be the first rock & roll concert, in spite of the show shutting down after opening act Paul Williams' first song. More tickets were printed than the venue's actual capacity, in part to counterfeiting and a printing error. As some 20,000 visitors tried to get in, the venue's capacity only somewhat over 10,000, the fire department shut down the concert out of safety concerns. Freed would make a on-air apology the following day. Other acts that were supposed to have played the ball included Tiny Grimes, the Dominoes, Varetta Dillard, and Danny Cobb
March 2, 1951 ~ Ferenc Balázs, commonly known as rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Fecó Balázs, born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Member of Neoton Familia. Member of Taurus, generally regarded as Hungary's first hard rock band. Founded rock band Koral, one of the most popular Hungarian bands of the 1980s ~ Balázs passed away in [artist-feco-balazs]
March 2, 1950 ~ Rock, progressive rock bassist, guitarist, singer Helmut Köllen born in Cologne, Germany ~ Best known as bassist for Triumvirat during the mid 1970s, replacing Hans-Georg Pape. Present on band's best known albums, starting with Illusions On A Double Dimple released in 1974 and its follow-up Spartacus released the following year. Köllen sole solo album, You Won't See Me, would be released posthumously after his death at age 27 ~ Köllen passed away in 1977
March 2, 1950 ~ Singer, drummer Karen Carpenter, full name Karen Anne Carpenter, born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Praised for her three-octave vocal range. Alongside pianist, singer Richard Carpenter formed the sibling duo the Carpenters, known for a string of lush soft-rock hits, mostly in the 1970s, including Billboard top 10 hits such as (They Long To Be) Close To You), We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days And Mondays, the Leon Russell & Bonnie Bramlett-penned Superstar, Yesterday Once More and Top Of The World ~ Carpenter passed away in 1983
March 2, 1948 ~ Jazz fusion, rock, pop guitarist Larry Carlton born in Torrence, California, USA ~ Renowned session musician. Member of the Wrecking Crew, 4play, and of the Crusaders. Appeared on hundreds of recordings by artists such as Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, BB King, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Bobby Blue Bland, Sammy Davis Jr, Paulinho Da Costa, the 5th Dimension, Herb Alpert, Christopher Cross, Dolly Parton, the Partridge Family, Mike Post, Donald Fagen, Townes Van Zandt, Eumir Deodato, Aaron Neville, and Michael McDonaldMarch 2, 1948 ~ Jazz double bassist Phil Bowler, full name Phillip Charles Bowler, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Headed his own quartet, Pocket Jungle, in the early 1990s. As a sideman played with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Hugh Masekela, Joe Lee Wilson, Wynton Marsalis, Big Nick Nicholas, Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis, Ralph Peterson Jr, Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, Carla White, Sal Salvador, Newman Taylor Baker, Max Roach, and Jackie McLean
March 2, 1948 ~ Rock, pop keyboardist, songwriter, film composer Ralph Schuckett born ~ Member of Todd Rundgren's 1970s progressive rock band Utopia. In-demand session musician, noted for appearing on the Carole King-albums Writer, Tapestry and Music. Also worked with Clear Light, the Peanut Butter Conspiracy, and notably Sophie B Hawkins, responsible for signing the latter while he was working as a staff producer at Columbia Records ~ Schuckett passed away in 2021
March 2, 1948 ~ Blues rock, rock guitarist, singer Rory Gallagher, full name William Rory Gallagher, born in Ballyshannon, Ireland ~ Guitar virtuoso rooted in blues. Founded 1960s band the Taste. Best known as a solo artist, debuting in 1971 with the eponymous Rory Gallagher album. Influenced artists such as the Edge, Slash, Johnny Marr, Janick Gers, Alex Lifeson, Glenn Tipton, Gary Moore, and Joe Bonamassa ~ Gallagher passed away in 1995
March 2, 1947 ~ Anders Sture Torbjörn Rogefeldt, commonly known as singer, guitarist Pugh Rogefeldt, born in Vasterås, Sweden ~ Active since the late 1960s. At the time one of the few to sing in Swedish. Known for songs such as Små Latta Moln, Här Kommer Natten, Föräldralåten, Hog Farm, Dinga Linga Lena, and Stockholm. Passionate about old Norse religion, a subject which frequently showed up in his music ~ Rogefeldt passed away in 2023
March 2, 1946 ~ Eli Tatarsky, commonly known as R&B guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer Bobby Eli, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of seminal Philadelphia studio band MFSB. In-demand songwriter, producer, wrote or co-wrote hits such as Main Ingredient's Just Don't Want To Be Lonely, Major Harris' Love Won't Let Me Wait, and Fat Larry's Band's Zoom. Others who have recorded his songs include Wilson Pickett, Blue Magic, Engelbert Humperdinck, Atlantic Starr, and the Dells. As a studio guitarist Tatarsky has appeared on recordings by Billy Paul, the O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Marlena Shaw, the Stylistics, the Delfonics, Barbara Mason, the People's Choice, the Salsoul Orchestra, the Trammps, the Whispers, Ronnie Dyson, First Choice, Grace Jones, Gloria Gaynor, and McFadden & Whitehead ~ Tatarsky passed away in 2023
March 2, 1945 ~ Clarinetist, comedian, radio and television personality Christian Morin born in Bordeaux, France ~ Best known as game show host, enjoying popularity in the 1980s . Has released a handful of recordings as a clarinetist and starred in the the 1982 musical comedy Envoyez La Musique alongside Annie CordyMarch 2, 1945 ~ Jazz, traditional pop singer Doris Day records My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time ~ Written by Vic Mizzy and Manny Curtis for the 1944 film In Society, introduced by Marion Hutton. A number of hit versions were recorded in 1944 and 1945, however, the biggest hit would be Doris Day's, featuring backing from Les Brown and his orchestra, which reached the top of the pop charts. Other early versions were recorded by Louis Prima, Perry Como, and Vera Lynn
March 2, 1942 ~ Jazz, swing guitarist Charlie Christian, full name Charles Henry Christian, passed away in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Pioneering guitarist considered an innovator on the electric guitar. Rose to fame at the turn of the 1940s as a member of Benny Goodman's ensemble, including on classic sides such as Soft Winds, Stardust, Memories Of You, Poor Butterfly, I Surrender Dear, and On The Alamo. Though his success was brief, his career cut short by his untimely death of tuberculosis at a mere age 25, Christian is considered one of the all-time most important guitarists, helping bring the guitar to the forefront, predating both bebop and cool jazz, and a major influence on jazz artists such as trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Charlie Parker, and pianist Thelonious Monk, as well as a wide range of guitarists from just about every genre including T-Bone Walker, Eddie Cochran, Cliff Gallup, Scotty Moore, Chuck Berry, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, and Carlos Santana. At his induction in 1990, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame stated “Christian took electric guitar out of the rhythm section and into the spotlight, (his) single-string technique proving that the guitar could be a lead instrument” ~ Christian was born in 1916
March 2, 1942 ~ Lewis Allan Reed, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Lou Reed, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ First gained attention as guitarist, singer, principal songwriter of the influential 1960s outfit the Velvet Underground, writing or co-writing some of the band's best known including All Tomorrow's Parties, Waiting For The Man and Venus In Furs. Reed would go on to become one of the most celebrated solo artists of the 1970s, acclaimed for albums such as Transformer, Rock 'n Roll Animal and Coney Island Baby. Well known songs include Walk On The Wild Side, Satellite Of Love, Sweet Jane and Perfect Day ~ Reed passed away in 2013March 2, 1940 ~ Film composer Andrzej Korzynski, full name Andrzej Waldemar Korzynski, born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Best known for scoring the soundtracks for The Birch Wood, The Devil, Man Of Marble and Possession ~ Korzynski passed away in 2022
March 2, 1938 ~ Singer Lawrence Payton, full name Lawrence Albert Payton, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Key member of the Four Tops, credited with most of the band's vocal arrangements. Sang lead on songs such Until You Love Someone and Feel Free. The group stayed together in its original line-up, consisting of Payton, Levi Stubbs, Duke Fakir and Renaldo Benson, for well over three decades from the mid 1960s until Payton's death. Well known songs include Baby I Need Your Lovin', I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch), Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever, Reach Out I'll Be There, Bernadette, and Ain't No Woman Like The One I've Got ~ Payton passed away in 1997
March 2, 1936 ~ Jazz, free jazz cellist, double bassist Buell Neidlinger born in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered a child prodigy on the cello. Studied orchestral music at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, but dropped out after the first year. Especially known for his association with Cecil Taylor, backing the pianist on over half a dozen albums including Jazz Advance, Looking Ahead, and Air. In the classical world, Neidlinger is known for his tenure as principal bassist for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. In-demand session musician for a wide variety of artists, including notably prents on I Left My Heart In San Francisco by Tony Bennett, and Hotel California by the Eagles. Neidlinger has also guested on albums by Steve Lacy (Soprano Sax), Jean-Luc Ponty, Van Dyke Parks (Discover America), Neil Diamond, Peter Rowan, David Grisman (Hot Dawg), Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, Stewart Copeland (Rumble Fish), Diane Schuur, Leo Kottke (A Shout Toward Noon), Ry Cooder, Anthony Braxton, Rubén Blades, Elvis Costello (Spike), Natalie Cole, Bob Seger, Lindsey Buckingham (Out Of The Cradle), Clint Black, Carmen Lundy, and Bonnie Raitt (Longing In Their Hearts). Neidlinger has also consistently recorded as a leader, and is especially acclaimed for the albums Big Day At Ojai, Locomotive, and Blue Chopsticks ~ Neidlinger passed away in 2018
March 2, 1934 ~ Joyce Reba Luttrell, commonly known as country, southern gospel singer, songwriter Dottie Rambo, born in Madisonville, Kentucky, USA ~ Member of Singing Rambos, alongside husband Buck Rambo and daughter Reba Rambo. Best known as a songwriter with reportedly over 2,500 songs to her name. Artists who recorded Rambo's songs include Solomon Burke, Johnny Cash, Carol Channing, Barbara Fairchild, Larry Gatlin, Crystal Gayle, Vince Gill, Wanda Jackson, George Jones, Alison Krauss, Jerry Lee Lewis, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe, the Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Jeannie C Riley, Connie Smith, Hank Snow, Mel Tillis, Rhonda Vincent, Porter Wagoner, and Dottie West ~ Rambo passed away in 2008
March 2, 1934 ~ Jazz double bassist Doug Watkins born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Known best as accompaniest to hard bop artists such as Donald Byrd and Jackie McLean. Original member of Art Blakey's pivotal unit the Jazz Messengers, notably on the At The Café Bohemia series. Appeared on albums by Hank Mobley, Horace Silver, Gene Ammons (Jammin' With Gene), Sonny Rollins (Saxophone Colossus), Horace Silver, Kenny Burrell, Phil Woods, Lee Morgan (Candy), Herbie Mann, Yusef Lateef (Jazz Mood), Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Art Farmer, Wilbur Harden (Mainstream), Tina Brooks, Benny Golson (Gettin' With It), Big Joe Turner, Coleman Hawkins (In A Mellow Tone), Charles Mingus (Oh Yeah), Red Garland, and Mal Waldron ~ Watkins passed away in 1962March 2, 1931 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records One More Time ~ Written by Buddy DeSylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson. It would be Bing Crosby's last recording as a big band singer, backed by Gus Arnheim's orchestra, before becoming a soloist. The song would also be recorded by Roy Fox and his band featuring vocalist Al Bowlly the same year and by Gordon Macrae in 1956 used in the The Best Things In Life Are Free film
March 2, 1930 ~ Harvey Zimmerman, commonly known as songwriter Bill Giant, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-writing some 40 songs for Elvis Presley, usually with Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye. Well known songs include Fountain Of Love, Roustabout, Paradise Hawaiian Style, Edge Of Reality and notably (You're The) Devil In Disguise. Others who recorded his songs include Mickey Denton, the Everly Brothers (That's Old Fashioned (That's The Way Love Should Be)), and Gene Chandler ~ Zimmerman passed away in 1987
March 2, 1923 ~ Producer, label executive Orrin Keepnews born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ One of the most respected jazz producers. The Bill Evans composition Re: Person I Knew is a tribute to Keepnews, the title an anagram of his name. Keepnews has produced numerous albums, including for Kenny Drew, Randy Weston (Jazz A La Bohemia), Mundell Lowe, Sonny Rollins (The Sound Of Sonny), Coleman Hawkins, Joe Albany (Right Combination), Wilbur Ware, Thelonious Monk (Brilliant Corners), Phineas Newborn Jr, Benny Golson, Abbey Lincoln (It's Magic), Max Roach, Charlie Byrd, Johnny Griffin, Blue Mitchell (Out Of The Blue), Nat Adderley, Sam Jones (The Soul Society), Bobby Timmons, Jimmy Heath, Wes Montgomery (Movin' Along), Julian Priester, René Thomas, Barry Harris, Teri Thornton, Odetta (Odetta And The Blues), Junior Mance, Art Blakey (Caravan), Lee Konitz, and Joe Henderson ~ Keepnews passed away in 2015
March 2, 1922 ~ Musicologist, conductor, radio producer Denis Stevens, full name Denis William Stevens, born in High Wycombe, UK ~ Co-founded the Ambrosian Singers with John McCarthy, a choral group known best for their association with the BBC. The group would also serve as a training ground for artists such as Heather Harper, Dorothy Dorow, Margaret Price, Robert Tear, and John Shirley-Quirk ~ Stevens passed away in 2004March 2, 1921 ~ Composer, conductor, orchestrator, songwriter Dick Hazard, full name Richard Hazard, born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Film and TV composer known for scoring the music for TV series such as Mission Impossible, Mannix, The Partners and films such as Some Call It Loving and With This Ring ~ Hazard passed away in 2000
March 2, 1915 ~ Conductor, composer, musicologist Anthony Lewis, full name Anthony Carey Lewis, born in Bermuda ~ 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 passed away in 1983