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 22, 2026 ~ William Franklin Bowman, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Ronnie Bowman, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Sang gospel music from age three until his late teens alongside his siblings. Member of bluegrass outfit the Lost And Found during the late 1980s. Member of the Lonesome River Band from 1990 through 2001, with whom he recorded four albums including their acclaimed Old Country Town. During his tenure with the band, Bowman won the International Bluegrass Music Association's prestigious Male Vocalist of the Year Award three times, in 1995, 1998, and 1999. Bowman has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Cold Virginia Night in 1994, which featured guests such as Alison Krauss, Del McCoury, and Tony Rice, two albums with Band Of Rukhs which included former bandmates Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith of the Lonesome River Band, and has guested on albums by Petticoat Junction (Lonely Old Depot), Butch Robbins, Wyatt Rice (Picture In A Tear), Sammy Shelor, John Fogerty (Blue Moon Swamp), Suzanne Thomas, Aubrey Haynie, Rickie Simpkins, Melonie Cannon, Phil Leadbetter (Slide Effects), and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Bowman has also penned or co-penned songs recorded by Sammy Shelor, Lee Ann Womack (The Healing Kind), Brooks & Dunn (It's Getting Better All The Time), Kenny Chesney (Never Wanted Nothing More), Jake Owen, Ralph Stanley, the Grascals (Life Finds A Way), Chris Stapleton (Nobody To Blame), Curtis Wright, Josh Williams (Modern Day Man), and Irene Kelley. Upon hearing of his unexpected passing in a motorcycle accident, singer Rhonda Vincent stated: “He was one of the kindest people I've met. An incredible vocalist, prolific award-winning songwriter, but most of all just a beautiful person” ~ Bowman was born in 1961
March 22, 2025 ~ Rock guitarist Paul Wagstaff, also known as Wags, passed away ~ Well known figure in the Manchester scene, especially as a member of Paris Angels and subsequently Black Grape. The former enjoyed local popularity, releasing several singles at the turn of the 1990s notably Scope and Perfume prior to their sole album Sundew in 1991. Despite lacking a hit single, the album reached top 40 UK, and over time has garnered critical acclaim as a classic of the Madchester sound. However, due to the genre falling out of favor, the band was dropped by their label. Wagstaff would subsequently work with Black Grape, known for their critically and commercially successful It's Great When You're Straight (Yeah) album and its Reverend Black Grape UK top 10 single, as well as with a reformed late 1990s incarnation of the Happy Mondays, the Domino Bones, and on occassion with the Charlatans. On hearing of Wagstaff's passing, Paris Angels bandmate Scott Carey commented: “(Wagstaff's) talent was innate as was his ability to sniff out a good time at 50 paces, he had a wonderment about his soul” ~ Wagstaff was born in 1964March 22, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist, songwriter Tom Leadon passed away ~ Co-founding member of Mudcrutch, which also included a then-unknown Tom Petty, remaining with the band through 1972. Leadon also backed Johnny Rivers and Linda Ronstadt, and was a member of 1970s country-rock outfit Silver. In 1975 the Eagles, which included his brother guitarist Bernie Leadon, recorded Tom's original composition Hollywood Waltz for their One Of These Nights album ~ Leadon was born in 1952
March 22, 2022 ~ Pianist, songwriter Pierre Papadiamandis passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known for his association with Eddy Mitchell starting in the mid 1960s, initially as backing pianist and starting with 1966 J'Ai Oublié De L'Oublier serving as Mitchell's primary songwriter. Papadiamandis has written or co-written over 200 songs for Mitchell. Others who have recorded his songs include Ray Charles, Céline Dion, Grace Jones (I Need A Man), Michel Delpech, Johnny Hallyday, and Françoise Hardy ~ Papadiamandis was born in 1937
March 22, 2020 ~ Banjoist, steel guitarist, guitarist, dobroist, mandolinist Eric Weissberg passed away near Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for his banjo solo in Dueling Banjos working with Steve Mandell, used as the theme for the 1972 film Deliverance. Co-founded bluegrass outfit the Greenbriar Boys, known for guesting on a number of Joan Baez albums starting with Joan Baez Vol.2 released in 1962 ~ Weissberg was born in 1939
March 22, 2019 ~ Hans Joachim Boenke, commonly known as singer, songwriter Joe Hall, passed away in Peterborough, Canada ~ About a dozen albums to his name, starting with Joe Hall & the Eyeball Wine Company released in 1972. Especially known for his eccentric and often comedic stage appearance, performing in daring apparel such as a kilt with workboots and flowing bow tie and Frank Zappa-esque stage monologues. Boenke has collaborated with the likes of Daniel Lanois, the Continental Drift, and Willie P Bennett ~ Boenke was born in 1947
March 22, 2019 ~ Noel Scott Engel, commonly known as singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist Scott Walker passed away in London, UK ~ Rose to fame as frontman of the Walker Brothers, known for songs such as Make It Easy On Yourself (1965) and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore (1966). Has been recording solo albums since 1967's Scott, leaning towards baroque pop and avant-garde. Widely revered and admired by peers. Enjoyed a cult following from his debut onwards. Described as “one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in rock history” by the BBC ~ Engel was born in 1943
March 22, 2018 ~ Maria Grazia Morgana Messina, commonly known as jazz singer, actress Morgana King, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Well over 30 albums to her name from the 1950s through the 1990s. Especially acclaimed for her 1964 Miss Morgana King album and its follow-up It's A Quiet Thing the next year. Married to trumpeter Tony Fruscella from 1947 to 1956, to trombonist Willie Dennis from 1961 until his death in 1965. Has worked with Ben Aronov, Ronnie Bedford, Clifford Carter, Don Costa, Larry Fallon, Sammy Figueroa, Steve LaSpina, Ray Mantilla, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Puma, and Torrie Zito. Also known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Carmela Corleone in The Godfather and its sequel The Godfather Part II ~ Messina wasa born in 1930
March 22, 2017 ~ Soul, R&B singer, songwriter Billy Bland passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of 1950s band the Bees, known for songs such as Toy Bell and My Ding-a-ling. As a solo artist best known for Let The Little Girl Dance, a unexpected Billboard top 10 hit in 1960. Bland would follow up with two minor hits barely gracing the charts, namely Harmony and You Were Born To Be Loved before retiring from the music industry ~ Bland was born in 1932March 22, 2017 ~ John Thomas Hashian, commonly known as drummer Sib Hashian, passed away near Nassau, the Bahamas ~ Early member of Boston. Present on the band's first two albums, 1976's eponymous Boston and its 1978 Don't Look Back follow-up. Hashian would leave the band upon the return of original drummer Jim Masdea ~ Hashian was born in 1949
March 22, 2016 ~ Malik Isaak Taylor, commonly known as rapper Phife Dawg passed away in Oakley, California, USA ~ Reformed hip-hop, bridging the gap between jazz and hip-hop and paving the way for alternative hip-hop, in the 1990s as member of A Tribe Called Quest alongside Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi White. Well known songs include I Left My Wallet In El Segundo, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It, Check The Rhime, Jazz (We've Got), Scenario featuring Leaders Of The New School, Electric Relaxation, and Stressed Out featuring Faith Evans. Following the disbandement in the late 1990s Taylor released a solo solo album, 2000's Ventilation (Da LP), and would become an in-demand collaborator working with numerous artists from rap, hip-hop, spoken word and R&B ~ Taylor was born in 1970
March 22, 2013 ~ Dionisio Ramon Emilio Valdes Amaro, commonly known as pianist, composer Bebo Valdes, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Central figure in Cuban jazz. Father of pianist Chucho Valdes. Worked with the Orquesta Sabor de Cuba, Paquito d'Rivera, Rita Montaner, Benny Moré, Pio Leyva, Norman Granz, Rolando Laserie, Cachao, Diego el Cigala, Monna Bell, and Eladio Reinon ~ Valdés was born in 1918March 22, 2013 ~ Bradford Steven Ellington, commonly known as jazz drummer Steve Ellington passed away in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Picked up drums at 4, played with Ray Charles at 9. Continue on to play with Charles Brown, George Adams, Duke Pearson, Sam Rivers, June Christy, Joe Castro, Hampton Hawes, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Jackie McLean, Chet Baker, Stanley Turrentine, Mose Allison, Woody Shaw, Walter Davis Jr, Wilbur Ware, C-Sharpe, Billy Eckstine, Brick Jazz Funk Fusion, Art Farmer, Freddy Cole, Freddie Hubbard, Ike Isaacs, Maxine Sullivan, Harry Sweets Edison, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Dan Wall, Sonny Stitt, Dave Holland, Michel Petrucciani, Hal Galper, Steve Grossman, James Moody, and Johnny Griffin ~ Ellington was born in 1941
March 22, 2010 ~ William Charles Disley, commonly known as jazz guitarist Diz Disley, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Django Reinhardt. Collaborated with Stéphane Grappelli. Also worked with Ken Colyer, Mick Mulligan, George Melly, Cy Laurie, Sandy Brown, Kenny Ball, Alex Welsh, Nigel Kennedy, Big Jay McNeely, and Ray Campi ~ Disley was born in 1931
March 22, 2008 ~ Israel Lopez Valdes, commonly known as double bassist, composer Cachao, passed away in Coral Gables, Florida, USA ~ Influential on Cuban music from the 1930s to 1950s. Credited as co-creator of the mambo. Faded into obscurity in the 1970s. Career revival in the 1990s. Worked with the All Stars Cubano, Joe Cain, Kako, Carlos Montiel, Patato, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Rodriguez, the Salsa All-Stars, and Bebo Valdes ~ Valdés was born in 1918
March 22, 2008 ~ Arranger, composer, conductor Nook Schreier passed away in San Jose, California, USA ~ Wrote songs for artists such as Tiny Hill, Bobby Christian, Earl Backus, Mike Simpson, Sarah Vaughan, Vic Damone, and Patti Page. Traveled with the Smother Brothers as their conductor ~ Schreier was born in 1913
March 22, 2005 ~ Singer Gwen Stefani releases Hollaback Girl, lifted off her Love Angel Music Baby solo debut album ~ A “hollaback girl” is one of the lesser cheerleaders in the back of the pack. Gwen Stefani was triggered to write the song by a comment Hole's Courtney Love had made about her, who said: “Being famous is just like being in high school. But I'm not interested in being the cheerleader. I'm not interested in being Gwen Stefani. She's the cheerleader, and I'm out in the smoker shed.” Naturally, as Stefani considered herself the captain of the cheerleaders, rather than a “hollaback girl”, she sang “I ain't no hollaback girl”. Issued as a single off her solo debut album, Hollaback Girl would reach top 10 in over a dozen countries, including four consecutive weeks atop the American Billboard Hot 100 charts. Hollaback Girl was written by Stefani with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, the latter two also serving as the song's producers
March 22, 2005 ~ Guitarist Rod Price passed away in Wilton, New Hampshire, USA ~ Member of Black Cat Bones, replacing Paul Kossoff, known for their one critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful 1969 Barbed Wire Sandwich album. Best known as a member of Foghat since its formation, present on all albums through 1980. Helped shape the sound of the band through his distinctive slide guitar playing, which earned Price the nickname “the Magician of Slide” ~ Price was born in 1947March 22, 2004 ~ Rock guitarist Slobodan Kovacevic, full name Slobodan Adem Kovacevic, passed away in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina ~ Regarded as one of the most technically skilled guitarists in Yugoslavic rock. Founded Lutalice in the early 1960s. Best known as core member of Indexi from 1965 until lead singer Davorin Popovic's death in 2001. The group, considered pioneers of rock and psychedelic rock, is known for songs such as Svijet U Kome Zivim, Plima, Sve Ove Godine, and perhaps their best known Bacila Je Sve Niz Rijeku ~ Kovacevic was born in 1946
March 22, 2001 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Earl T Beal passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Baritone singer for doo-wop outfit the Silhouettes, known best for their 1957 hit Get A Job. Originally issued as the B-side to I Am Lonely, the A-side re-release would go on to sell a million copies and be the group's only hit ~ Beal was born in 1924
March 22, 1994 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Dan Hartman, full name Daniel Earl Hartman, passed away in Westport, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known as a solo artist scoring hist such as Relight My Fire, Instant Replay, I Can Dream About You, We Are The Young, and Second Nature. Member of the Edgar Winter Group, wrote Free Ride which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 20 in 1973. Wrote and produced Loleatta Holloway's Love Sensation of her 1980 album of the same name. Co-wrote James Brown's Living In America, which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 10 in 1986 ~ Hartman was born in 1950
March 22, 1994 ~ Country singer Tim McGraw releases his Not A Moment Too Soon sophomore album ~ Tim McGraw had released his eponymous Tim McGraw debut album the previous year, but it did not chart and none of the album's singles made the Billboard Country top 40, his highest-charting being Welcome To The Club stalling at No.47. His sophomore effort, however, would propel the young singer to stardom, Not A Moment Too Soon topping both the Billboard Country and all-genre Billboard Hot 200 album charts. All five of the album's singles reached top 10 Billboard Country, with Don't Take The Girl and the title track Not A Moment Too Soon both reaching the top spot, and the album earned McGraw an Academy of Country Music Award for Best Country Album as well as Top New Male Vocalist. Billboard would name the album the top country album in their year-end list. McGraw has recorded to consistent critical acclaim and commercial success since, and has scored some two dozen Billboard Country No.1 singles
March 22, 1991 ~ Singer, guitarist Dave Guard, full name Donald David Guard, passed away in Stratford County, New Hampshire, USA ~ Founding member of the Kingston Trio alongside Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane. Left the band in 1961 out of growing discomfort with his partners, replaced by John Stewart. Formed the Whiskeyhill Singers with Judy Henske, Cyrus Faryar and David Buck Wheat. Has also worked with Alex Hassilev, Mike Settle, Tim Buckley, and Tommy Makem ~ Guard was born in 1934March 22, 1990 ~ Indie pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Lisa Mitchell, full name Lisa Helen Mitchell, born in Canterbury, UK ~ First gained attention as a contestant on the 2006 edition of the talent show Australian Idol. Would release her Said One To The Other debut EP the following year, followed up with a full-length Wonder debut album in 2009. The album would reach Gold status and spawn the modest hit Coin Laundry
March 22, 1989 ~ Boris Daenen, commonly known as drum and bass DJ, producer Netsky, born in Edegem, Belgium ~ Released his eponymous Netsky debut album in 2010, its single Moving With You featuring Jenna G becoming a modest hit in his native Belgium. Subsequent hits include Give And Takae, Come Alive, We Can Only Live Today, Rio and perhaps his best known Here With You, the latter reaching top 10 in both Belgium and the Netherlands