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 3, 2026 ~ Roy Alan Bookbinder, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Roy Book Binder, passed away ~ Influenced by close friend Dave Van Ronk. Toured with Arthur Crudup and Homesick James. Over a dozen albums to his name, including a number of collaborations with fiddler Fats Kaplin notably Git Fiddle Shuffle released in 1975 ~ Bookbinder was born in 1943
March 3, 2025 ~ Bassist Bob Rupe passed away ~ Mainstay on the Virginia music scene. Perhaps best known as a member of indie rock outfit Cracker for most of the 1990s, appearing on the band's The Golden Age and Gentleman's Blues albums. Rupe was also a co-founding member of the Silos, a band especially acclaimed for their 1987 Cuba album and its eponymous The Silos follow-up released in 1990. Rupe has also served as engineer for a variety of artists, recorded with House Of Freaks, Gutterball, and supergroup Sparklehorse, and guested on albums by Freedy Johnston (Can You Fly), Lauren Hoffman, Garrison Starr (Eighteen Over Me), Joan Osborne, Steve Wynn, and Daniel Johnston ~ Rupe was born in 1956
March 3, 2024 ~ Southern rock, country rock drummer Brit Turner passed away ~ Member of Blackberry Smoke, which also included his brother bassist Richard Turner, with whom he has recorded a little over half a dozen albums since the early 2000s. The band draws mainly from Southern rock, inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd, with a solid dose of bluegrass, gospel, and R&B added for good measure. They are noted for being the first independent country band to score a Billboard Country No.1 album with All The Roses released in 2015. The band's next three albums would also reach top 10, with Like An Arrow also reaching top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 200. Diagnosed with glioblastoma, Turner retired from performing in late 2022. Following his death at age 57, the band issued a statement saying: “Brit was Blackberry Smoke's True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band” ~ Turner was born in 1966
March 3, 2024 ~ Elnora Ruth Procter, commonly known jazz singer Eleanor Collins, passed away in Surrey, Canada ~ Dubbed Canada's “First Lady of Jazz”. Active since her mid-teens. Critically compared to Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald. Has performed in stage productions of of Finian's Rainbow, Kiss Me Kate, and You Can't Take It With You. Well known for her association with several radio and TV shows, notably Bamboula (A Day In The West Indies), the first variety TV show featuring an interracial cast, and her own The Eleanor Show aired from 1955 onwards making her the first female, the first person of colour, and the first jazz singer to headline a show on national TV. Collins would continue to perform in clubs and concert into the 1980s ~ Procter was born in 1919
March 3, 2023 ~ Gospel, country singer Calvin Newton passed away in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, USA ~ Briefly sang with Southern gospel quartet the Blackwood Brothers during the late 1940s. Lead singer for the Oak Ridge Boys from 1953 through 1956. Formed early 1960s gospel trio the Sons Of Song with Don Butler and Bob Robinson, known best for their 1961 Wasted Years debut album. The group is generally regarded as one of the pioneering acts in what would later become known as CCM. In later years Newton would revert to a life of crime, serving time for theft, counterfeiting and drug offences. In his seventies Newton would end his estrangement from the gospel community, aided by longtime friend Jake Hess and record and perform with dozens of former colleagues ~ Newton was born in 1929
March 3, 2023 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, jazz-funk saxophonist Carlos Garnett passed away ~ Self-taught tenor soloist. First gained attention backing Freddie Hubbard on the 1969 album A Soul Experiment for which Garnett wrote the originals No Time To Lose and Hang 'Em Up. Would go on to work with Art Blakey, Pharoah Sanders, Norman Connors, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis (On The Corner), Robin Kenyatta, Denroy Morgan, and Charles Earland. As a solo artist, leader over half a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for the albums Journey To Enlightenment and Black Love, both released in 1974 ~ Garnett was born in 1938
March 3, 2023 ~ Rock, country rock, roots rock singer, guitarist, bassist, banjoist, mandolinist, songwriter David Lindley, full name David Perry Lindley, passed away ~ Co-founding member of Kaleidoscope, with whom he recorded four albums. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 would go on to become an in-demand touring and session musician. Closely associated with Jackson Browne, appearing on key albums such as For Everyman, Late For The Sky, The Pretender, and Running On Empty. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early 1980s and noted especially for El Rayo X and Win This Album. Has also appeared on albums by America, Terry Reid, Linda Ronstadt (Heart Like A Wheel), Rod Stewart (Atlantic Crossing), Joe Walsh, Warren Zevon, Dolly Parton (Here You Come Again), Karla Bonoff, Marshall Crenshaw, Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin, and Bruce Springsteen ~ Lindley was born in 1944
March 3, 2022 ~ Reggae singer Denroy Morgan passed away in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA ~ First gained attention as member of New York-based 1970s reggae outfit the Black Eagles. Would go on to a successful solo career from the 1980s onwards, perhaps best known for his reggae, dance hit I'll Do Anything For You of his 1981 album of the same name. Would become the first reggae artist to be signed to RCA Records, resulting in the 1984 album Make My Day. Several of Morgan's offspring would also become professional musicians, notably his sons Gramps Morgan and Laza Morgan ~ Morgan was born in 1945March 3, 2021 ~ Duff Clark Jackson, commonly known as jazz drummer Duffy Jackson, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ The son of bandleader Chubby Jackson, Duffy has inherited his father's exuberant sense of enthusiasm. As a leader, Jackson has released one moderately received album, 1995's Swing Swing Swing. Yet as an in-demand sideman, Jackson has definitely left his mark, notably appearing on albums by Monty Alexander, Grover Mitchell, Eddie Miller (It's Miller Time), Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, the Manhattan Transfer, Illinois Jacquet (Jacquet's Got It), Jon Hendricks (Freddie Freeloader), George Benson, Billy Ross, Turk Mauro (Hittin' The Jug), and Sonny Stitt ~ Jackson was born in 1953
March 3, 2021 ~ Comedian, painter, songwriter Jeroen van Merwijk passed away in Saint-Juliette, France ~ Best known as a cabaretier, comedian. As a songwriter known for his work with the radio show Spijkers Met Koppen, Karin Bloemen, Harrie Jekkers, Hans Dorrestijn, Adèle Bloemendaal ~ Van Merwijk was born in 1955
March 3, 2020 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Bo Starander passed away ~ Co-founded the Rebels with Björn Thelin, initially a duo. With over time a number of additions and name changes, the band would find succes as the Spotnicks, scoring 1960s hits such as Amapola, Ol' Man River, Drina, Just Listen To My Heart, Spanish Gypsy Dance, and Papa Oom Mow Mow ~ Starander was born in 1942March 3, 2017 ~ Bassist Lyle Ritz passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ In-demand session musician from the 1960s through the 1980s. Present on songs such as You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' by the Righteous Brothers, A Taste Of Honey by Herb Alpert, and Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys. Can also be heard on albums by Sonny & Cher, Harper's Bizarre, Van Dyke Parks (Song Cycle), Mason Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Randy Newman (12 Songs), Emitt Rhodes, Loudon Wainwright III, Dan Hicks, and Randy Edelman ~ Ritz was born in 1930
March 3, 2016 ~ R&B singer, songwriter, producer Gavin Christopher passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of Lyfe, which also included Chaka Khan. Member of High Voltage. Best known for writing several Rufus tracks, Once You Get Started, Dance With Me, and Fools Paradise. As a solo artist best known for his sole Billboard Hot 100 charter One Step Closer To You. Has produced artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and Ritchie Family, as well as mentored a young Mariah Carey ~ Christopher was born in 1949March 3, 2014 ~ Contemporary, avant-garde, electronic composer Robert Ashley, full name Robert Reynolds Ashley, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Best known for his television operas and theatrical works, often incorporating electronics. Best known for his 1983 TV opera Perfect Lives, reissued on DVD in 2005. Has worked consistently with Joan La Barbara, Thomas Buckner, and Jacqueline Humbert ~ Reynolds was born in 1930
March 3, 2013 ~ Singer. songwriter Bobby Rogers, full name Robert Edward Rogers, passed away in Soutfield, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as longtime member of the Miracles. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best remembered, including That's What Love Is Made Of and Going To A Go-Go, as well as hits for other Motown artists such as the Temptations (The Way You Do The Things You Do), Mary Wells (What Love Has Joined Together), the Contours (First I Look At The Purse), and Marvin Gaye (One More Heartache) ~ Rogers was born in 1940
March 3, 2012 ~ Accordionist, pianist, clarinetist Frank Marocco passed away in San Fernando Valley, California, USA ~ Generally regarded as one of the premier accordionists, primarily active in jazz and classical circles. As a solo artist known for his 1960 Like Frank Marocco album. To pop and rock audiences best known for his association with the Beach Boys, appearing on the landmark Pet Sounds album released in 1966. Has also guested on albums by Dan Fogelberg, Danny O'Keefe, Tracy Chapman (Crossroads), Ry Cooder, Phil Collins, and Eric Clapton ~ Marocco was born in 1931
March 3, 2012 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Ronnie Montrose passed away in Brisbane, California, USA ~ Regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in early hard rock. Frontman, eponym of Montrose from 1973 through 1977, the band's eponymous Montrose debut album often cited as America's answer to Led Zeppelin. Subsequently led Gamma from 1979 through 1983. In-demand session musician, worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Herbie Hancock, Beaver & Krause, Boz Scaggs, Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Dan Hartman, the Hoodoo Rhythm Devils, Lauren Wood, Earth Quake, the Neville Brothers, Marc Bonilla, and Sammy Hagar ~ Montrose was born in 1947
March 3, 2011 ~ Classical pianist, composer Aldo Clementi passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Known for works such as Cantata, Episodi, and Sette Scene Da Collage. His music has been performed by ensembles such as Trio Accanto, Quatuor Bozzini, and the Ives Ensemble. Clementi is also known for teaching music theory at the University of Bolgona from 1971 through 1992 ~ Clementi was born in 1925March 3, 2008 ~ Operatic tenor Giuseppe di Stefano passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Dubbed “the Golden Voice” and generally regarded as one of the all-time greatest Italian singer active from the 1940s through the 1990s. Served as an inspiration and role model for Luciano Pavarotti. Frequent counterpart to Maria Callas, notably in 1950s recordings of operas such as Lucia Di Lammermoor, Tosca, Pagliacci, and Rigoletto ~ Di Stefano was born in 1921
March 3, 2008 ~ Producer, recording engineer, singer Norman Hurricane Smith passed away in East Sussex, UK ~ Best known as a studio engineer and producer. Engineered close to a 100 tracks for the Beatles. Produced the Pink Floyd albums Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, A Saucerful Of Secrets and Ummagumma. As a singer, Smith released a handful singles in the early 1970s, most notably Oh Babe What Would You Say which reached the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic ~ Smith was born in 1923
March 3, 2006 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist Charlie Hodge, full name Charles Franklin Hodge, passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of 1950s gospel group the Foggy River Boys. Best known as confidante, advisor, stage manager and friend of Elvis Presley, whom he befriended during the latter's Army service. Hodge lived at Presley's Graceland home for over 15 years, starting in the early 1960s and play an important role in Presley's career, advising him on which songs to record and who to hire for his backing band ~ Hodge was born in 1934
March 3, 2002 ~ Songwriter, singer Harlan Howard, full name Harlan Perry Howard, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Although a singer with a distinctive voice, Howard is most revered as a songwriter, responsible for country classics such as Pick Me Up On Your Way Down, Heartaches By The Number, I Fall To Pieces, Everglades, The Key's In The Mailbox, Life Turned Her That Way, and Busted. Had his songs recorded by Ray Price, Guy Mitchell, Patsy Cline, Charlie Rich, the Kingston Trio, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Patty Loveless, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Kitty Wells, Jim Reeves, John Conlee, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Mel Tillis, the Forester Sisters, Brenda Lee, and the Judds ~ Howard was born in 1927
March 3, 1997 ~ Singer Camila Cabello born in Cojimar, Cuba ~ Rose to prominence as member of girl group Fifth Harmony through 2016, present on songs such as Worth It featuring Kid Ink and Work From Home featuring Ty Dolla $ign. Also known as a solo artist, releasing her well-received Camila debut album in 2018, and for a number of high-profile collaborations such as I Know What You Did Last Summer with Shawn Mendes, Bad Things with Machine Gun Kelly and Hey Ma with PitbullMarch 3, 1991 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Sal Nistico, full name Slavatore Nistico, passed away in Berne, Switzerland ~ Worked with Woody Herman, Count Basie, Carl Fontana, Nat Pierce, Michael Moore, Nat Adderley, Don Ellis, Buddy Rich, Stan Tracey, Joe Haider, Fritz Pauer, Johnny Griffin, Roman Schwaller, Paul Grabowsky, Roberto DiGiola, Thomas Stabenow, Joris Dudil, Mario Gonzi, Curtis Fuller, Helen Merrill, Pony Poindexter, and Sarah Vaughan ~ Nistico was born in 1940
March 3, 1987 ~ David Daniel Kaminsky, commonly known as actor, singer, dancer Danny Kaye, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Starred in close to 20 feature films from the late 1930 through the 1960s. Known for his comedy routine, pantomimes and novelty songs. Released a number of albums, starting with 1949's eponymous Danny Kaye album. Has collaborated with the Andrews Sisters (Civilization (Bong Bong Bong)), Gordon Jenkins, Eileen Wilson, and with Louis Armstrong ~ Kaminsky was born in 1911