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 9, 1985 ~ Robert Alexander Blackwell, commonly known as producer, songwriter Robert Bumps Blackwell, passed away in Whittier, California, USA ~ Pivotal to early rock & roll, R&B. Closely associated with Little Richard, working on songs such as Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally, Good Golly Miss Molly, Ready Teddy and Rip It Up. Also worked with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Lloyd Price, Sam Cooke, Herb Alpert, Larry Williams, and Guitar Slim ~ Blackwell was born in 1918
March 9, 1984 ~ Priscilla Natalie Hartranft, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist, banjoist, songwriter Priscilla Ahn, born in Fort Stewart, Georgia, USA ~ Modern indie folk singer with over half a dozen albums to her name, starting with her acclaimed 2008 A Good Day debut produced by Joey Waronker. Several of Ahn's songs have been used in films, notably Dream in the romantic comedy Bride Wars, and Find My Way Back Home in the drama film My Sister's Keeper. Ahn has toured with Willie Nelson, Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne, Devotchka, and Joshua Radin, and guested on recordings by Jason Karaban, Cary Brothers, Ben Arnold, TV On The Radio, and Hollow Coves
March 9, 1983 ~ Latin pop singer, pianist, songwriter, actress Maite Perroni, full name Maite Perroni Beorlegui, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Rose to prominence in the mid 2000s as member of RBD, a band associated with the telenovela Rebelde, and one of the best-selling Latin groups of all-time with over 15 million records sold over a 5-year existence. After the band disbanded in 2009 Perroni would continue to work as an actress and a solo singer, releasing her full-length Eclipse De Luna solo debut album in 2013
March 9, 1980 ~ Howard Bailey Jr, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer Chingy, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Debuted in 2003 with the full-length album Jackpot, which would sell 2 million copies. Best known for songs such as Right Thurr, Holidae In featuring Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, and Pullin' Me Back featuring Tyrese. Has guested on recordings by Busta Rhymes, J Kwon, DJ Quik, Mack 10, T-Pain, and Omega Crosby
March 9, 1979 ~ Singer Kate Bush releases Wow, lifted off her Lionheart sophomore album ~ Wow finds the singer portraying a movie star, the song telling of various aspects of show business in general. Kate Bush would later explain, specifically referencing the music industry: “people say that the music business is about ripoffs, the rat race, competition, strain, people trying to cut you down, and so on, and though that's all there, there's also the magic.” When writing the song, the singer had tried to emulate the spacey sound of Pink Floyd. The single would reach top 20 both in Ireland and her native UKMarch 9, 1975 ~ Bernice Maude Gant, commonly known as singer, actress Shirley Ross, passed away in Menlo Park, California, USA ~ Appeared in over two dozen feature films. Best known for duetting with Bing Crosby on Blue Hawaii in the Waikiki Wedding, and with Bob Hope on Thanks For The Memory in The Big Broadcast Of 1938 ~ Gant was born in 1909
March 9, 1974 ~ In its 18th week on the charts, Rock On by David Essex peaks at No.5 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Essex had recorded, to little success, throughout the 1960s, yet would become more in-demand as an actor. Landing a role in the 1973 film That'll Be The Day, which also featured Ringo Starr and Keith Moon, David Essex asked the film's producer if he could write the closing song for the film. Essex came up with Rock On, a song that summons the rebellious nature of his character amid the backdrop of rock & roll. The song would not be used in the film. However, it did land him a record deal with CBS, and became an international hit, reaching top 10 in Australia, America, Canada, and his native UK. The song would be his sole American hit, yet he would score over half a dozen more top 10 hits at home including the No.1 hit Hold Me Close in 1975. In America, another musician turned actor Michael Damian would later notably cover Rock On, surpassing the original as it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989March 9, 1974 ~ Harris Womack, commonly known as gospel, R&B, soul, doo-wop singer, bassist Harry Womack, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Valentinos, known for launching the careers of Bobby Womack and Cecil Womack and for recording the original versions of Lookin' For A Love and It's All Over Now. The former would be notably covered by the J Geils Band, the latter by the Rolling Stones ~ Womack was born in 1945
March 9, 1971 ~ Diego Antonio Caccia, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, actor Diego Torres, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Son of singer, actress Lolita Torres. Active since the late 1980s. Member of La Marca. Released his eponymous Diego Torres solo debut album in 1992, which reached triple Platinum status in his native Argentina. Would go on to score hits throughout the 2010s, well known songs including Penélope, Sé Que Ya No Volveras, Cantar Hasta Morir, Déjame Estar and Guapa
March 9, 1970 ~ Rock percussionist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Shannon Leto born in Bossier City, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for co-founding Thirty Seconds To Mars, which also included his baby brother Jared Leto. The band reached international mainstream succes with their 2005 A Beautiful Lie sophomore album and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Leto has also worked on several side projects, notably collaborating with Antoine Becks and as a member of short-lived supergroup the Wondergirls which also included Scott Weiland, Martyn Lenoble and Troy van Leeuwen
March 9, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor Adam Siegel born in Venice, California, USA ~ Influenced by Kiss, Black Sabbath, Sweet, Jimmy Page, and the Sex Pistols. Founding member of crossover thrash outfit Excel, with whom he recorded three studio albums starting with 1987's Split Image. Lead guitarist for metal supergroup the Infectious Grooves, which initially started as a side project for Suicidal Tendencies lead singer Mike Muir. Founded power trio My Head. Played bass for indie rock outfit Eels, appearing on albums such as Souljacker and Electro-Shock Blues ShowMarch 9, 1968 ~ Keyboardist, bassist Andy Barker born ~ Member of 808 State, notably present on the 1988 Quadrastate EP. Would go on to record a small number of songs under the monikers Atlas and Benaco ~ Barker passed away in 2021
March 9, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine at Columbia Music Row Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Penned by Bob Dylan. Produced by Bob Johnston. Included on the 1966 Blonde On Blonde album. Dylan is backed on the track by some of Nashville's finest session musicians including Jerry Kennedy, Joe South, Wayne Moss and Robbie Robertson guitars, Hargus Pig Robbins piano, Bill Aikins organ, Henry Strzelecki bass and Charlie McCoy trumpet. The song would be released twice as a single, once in 1974 making it a concert favorite at the time as well, and once in 2007 as reworked and remixed by Mark Ronson for the compilation album Dylan
March 9, 1962 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Peter Wishart born ~ Briefly a member of Big Country during the early 1980s, alongside his brother bassist Alan Wishart. Best known as a longtime member of Runrig, remaining with the band from 1986 through 2001. Politician for the Scottish SNP, first elected to the House of Commons in 2001
March 9, 1961 ~ Ragtime, dixieland clarinetist, bandleader, composer Wilbur Sweatman, full name Wilbur Coleman Sweatman, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Became the youngest bandleader in 1901 by leading the the Forepaugh & Sells Circus Band band. Trailblazer in the racial integration of musical groups. Has worked with the PG Lowery Band, WC Handy, the Mahara Minstrels, and Scott Joplin ~ Sweatman was born in 1882
March 9, 1960 ~ Violinist, conductor Florence Malgoire born in Dugny, France ~ Considered a specialist of the ancient violin. In-demand solo violinist, known for her associations with baroque ensembles such as La Chapelle Royale, Les Talens Lyriques, and Les Arts Florissants. Founded Les Dominos, an ensemble specializing in 17th and 18th century music. Co-founded chamber music ensemble Les Nièces De Rameau. Has conducted works by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Jean-Féry Rebel, George Frideric Handel, Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ~ Malgoire passed away in 2023March 9, 1959 ~ Classical pianist, composer Stéphane Blet born in Paris, France ~ Disciple of Byron Janis. Assistant of Vladimir Horowitz. Noted interpreter of Franz Liszt. Prolific composer, having written over 300 works for piano, violin, orchestra, and voice. Authored over a dozen books on Frédéric Chopin, Erik Satie, and Robert Schumann ~ Blet passed away in 2022
March 9, 1958 ~ Synth-pop, new wave, pop rock singer, keyboardist Martin Fry, full name Martin David Fry, born in Manchester, UK ~ Lead singer for ABC. Fry first met Mark White and Stephen Singleton while working as an editor for the fanzine Modern Drugs, interviewing the pair. The pair invited Fry to join their band Vice Versa, which they then renamed ABC. They recorded half a dozen albums, starting with their 1982 The Lexicon Of Love debut album which reached No.1 in their native UK. Through the end of the decade the band would reach the UK top 20 with songs such as Poison Arrow, The Look Of Love, All Of My Heart, and When Smokey Sings, before disbanding in 1991. Fry would later resurrect the band name, Fry remaining as the only original memberMarch 9, 1958 ~ J-pop, pop, disco singer Mitsuyo Nemoto, also known as Mie, born in Shizuoka, Japan ~ Formed the duo Pink Lady with childhood friend Keiko Masuda. The duo would enjoy popularity in their native Japan during the second half of the 1970s, scoring hits such as SOS, Nagisa No Sindbad, Wanted (Shimei Tehao), Southpaw, Monster, and Chameleon Army. Their 1979 single Kiss In The Dark would also reach top 40 on the American Billboard Hot 100
March 9, 1957 ~ Rock, pop rock guitarist, singer Chris Thompson, full name Christopher Hamlet Thompson, born in Ashford, UK ~ Best known for his association with Manfred Mann, notably singing lead on Manfred Mann's Earth Band's classic hit Blinded By The Light. Founded Night, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit If You Remember Me. Co-wrote and sang backing vocals on No Stoppin' Us Now of the Doobie Brothers album One Step Closer. Co-wrote John Farnham's 1986 hit You're The Voice. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably The Challenge (Face It) which was used as the theme song for the 1989 Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Thompson has also worked with Elton John, Trevor Rabin, Jennifer Warnes, John Parr, Robbie Nevil, Mike Oldfield, Alan Parsons, the SAS Band, and Sarah BrightmanMarch 9, 1957 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, keyboardist Martin Archer born in Sheffield, UK ~ Active since his teens. Member of Bass Tone Trap in the early 1980s. Subsequently founded Hornweb in 1983. After the band disbanded in the early 1990s temporarily gave up the saxophone, focusing on keyboard-driven electronic music instead. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist. Has collaborated with Chris Bywater, John Jasnoch, and co-leads the improvisational singing group the Juxtavoices, aptly described by critics as an “antichoir”
March 9, 1954 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter Steve Prestwich, full name Steven William Prestwich, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of Adelaide-based rock, pub rock band Cold Chisel, for whom he wrote When The War Is Over and Forever Now. Briefly a member of the Little River Band during the 1980s ~ Prestwich passed away in 2011
March 9, 1951 ~ Zakir Hussain Allarakha Qurashi, commonly known as tabla player Zakir Hussain, born in Bombay, India ~ Considered a classical hero in his native India and an ambassador for world music beyond. To western audiences perhaps best known for his association with John McLaughlin, including in the acclaimed group Shakti. Also especially noted for his contributions to Shankar's 1980 Who's To Know album, and for the 1988 collaborative album Tabla Duet with his father Alla Rakha. Other notable collaborations inckude Mickey Hart, George Harrison (Living In The Material World), John Handy, Earth Wind & Fire (Powerlight), Narada Michael Walden, Airto Moreira, and Neal Schon ~ Qurashi passed away in 2024March 9, 1950 ~ Rock, jazz, jazz fusion drummer Gary Smith, full name Robert Gary Smith, born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Briefly a member of jazz-rock unit Chase during the early 1970, present on the band's Ennea album. Co-founding member of Survivor, for whom he co-wrote Rebel Girl and Rockin' Into The Night. The band's producer passed on the latter, and handed it to 38 Special who recorded it in 1980. Smith left he band in 1981 to focus on his session work
March 9, 1950 ~ Ivanilton de Souza Lima, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Sullivan, born in Recife, Brazil ~ One of the most prolific and successful songwriters to come out of Brazil, both as a solo artist and as a songwriter with over an estimated 2,000 songs to his credit recorded by a wide array of Brazilian, Hispanic, and international artists. As a singer rose to fame with his 1976 song My Life, its accompanying EP selling over a million copies. Songs written or co-written by Sullivan, often teaming up with Paulo Massadas and Miguel Plopschi, have been recorded by José Augusto (Por Causa De Vocé), Tim Maia, Roupa Nova, Gal Costa (Um Dia De Domingo), Sandra de Sá, Fafá de Belém, Leandro & Leonardo (Talismã), Dayana, and Ana GabrielMarch 9, 1950 ~ Rock, hard rock, folk rock drummer, guitarist, singer Milic Vukasinovic born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Considered a rock & roll pioneer of Sarajevo. Co-founding member of hard rock outfit Vatreni Poljubac. Also noted as a member of seminal rock bands Bijelo Dugme and Indexi. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Potrazi Me released in 1984