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, 1909 ~ Jazz, big band, swing saxophonist Herschel Evans, also known as Herschel Tex Evans, born in Denton, Texas, USA ~ Influenced Illinois Jacquet and Arnett Cobb. Started in territory bands in the 1920s. Best known for his association with Count Basie, a member of the Count Basie Orchestra from the mid 1930s until his death at the end of the decade. Liked to engage in saxophone battles with bandmate Lester Young. Also worked with Troy Floyd, Terrence Holder, Mamie Smith, the Durham Brothers, Lionel Hampton, Buck Clayton, Bennie Moten, Harry James, and Teddy Wilson. Evans collapsed on-stage, was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later at the age of 29 ~ Evans passed away in 1939
March 9, 1894 ~ Composer Pedro Flores, full name Pedro Juan Flores Cordóva, born in Naguabo, Puerto Rico ~ One of Puerto Rico's most beloved composers of ballads and boleros. Member of Trio Borinquen in the de 1920s, alongside Rafael Hernández Marín. Would form his own trio by the end of the decade. Best known for songs such as Obsesion, Amor Perdido, Baja Un Palmar, Borrach No Vale, Sin Bandera, Despedida, Perdon. Songs written by Flores would be recorded by Benny Moré, Los Panchos, Celia Cruz, and María Luisa Landín ~ Flores passed away in 1979