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.
May 10, 1970 ~ Rapper Craig Mack, full name Craig Jamieson Mack, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Known for his 1994 hit Flava In Ya Ear, especially in the remix version which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 10. It would be the first hit for Bad Boy Entertainment, the breakout appearance of the Notorious BIG, and one of the first solo appearances by Busta Rhymes. Mack would be unable to replicate Flava's succes and eventually disappear from public view to resurface in 2012, having joined a church characterized by some as an end of times prophecy cult ~ Mack passed away in 2018
May 10, 1969 ~ Christophe Le Friant, commonly known as producer, DJ, remixer Bob Sinclar, born in Bois-Colombe, France ~ Actively DJing since the 1980s using a variety of monikers, settling on Sinclar by the late 1990s. Popularised French house music and known for heavily sampling disco strings. Would gain international recognition by the 2000s. Well known releases include Love Generation featuring Gary Pine, Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now), and The Lala Song
May 10, 1969 ~ Drummer, songwriter Gregory Slay, full name Gregory Scott Slay, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Formed Loppybogymi with bassist James Orr and Tim Ramenofsky in 1988, the trio earning a regional cult following with their merger of jazz-influenced funk and heavy metal. Slay departed the band after the release of their 1993 TUP album. Also well known as co-founding and constant member of alternative rock band Remy Zero. The band first gained attention opening for Radiohead on the American leg of the The Bends tour. Commercially best known for their 1998 Villa Elaine sophomore album and for Save Me of their third and final album Golden Hum. Slay has also worked with Sleepwell, Isidore, and Horsethief Beats. Also noted for recording A Perfect Lie with Remy bandmates Jeffrey Cain and Cedric Lemoyne under the moniker the Engine Room, the track would be used as the theme song for the TV drama Nip/Tuck and earn them an Emmy Award nomination ~ Slay passed away in 2010May 10, 1968 ~ Country singer, keyboardist, bassist, songwriter Jeff Wood born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Wrote Cowboy Love, a 1996 Billboard Country top 10 hit for John Michael Montgomery. Others who recorded his songs include Neal McCoy, BJ Thomas, and Phil Vassar. As a singer debuted with the Between The Earth And The Stars in 1997, which featured Vince Gill on mandolin and guitar
May 10, 1966 ~ Jazz organist, keyboardist, composer Sigbjørn Apeland born in Svelo, Norway ~ Worked with Nils Okland, Reidun Horvei, Ingeleiv Kvammen, Olav Kvammen, Åsne Valland Nordii, Marylands, Agnes Buen Garnås, Bjørn Kjellemyr, Einar Mj&oslassh;lsnes, Per Jorgensen, Berit Opheim, Hordaland, Synnøve S Bjørset, Knut Hamre, Hildegun Riise, and Benedicte Maurseth
May 10, 1965 ~ Jazz trumpeter Philip Harper born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Brother of drummer Winard Harper, with whom he also worked in the Harper Brothers alongside Justin Robinson, Stephen Scott and Michael Bowie. Has also worked with the Jazz Messengers, Cecil Brooks III, Etta Jones, and Houston Person
May 10, 1963 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones record Come On at Olympic Studios, London, UK ~ A cover of an old Chuck Berry-song, Come On would be the band's first professionally recorded single, the session helmed by producer Andrew Loog Oldham, and issued as the band's UK debut single the following June, paired with another cover, Willie Dixon's I Want To Be Loved, on the flip side. The single would reach No.21 on the British charts. About a decade later, lead singer Mick Jagger would look back on their first hit single: “I don't think Come On was very good, in fact it was shit. God knows how it ever got in the charts, it was such a hype. In fact we disliked it so much we didn't do it on any of our gigs”May 10, 1963 ~ Guitarist Serge Teyssot-Gay born in St Etienne, France ~ Best known as guitarist of rock band Noir Désir through 2010. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Zone Libre, Interzone, Joëlle Léandre, Kintsugi, and Lydie Salvayre
May 10, 1961 ~ Drummer Danny Carey, full name Daniel Edwin Carey, born in Lawrence, Kansas, USA ~ Influenced by jazz drummers such as Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, and Lenny White, as well as by rock, progressive rock drummers such as Rush's Neil Peart, Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, and Primus's Barriemore Barlow. Drummer for alternative metal, post-metal outfit Tool, known for songs such as Sober, Schism, Fear Inoculum, and Pneuma. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Carole King, Pigmy Love Circus, Zaum, Green Jelly, Pigface, Skinny Puppy, and Adrian Belew
May 10, 1960 ~ Paul David Hewson, commonly known as rock singer Bono, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Lead singer, frontman, primary songwriter of U2, known for a host of hits since the early 1980s including New Year's Day, Pride (In The Name Of Love), Desire, Mysterious Ways, One, and Discothèque. Has collaborated with numerous artists including Gavin Friday, Roy Orbison, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Robertson, and the Royal Shakespeare Company
May 10, 1958 ~ Jazz trumpeter Claude Deppa born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Brotherhood Of Breath, Carla Bley, the Grand Union Orchestra. Co-founding member of the Jazz Warriors. Also worked with Art Blakey, Miriam Makeba, Louis Moholo, Evan Parker, Courtney Pine, Andy Sheppard, the African Jazz Explosion, and Clare Hirst
May 10, 1958 ~ Vladimir Divljan, commonly known as art rock, rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Vlada Divljan, born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Best known for fronting Idoli, especially acclaimed for their 1982 Odbrana I Posiednji Dani generally counted among the all-time greatest Yugoslavian rock albums. Divljan has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Tajni Zivot AP Sandarova released in 1988
May 10, 1957 ~ Singer Carleen Anderson, full name Carleen Cassandra Anderson, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of the Young Disciples. Member of the Brand New Heavies. Worked with Paul Weller, Bryan Ferry, Galliano, Guru, Courtney Pine, Incognito, Lewis Taylor, Hope Collective, and Jocelyn Brown. As a solo artist released her debut EP, Dusky Sappho, in 1993. A full-length album, True Spirit, would follow the next year
May 10, 1957 ~ John Simon Ritchie, commonly known as bassist, singer Sid Vicious, born in Lewisham, UK ~ Despite an early death at age 21 remains an icon of punk subculture, serving as bassist for short-lived yet pivotal punk band the Sex Pistols known for their sole Never Mind The Bollocks (Here's The Sex Pistols) album released in 1977. Prior to his tenure with the Pistols Ritchie has worked with the Flowers Of Romance which also included Keith Levene and Viv Albertine ~ Ritchie passed away in 1979
May 10, 1956 ~ Bassist, singer Bakithi Kumalo born in Alexandra, South Africa ~ To pop audiences, Kumalo may be best known for his bass playing on Paul Simon's 1986 album Graceland, particularly on the tracks Boy In The Bubble, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes and You Can Call Me Al. Prior to teaming up with Simon, Kumalo had established himself as one of South Africa's most revered session bassists, influenced by traditional African rhythms and a capella groups and active since a young age. In addition to bass, his primary instrument, Kumalo also plays percussion, piano and is a gifted singer. Appearing on Simon's landmark Graceland album, however, brought Kumalo international recognition, and he has since regularly toured and recorded with Simon appearing on well over half a dozen of the New Yorker's albums including the acclaimed The Rhythm Of The Saints, Songwriter, and So Beautiful Or So What. Kumalo's bass playing also graced albums by the likes of Laurie Anderson (Strange Angels), Joan Baez, Cyndi Lauper, Tony Bird (Sorry Africa), Miriam Makeba, David Hewitt, Hugh Masekela (Beatin' Around The Bush), Edie Brickell, Randy Brecker, Ruben Rada, Chris Botti (Midnight Without You), Hiram Bullock (Carrasco), Angélique Kidjo, Herbie Hancock, Armstead Christian, Samite (Stars To Share), Eileen Ivers, Paul Winter (Celtic Soltice), Jay Beckenstein, Anton Fig, Vusi Mahlasela, and the Tedeschi-Trucks Band (Made Up Mind). Kumalo has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Step On The Bass Line issued in 1988
May 10, 1954 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Carroll Gibbons, full name Carroll Richard Gibbons, passed away in London, UK ~ American-born bandleader rose to fame during the British dance band era. Co-led the Savoy Orpheans. Led the New Mayfair Orchestra. Briefly returned to the USA to work as a film composer for MGM in the early 1930s. As a composer best known for A Garden In The Rain, Bubbling Over, Moonbeam Dance and On The Air ~ Gibbons was born in 1903
May 10, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist Lorne Lofsky born in Toronto, Canada ~ Played rock at school dances but settled on jazz after hearing the Miles Davis-album Kind Of Blue. Closely associated with Oscar Peterson, backing Peterson on tour and record and having Peterson produce his 1980 It Could Happen To You debut album. Has also worked with the Brass Connection, Kirk MacDonald, Duncan Hopkins, Kenny Wheeler, Rob McConnell, Joey DeFrancesco, Ed Bickert, Ruby Braff, Rosemary Clooney, Tal Farlow, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hartman, and Clark TerryMay 10, 1953 ~ Jazz saxophonist Alex Foster, full name Paul Alexander Foster, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Active since the early 1970s. Perhaps best known as a member of Saturday Night Live house band. Present on recordings by Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Owens, Kirk Lightsey, and Michael Wolff. To pop and rock audiences best known for guesting on albums by Lou Reed, Linda Clifford, Paul Simon (Graceland), Michael Bolton, Rickie Lee Jones, and Katy Perry
May 10, 1952 ~ Pop rock bassist Bob Glaub born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ In-demand session bassist, active since the early 1970s. Has appeared on albums by Jesse Ed Davis, Arlo Guthrie, Dave Mason, Rod Stewart (Atlantic Crossing), Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Carly Simon, Leo Sayer, Warren Zevon, Steve Harley, Dusty Springfield, Jennifer Warnes, Donna Summer (Bad Girls), Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Gordon Lightfoot, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks (Bella Donna), Karla Bonoff, Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan (Empire Burlesque), Journey, Don Henley (The End Of Innocence), Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Rodney Crowell, Bob Seger, John Fogerty (Blue Moon Swamp), Susanna Hoffs, and LeAnn Rimes
May 10, 1952 ~ Country, dansband, pop, schlager singer, accordionist Kikki Danielsson born in Osby, Sweden ~ Member of Nickies. Member of Wizex. Internationally perhaps best known for representing her native Sweden twice at the Eurovision Songfestival, in 1982 as a member of Chips reaching 8th place with Dag Efter Dag, and again in 1985 as a solo artist reaching third place with Bra Vibrationer. Married to Kjell Roos from 1984 through 1999, her musical partner in the dansband Roosarna
May 10, 1952 ~ Lee John Collinson, commonly known as rock, pub rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Lee Brilleaux born in Durban, South Africa ~ Helped found Stiff Records in 1976 with a loan of £500. Co-founded Dr Feelgood with Wilko Johnson in 1971, known best for their 1979 UK top 10 hit Milk And Alcohol, serving as the band's lead singer, occasional guitarist and sole constant member, his last performance just months before his death ~ Collinson passed away in 1994
May 10, 1952 ~ Lowell Fillmore Dunbar, commonly known as drummer Sly Dunbar, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Cites the Skatalites-drummer Lloyd Knibb, Stax/Volt stalwart Al Jackson Jr, and Bob Marley-drummer Carlton Barrett as influences. Best known for his longtime association with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, the duo sessioning together on numerous Jamaican recordings since the early 1970s. By 1980 they would found their own Taxi Records label, releasing their own music as well as pivotal records by the likes of Black Uhuru, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Ini Kamoze, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon. As the 1980s progressed Sly & Robbie would also become an in-demand duo for numerous American and British artists appearing on recordings by Joan Armatrading, Grace Jones (Nightclubbing), Joe Cocker (Sheffield Steel), Carly Simon, Gwen Guthrie, Nona Hendryx, Bob Dylan (Empire Burlesque), Mick Jagger, Yoko Ono, and Simply Red ~ Dunbar passed away in 2026May 10, 1951 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist, organist Alan Park born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of Beggar's Opera, known best for their 1970 Act One debut album. Has also worked as musical director for Cliff Richard
May 10, 1951 ~ Fitzroy Simpson, commonly known as reggae, roots reggae singer Bunny Simpson, born ~ Formed reggae harmony group the Mighty Diamonds with Judge Ferguson and Tabby Shaw, best known for their 1976 The Right Time debut album. Originally recorded Pass The Kouchie in 1981, notably covered by pop-reggae outfit Musical Youth as Pass The Dutchie ~ Simpson passed away in 2022
May 10, 1951 ~ Saxophonist, singer Greg Piccolo born in Westerly, Rhode Island, USA ~ Co-founding member of Roomful Of Blues, serving as saxophonist and following Duke Robillard's departure by the end of the 1970s the de facto leader of the band. Wrote a number of songs, notably on the 1984 Dressed Up To Get Messed Up album including The Last Time. Piccolo released two solo acid jazz solo albums in the 1990s, Heavy Juice and Acid Blue, and guested on albums by John Mooney, the Fabulous Thunderbirds (Butt-rockin'), Lou Ann Barton, Big Joe Turner, JB Hutto, Ronnie Earl (Smokin'), Hubert Sumlin, Tinsley Ellis, Pat Benatar, Michelle Willson (So Emotional), Colin James, and Jimmie VaughanMay 10, 1951 ~ Composer John Burke, full name John Joseph Burke, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Mainly composed for chamber enembles. Best known for works such as Six Regions For Piano, Spectre For Tenor Instruments and perhaps his best known Firewind published in 1980. The latter would notably be recorded by Bruce Mather and Pierrete LePage ~ Burke passed away in 2020
May 10, 1951 ~ Classical, experimental, jazz, world music harpist Susan Allen born in Monovia, California, USA ~ Revered harpist, best known for her use of the electric harp premiering works by contemporary composers such as Ruth Lomon, Elizabeth Walton Vercoe, Roger Bourland, Hayg Boyadjian and William Thomas McKinley. Has collaborated with Harold Budd, Adam Rudolph, Yusef Lateef, and Mark Abel ~ Allen passed away in 2015