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 13, 1954 ~ Seán Patrick Michael Sherrard, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Logan, born in Frankston, Australia ~ Sometimes referred to as “Mr Eurovision”, Logan is best known for winning the Eurovision Songfestival twice, representing his adopted homeland of Ireland on both occassions. In 1980, Logan won the contest with What's Another Year, beating Germany's Katja Ebstein and the UK's Prima Donna. In 1987, he won again with the self-penned Hold Me Now, leaving Germany's Wind in second place and Italy's Umberto Tozzi & Raf in third. Logan has also penned Linda Martin's Why Me, Ireland's winning entry for the contest in 1992, making Logan one of only a handful to have written more than one Eurovision Songfestival winner. Sherrard had chosen the stage name Johnny Logan after the main character from the 1954 Western film Johnny Guitar, which featured Sterling Hayden in the title role of Johnny “Guitar” Logan opposite Joan Crawford
May 13, 1952 ~ R&B, soul, funk singer Carl Carlton born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Although Carlton has scored only a handful of mainstream hits, he is considered a staple of the Northern soul scene with about half a dozen albums to his name from the early 1970s through the mid 1980s. Carlton, known as Little Carl Carlton early on in his career, is perhaps best known for his 1974 Robert Knight cover Everlasting Love, which reached No.6 Billboard Hot 100, and for She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built She's Stacked) which helped revitalize his career in the early 1980s. The latter reached No.2 Billboard R&B, his highest charting on the tally, No.22 Billboard Hot 100, earned the singer a Grammy Award nomination, has since become a staple of R&B radio, and has been sampled by dozens of R&B and hip hop artists including notably by Das EFX in Straight Out Of The Sewer and by Foxy Brown in Big Bad Mamma ~ Carlton passed away in 2025May 13, 1951 ~ Drummer Geoff Cox, also known as Coxy, born in St Kilda, Australia ~ Best known for his associations with Brian Cadd, Cycle, the Bootleg Family Band, and Avalanche. Substituted for Derek Pellicci in a 1978 tour with the Little River Band. Later on in his career would become a TV presenter, best known for hosting the travel program Coxy's Big Break
May 13, 1951 ~ Glam rock, art pop drummer, guitarist Paul Thompson born in Jarrow, UK ~ Best known as drummer of Roxy Music from 1971 to 1980 and present on the band's first six albums. Has also worked with the Angelic Upstarts, Concrete Blonde, and Lindisfarne
May 13, 1950 ~ Guitarist, singer Danny Kirwan born in London, UK ~ Member of Fleetwood Mac from 1968 through 1972. Also known as a solo artist starting with his 1975 Second Chapter album, and an in-demand collaborator having worked with Otis Spann, Chris Youlden, Tramp and appeared on former Fleetwood Mac-bandmates Jeremy Spencer and Christine McVie's solo albums ~ Kirwan passed away in 2018
May 13, 1950 ~ Stevland Hardaway Judkin, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Stevie Wonder, born in Saginaw, Michigan, USA ~ One of the most important musicians of the second half of the 20th century. Child prodigy signed with Motown at age 11. Especially acclaimed for a string of 1970s albums including Music Of My Mind, Talking Book and his masterpiece Songs In The Key Of Life. Well known songs such as Fingertips (Pt.2), I Was Made To Love Her, For Once In My Life, Superstition, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, I Wish, Sir Duke, and I Just Called To Say I Love You
May 13, 1950 ~ Jacob Schmidt, commonly known as audeville singer, pianist Whispering Jack Smith, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s vaudeville and radio singer known for his intimate, understated, smooth delivery, hence the “whispering” moniker. Well-known songs include Manhattan and Me & My Shadow ~ Smith was born in 1896May 13, 1949 ~ Jazz, traditional pop singer Doris Day and the Mellomen record Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered ~ Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the musical Pal Joey. Recorded by Doris Day with orchestra conducted by John Rarig it would reach top 10. The song would go on to become a standard, covered by hundreds of artists including the Platters, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Carly Simon
May 13, 1947 ~ Bassist Pete Overend Watts born in Yardley, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member and bassist for early 1970s rock band Mott The Hoople, known for their association with David Bowie and songs such as Rock & Roll Queen, All The Young Dudes, and Roll Away The Stone ~ Watts passed away in 2017May 13, 1947 ~ Robert Noakes, commonly known as folk, country singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Rab Noakes, born in St Andrews, UK ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Do You See The Lights released in 1970. Guested on Can I Have My Money Back, Gerry Rafferty's solo debut album released in 1971. Frequent collaborator of Fraser Speirs. Has also worked with the Varaflames, which also included Pick Withers ~ Noakes passed away in 2022
May 13, 1945 ~ Lars Nils Berghagen, commonly known as pop, schlager singer, guitarist Lasse Berghagen, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Married to singer, actress Lill Babs during the 1960s, with whom he has a daughter singer, actress Malin Berghagen. Known for songs such as Teddybjörnen Fredriksson, En Enkel Sång Om Frihet, Hålligang I Skogen, and Du Som Vandrar Genom Livet. Internationally known for representing Sweden at the 1975 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 8th place with Jennie Jennie ~ Berghagen passed away in 2023
May 13, 1945 ~ Saxophonist, flutist, hornist Lou Marini, full name Louis William Marini Jr and also known as Blue Lou Marini, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his association with the Blues Brothers, including appearing in both The Blues Brothers film and its sequel Blues Brothers 2000. Given his nickname “Blue Lou” by Dan Akroyd. Member of Blood Sweat & Tears from 1972 through 1974. In-demand touring and session musician, appearing on albums by BJ Thomas, Lou Reed, Patti Austin, Frank Zappa (Zappa In New York), Cindy Bullens, Aerosmith (Night In The Ruts), Michael Franks, Levon Helm, Robben Ford (Inside Story), the Brecker Brothers, Deodato, Manu Dibango, Meat Loaf, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, the J Geils Band (Freeze Frame), Jimmy Buffett, Cornell Dupree, Donald Fagen, Laura Nyro, Milton Nascimento, and Steely DanMay 13, 1945 ~ Alfred Hall, commonly known as jazz drummer Tubby Hall, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of drummer Minor Hall. Tubby has worked with Buddy Petit, Carroll Dickerson, King Oliver, Jimmie Noone, Tiny Parham, Johnny Dodds, and Louis Armstrong ~ Hall was born in 1895
May 13, 1942 ~ Conductor, violinist, composer Hyam Greenbaum passed away in Bangor, UK ~ Founded and conducted the BBC Television Orchestra, playing on the inaugural broadcast in August 1936 making him the world's first conductor of any TV orchestra. The orchestra was disbanded in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II as the TV service was suspended, yet Greenbaum would continue to conduct for BBC radio with other orchestras ~ Greenbaum was born in 1901
May 13, 1942 ~ Singer Mary Wells born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ One of the first Motown superstars making hits for the label until she left the company in 1964, at the peak of her popularity. Known for songs such as The One Who Really Loves You, The Laughing Boy, Two Lovers, Operator, You Beat Me To The Punch, and My Guy ~ Wells passed away in [artist-mary-wells]May 13, 1941 ~ Rock & roll singer, guitarist Joe Brown, full name Joseph Roger Brown, born in Swarby, UK ~ A musician's musician actively performing since the 1950s. Best known for a number of 1960s recordings including Picture Of You, It Only Took A Minute and That's What Love Will Do. Married to the Breakaways singer Vicki Brown until her death in 1991. Singer Sam Brown is their daughter, producer Pete Brown their son
May 13, 1941 ~ Jazz drummer John von Ohlen born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Led several ensembles, both big and small, including the Blue Wisp Big Band. Also worked with Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Billy Maxted, and Steve Allee ~ Von Ohlen passed away in 2018
May 13, 1941 ~ Richard Steve Valenzuela, commonly known as singer Ritchie Valens, born in Pacoima, California, USA ~ Rock & roll pioneer and forefather of Chicano rock. Known best for two quintessential 1950s songs, La Bamba and Donna. Died only eight months into his recording career in the same plane crash that killed singers Buddy Holly and JP Richardson ~ Valenzuela passed away in 1959May 13, 1938 ~ Jazz, big band pianist Ross Tompkins born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1960s, backing Kai Winding on about half a dozen albums. Tompkins would go on to record about a dozen albums as a leader, co-leader or solo artist, and is especially noted for the 1977 live album Live At Concord. Also closely associated with Doc Severinsen, serving in the Tonight Show Band for some two decades starting in 1971, and with Louie Bellson from the mid 1970s through the 1990s. Other notable associations include Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims (Hawthorne Nights), Howard Roberts (The Real Howard Roberts), Lorraine Feather, Snooky Young, Red Norvo, Peanuts Hucko, Bill Watrous (I'll Play For You), Dick Cary, Spike Robinson, Tommy Newsom, Dick Hafer (Prez Impressions), Jake Hanna, and Plas Johnson ~ Tompkins passed away in 2006
May 13, 1938 ~ Elio Cesari, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, actor Tony Renis, born in Milan, Italy ~ Perhaps best known for the original Quando Quando Quando in 1962, written by Renis and Alberto Testa. The song would become a classic covered by numerous artists, at times with changed lyrics, including by Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Ennio Morricone, Xavier Cugat, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Mantovani. Renis and Testa also co-wrote Grande Grande Grande, originally recorded by singer Mina in 1971 and covered by the likes of Shirley Bassey (Never Never Never), Conny Vandenbos (Waarom Waarom Waarom), and Julio Iglesias. Renis is also noted for his soundtrack for the 1973 spaghetti western Brothers Blue and for launching the career of child star Nikka Costa in the 1980s
May 13, 1935 ~ Alessandro Carmelo Randazzo, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, arranger Teddy Randazzo born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention as a member of the Three Chuckles, initially as an accordionist and switching to lead vocals quickly, with whom he scored the 1954 hit Runaround, followed by a few modest hits, and the band subsequently made appearances in the 1956 films The Girl Can't Help It and Rock Rock Rock. As a solo artist, Randazzo would score several moderately successfull singles. However, he would become best known as a songwriter, initially often in partnership with Bobby Weinstein. Steve Lawrence scored a Billboard Hot 100 No.9 hit with Pretty Blue Eyes. Little Anthony & the Imperials recorded over a dozen of the songwriter duo's songs including Goin' Out Of My Head which peaked at No.6 on the pop charts and would be covered by over an estimated 400 artists with combined sales of over 100 million copies. It's Going To Take A Miracle was also intended for Little Anthony & the Imperials, yet given to the Royalettes instead whose 1965 single was a modest hit. The song would later be a hit for Deniece Williams. Towards and during the 1970s, Randazzo would regularly partner with other songwriters, resulting in songs such as Forgot To Remember (Frank Sinatra), Falling Apart At The Seams (the Manhattans), Half A Love (the Chi-lites), and Love Vibration (Joe Simon). As a songwriting duo, Randazzo and Weinstein would be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007, some fifty years after they first teamed up ~ Randazzo passed away in 2003
May 13, 1929 ~ Producer, label executive Creed Taylor, full name Creed Bane Taylor V, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA ~ In-house producer and executive at various labels including Bethlehem, ABC-Paramount, Verve, and A&M Records. Signed John Coltrane to Impulse. Helpful in bringing bossa nova to the USA in the 1960s, signing artists such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, Airto Moreira. Founded CTI Records, one of the most successful jazz labels of the 1970s. Has worked with artists such as Oscar Pettiford, Ruby Braff, Charles Mingus, Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Cal Tjader, Freddie Hubbard, Chet Baker, Milt Jackson, Nina Simone, Eumir Deodato, Herbie Hancock, Chroma, and Fuse One ~ Taylor passed away in 2022
May 13, 1923 ~ William McKinley Garland Jr, commonly known as pianist Red Garland, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his association with Miles Davis, backing Davis in the 1950s as a pivotal member of the Miles Davis Quintet. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Paul Chambers, Art Taylor, John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Blue Mitchell, Philly Joe Jones, Arnett Cobb, Curtis Fuller, Jackie McLean, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and Art Pepper ~ Garland passed away in 1984May 13, 1916 ~ Country guitarist, singer Jack Anglin born in Williamson County, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit Anglin Brothers, active through the late 1930s. Would rise to fame as half of the duo Johnny & Jack, alongside Johnny Wright, becoming permanent residents of the Grand Ole Opry in 1952. The duo is best known for singles such as Poison Love, Oh Baby Mine I Get So Lonely, and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight ~ Anglin passed away in 1963
May 13, 1914 ~ Dixieland, swing, jazz bassist Bob Haggart, full name Robert Sherwood Haggart, born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-1930 working with Bob Crosby, including co-writing songs such as Big Noise From Winnetka and What's New. Would go on to work with Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald. Co-founded the Lawson-Haggart Band with Yank Lawson, the pair also subsequently co-leading the World's Greatest Jazz Band through 1978 ~ Haggart passed away in 1998
May 13, 1914 ~ Louis Charles Robinson, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, fiddler LC Robinson, born in Brenham, Texas, USA ~ Rumored to be mentored by Blind Willie Johnson and introduced to the steel guitar by Leon McAuliffe. Brother of blues harpist AC Robinson, with whom he also worked. Noted for the 1968 album Oakland Blues which also featured Lafayette Thomas and Dave Alexander, and for the 1971 follow-up Ups And Downs ~ Robinson passed away in 1976