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 14, 2024 ~ Michael James, commonly known as soul, funk, R&B, reggae, ska singer Jimmy James, passed away in London, UK ~ Lead singer and eponym of Jimmy James & the Vagabonds, first enjoying popularity in their native UK during the 1960s, opening for acts such as the Who and Steampacket. The band initially disbanded in 1970, but would be reformed with an all-new line-up three years later by James, the group's constant member. They are best known for their 1976 UK top 10 hit Now Is The Time. Other charting singles included I Can't Get Back Home To My Baby, Red Red Wine, and I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me ~ James was born in 1940
May 14, 2023 ~ Hard bop, post bop tenor saxophonist Bernt Rosengren passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the 1960s, acclaimed for a number of quintessential Swedish jazz albums notably 1965's Stockholm Dues and 1974's Notes From Underground. Worked with George Russell, Don Cherry, Muvaffak Maffy Falay, Doug Raney, Horace Parlan, Lester Bowie, Arne Domnérus, Krzysztof Komeda, Tomasz Stańko, and Idrees Sulieman ~ Rosengren was born in 1937
May 14, 2023 ~ Classical pianist Ingrid Haebler passed away in Salzburg, Austria ~ Made her first public performance at age 11. One of several Austrian musicians to experiment with period instruments, notably recording Johann Christian Bach's keyboard concertos on a fortepiano. Also well known for her recordings of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Haebler was born in 1929May 14, 2023 ~ Jazz, classical, rock bassist John Giblin passed away in Cheltenham, UK ~ In-demand session bassist active from the mid 1970s forward. Has appeared on albums by Gonzalez, Metro, Peter Gabriel, Gary Boyle (Electric Glide), Steve Harley, Duncan Browne (The Wild Places), Colin Blunstone, Brand X, the Simple Minds, Kate Bush (Never For Ever), Jon Anderson, Phil Collins (Face Value), Chris De Burgh, Judie Tzuke, Eros Ramazzotti, Tanita Tikaram, and Joshua Kadison ~ Giblin was born in 1952
May 14, 2020 ~ Guillermo Santana, commonly known as Latin rock, rock, blues rock guitarist Jorge Santana, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Brother of renowned guitarist Carlos Santana, with whom he also toured appearing on Santana's 1993 Sacred Fire (Live In South America) live album. Has also worked with Malo, with the Fania All-Stars, and has released a number of solo albums starting with the eponymous Jorge Santana album released in 1978 ~ Santana was born in 1951
May 14, 2019 ~ Folk rock, psychedelic rock, rock, blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Mike Wilhelm, full name Michael Ray Wilhelm, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Mentored by iconic blues singer, guitarist Brownie McGhee. Once cited by the Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia as his favorite guitarist. Co-founding member of the short-lived yet influential group the Charlatans, a band widely credited for starting the Haight-Ashbury psychedelic scene. Following the band's disbandement Wilhelm formed the trio Loose Gravel and subsequently spent over half a decade as lead guitarist for the Flamin' Groovies, including on the albums Flamin' Groovies Now and Jumpin' In The Night. Wilhelm has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Wilhelm released in 1976 ~ Wilhelm was born in 1942
May 14, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Jamala wins the 61st edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Much to the dismay of Russian president Vladimir Putin, singer, songwriter Jamala, representing Ukraine, wins with the song 1944, a self-penned-composition. The song is unusually political for the Eurovision contest, addressing the deportation of the Crimean Tatars in the 1940s by the Soviet Union. At the time of the contest, Crimea is once again illegally occupied by Russia. Runner-ups in the contest would be Australia's Dami Im in second place with Sound Of Silence, and Russia's Sergey Lazarev with You Are The Only One in third. The following year, Russia did not participate in the contest
May 14, 2016 ~ John Allan Seay Jr, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Johnny Seay passed away near West, Texas, USA ~ Popular during the 1950s and 1960s. Best known for his spoken word single Day For Decision, a Grammy Award-nominated hit in 1966. Other well known songs include Frankie's Man Johnny, Nobody's Darling But Mine and My Old Faded Rose ~ Seay was born in 1940
May 14, 2015 ~ Riley B King, commonly nown as blues guitarist, singer BB King, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Given the nickname “Beale Street Blues Boy” while working as a singer and radio DJ at WDIA, later shortened to “Blues Boy” and eventually to “BB”. Member of the Beale Streeters in the late 1940s, alongside Bobby Blue Bland, Johnny Ace and Earl Forest. Debuted in 1949 as a solo singer with the single Miss Martha King, which charted poorly, backed by Phineas Newborn Jr, Calvin Newborn, Tuff Green, Ben Branch and Thomas Branch. Would score his first major success in 1952 with the single 3 O'Clock Blues, reaching the top 5 of the R&B charts. An impressive string of hits soon followed including You Know I Love You, Woke Up This Morning, Everyday I Have The Blues, Sneaking Around, Sweet Little Angel, and Please Accept My Love. Would go on to become widely seen as one of the most influential and important blues musicians ~ King was born in 1925
May 14, 2014 ~ James Jeffrey Plewman, commonly known as progressive rock, electronic violinist, mandolinist Nash the Slash, passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Played keyboards, glockenspiel, violin, mandolin. Draws from progressive rock, new wave, new age and punk rock. Founded and briefly fronted FM, leaving after the band's Black Noise 1976 debut album to resume a solo career, rejoining in later years. Known as a media-shy personality, appearing on-stage with his head wrapped in surgical bandages from 1979 onwards as to preserve his “anonimity” ~ Plewman was born in 1948
May 14, 2011 ~ The duo Ell & Nikki win the 56th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Düsseldorf, Germany ~ Representing Azerbaijan, Ell & Nikki win with the song Running Scared written by Stefan Örn, Sandra Bjurman, and Ian James Farquharson. Runner-ups would be Italy's Raphael Gualazzi in 2nd place with Madness Of Love, and Sweden's Eric Saade in 3rd with Popular
May 14, 2009 ~ Charles Montgomery, commonly known as jazz vibraphonist, pianist Buddy Montgomery, passed away in Palmdale, California, USA ~ Baby brother of guitarist Wes Montgomery and bassist Monk Montgomery. Member of the Mastersounds with Monk and of the Montgomery Brothers with both of his brothers. Also worked with Big Joe Turner, Slide Hampton, Alonzo Johnson, Miles Davis, George Shearing, Roy Harte, Milt Holland, Johnny Griffin, Charlie Rouse, Bobby Hutcherson, David Fathead Newman, and Clifford Jordan ~ Montgomery was born in 1930
May 14, 2006 ~ Actor, bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger Lew Anderson, full name Lewis Burr Anderson, passed away in Hawthorne, New York, USA ~ To TV fans best known as the third actor to portray Clarabell the Cow on the TV show Howdy Doody from 1954 to 1960. Also known as accomplished jazz saxophonist and bandleader working with artists such as Bob Millikan, Chuck Winfield, Eddie Bert, Frank Strozier, Dave Weckl, John Fedchock, Greg Gisbert, Milt Hinton, and Bobby Rosengarden ~ Anderson was born in 1922
May 14, 2005 ~ Guitarist Jimmy Martin, full name James Henry Martin, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of Bluegrass”. Known for songs such as The Hit Parade Of Love, Sophronie, Stepping Stones, Widow Maker, and Bear Track. Martin has also worked with Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ~ Martin was born in 1927May 14, 2005 ~ The 36th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. A sunny and warm weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of some 20,000 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 14th's bill would be Mindfold, Intwine, Millencolin, the Chemical Brothers, the Coral, Rowwen Hèze, and Epica
May 14, 2001 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Alex Glasgow passed away in Australia ~ Traditional working class singer, songwriter drawing from traditional British folk, especially Geordie songs, though Glasgow himself resented the “folk” characterization. Would often include socialist and trades union-focused themes. Well-remembered for the song cycle The Tyne Slides By written in the 1970s for the BBC series The Camera & The Song. Composed for the musical plays Close The Coal House Door and On Your Way Riley. Perhaps best known for Dance Ti Thi Daddy, written and performed by Golasgow and used as the theme song to the TV series When The Boat Comes In ~ Glasgow was born in 1935
May 14, 1998 ~ Singer Frank Sinatra, full name Francis Albert Sinatra, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ One of the most popular artists of the 20th century. One of the all-time best-selling artists, having sold over 150 million records. Member of the Rat Pack. Critically acclaimed for albums such as In The Wee Small Hours, Songs For Swingin' Lovers, Come Fly With Me, Only The Lonely and Nice 'n Easy ~ Sinatra was born in 1915May 14, 1997 ~ Singer, stage and film actress Thelma Carpenter passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ To pop audiences best known for portraying the role of the Good Witch of the North in the 1978 movie version of The Wiz. Previously a child prodigy. Hosting her own radio show by her teens. As a singer worked with Teddy Wilson, Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie, Eddie Cantor, and Duke Ellington ~ Carpenter was born in 1922
May 14, 1994 ~ Jazz, bebop singer Veronica Swift born in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA ~ Daughter of pianist Hod O'Brien and singer Stephanie Nakasian. Released her Veronica's House Of Jazz debut albums at age 9, her sophomore It's Great To Be Alive album at age 13. Well known for her work with pianists Emmet Cohen and Benny Green
May 14, 1993 ~ Singer, actress Miranda Cosgrove born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Made her film debut as child actress in 2003's The School Of Rock, portraying the class band manager Summer Hathaway. Would go on to feature in TV series and make her musical debut singing on a number of tracks on the iCarly soundtrack album, notably Leave It All To Me. Released a full-length Sparks Fly solo debut album in 2010, spawning the modest hit Kissin' U
May 14, 1990 ~ Cedric Steinmyller, commonly known as deep house, tropical house DJ, producer Klingande, born in Croix, France ~ Originally a duo, comprised of childhood friends Steinmyller and Edgar Catry, known best for their 2013 single Jubel which reached top 10 across Europe including in the UK, the Netherlands, and the duo's native France. Catry would leave by 2014, and Steinmyller would continue as a solo artist keeping the common moniker. The name Klingande comes from the Swedish verb “klinga” which mean “to chime” or “to sound”. Besides a love for the Swedish language, which according to Steinmyller sounds sung when just spoken, the tropical house DJ is also influenced by Swedish artists such as Avicii and Swedish House Mafia
May 14, 1989 ~ New jack swing singer Karyn White releases Secret Rendezvous, lifted off her eponymous Karyn White debut album ~ The third and final single off Karyn White's debut album to reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No.6, and the fourth and final single to reach top 10 Billboard R&B, peaking at No.4. White has later commented producers Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and LA Reid, who co-wrote the song with Daryl Simmons, were trying to emulate the then-popular sound of Prince. The singer has also commented recording was a learning proces: “At that time, I was learning and soaking it all in. I really didn't understand that I would be around geniuses. This was truly my training ground and of course, we would have our debates because I like to debate”
May 14, 1986 ~ Amy Louise Billings, commonly known as indie pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Amy Shark, born in Gold Coast, Australia ~ Best known for the singles Adore and I Said Hi, both reaching top 10 in her native Australia. Released her full-length It's A Happy City debut album in 2012, then going by the moniker Amy Cushway. Has recorded steadily since to mixed succes, at times artists such the Chainsmokers, Ed Sheeran, Diplo, and Billy Corgan guesting on her albums
May 14, 1985 ~ R&B family outfit DeBarge release Who's Holding Donna Now, lifted off their Rhythm Of The Night album ~ The song tells of a guy whose lover has been seduced by another man, and he wonders who is holding her now. The song was written by David Foster, Jay Graydon and Randy Goodrum, who had offered a rough demo to Gene Wilder for the movie The Woman In Red. Wilder, however, declined and opted to employ Stevie Wonder instead. When El DeBarge heard the song, he immediately wanted to record the song. Graydon would later recall: “I was playing the Who's Holding Donna Now track for two guys that were producing Jack Wagner, and El DeBarge walked in, who I was producing at the time. He listened to that melody, and he said, ‘I want to record that song.’ I dropped off the tape for Randy, and he came up with a great lyric.” Issued as the follow-up to Rhythm Of The Night, the group's biggest hit peaking at No.3 Billboard Hot 100, Who's Holding Donna Now would peak at No.6 Billboard Hot 100 and become the band's second and final top 10 hit. Backing vocalists were Richard Page and Steve George of Mr Mister, who would score two major hits of their own within a year, namely Broken Wings and KyrieMay 14, 1985 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dustin Lynch, full name Dustin Charles Lynch, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Debuted in 2012 with the eponymous Dustin Lynch album, which included his Billboard Country top 10 Cowboys And Angels debut single co-penned with Josh Leo and Tim Nichols, and has charted consistently since. Subsequent hits included Where It's At, Hell Of A Night, Mind Reader, Seein' Red, Small Town Boy, Good Girl and Ridin' Roads