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 17, 1982 ~ Pop rock outfit Chicago release Hard To Say I'm Sorry, lifted off their Chicago 16 album ~ The band had been dropped by their longtime label Columbia Records for disappointing sales, but signed to Full Moon and returned with Hard To Say I'm Sorry, their first single for the new label. Reproducing the format of their 1976 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper If You Leave Me Now, the Peter Cetera-written and led Hard To Say I'm Sorry would become the band's second Billboard Hot 100 No.1. To the dismay of some of the band members, producer David Foster had brought in several session musicians for the track, including Toto-members David Paich and Steve Porcaro on synthesizers and Steve Lukather on guitar. Chicago band member Bill Champlin had suggested they use Foster, and would later explain to Songfacts: “Foster would just as soon call the A players and bring them in, and I really don't blame him. Real major players that can get this stuff for you in a minute. They really eyeball with the producer once and give it to him on take one”May 17, 1981 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Alan Gowen passed away in London, UK ~ Important figure in Canterbury scene. Best known for founding Gilgamesh in 1973 and founding National Health in 1975, departing the latter in 1977 but briefly returning for their 1978 eponymous National Health debut album. Has also worked with Assagai, Sunship, and Soft Heap. Gowen passed away of leukaemia at age 33 ~ Gowen was born in 1947
May 17, 1980 ~ Heavy metal singer Dallas Taylor, full name Dallas Taliaferro Taylor, born in Ocala, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding member of Underoath, appearing on the albums Act Of Depression, Cries Of The Past and Changing Of The Times before leaving the band in 2003 to be replaced by Spencer Chamberlain. Has also worked with Maylene & the Sons Of Disaster, the Everett, Riot Head, and ZEALMay 17, 1980 ~ In its 10th week on the charts, The Way I Am by Merle Haggard peaks at No.2 Billboard Country ~ Written by Sonny Throckmorton, The Way I Am issued as the only single off the album of the same name would become Merle Haggard's first Billboard Country top 10 hit of the 1980s. Plaintive in its delivery, the song delves into the theme of the downtrodden working man, with the singer steadfastly insisting that the way his life is does not necessarily reflect who he -actually- is. Haggard's brief stint on MCA Records isn't generally considered his best period, yet The Way I Am stands out as classic Haggard. Over the course of his lengthy career, over 60 of Haggard's singles would reach top 10 Billboard Country. The Way I Am, first recorded by Haggard, would be covered by over a dozen artists including Alan Jackson, George Jones, and Bonnie Prince Billy
May 17, 1976 ~ Producer, pianist, vibraphonist, songwriter, arranger Charles Stepney passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founded Rotary Connection with Marshall Chess and produced most of the band's output. Would go on to produce a host of artists including Rotary-lead singer Minnie Riperton, the Dells, Earth Wind & Fire, Terry Callier, Ramsey Lewis, Maurice White, Marlena Shaw, Deniece Williams, the Soulful Strings, Howlin' Wolf, and the Emotions ~ Stepney was born in 1931
May 17, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter Kandi Burruss, full name Kandi Lenice Burruss, born in College Park, Georgia, USA ~ Rose to fame in the early 1990s as member of R&B, hip-hop, soul group Xscape, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Just Kickin' It, Understanding, Who Can I Run To, The Arms Of The One Who Loves You, My Little Secret. As a songwriter known for penning or co-penning songs such as TLC's No Scrubbs, Destiny's Child's Bills Bills Bills and Pink's debut single There You Go. Debuted as a solo singer with the album Hey Kandi in 2000
May 17, 1976 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, pianist Lars Gullin, full name Lars Gunnar Victor Gullin, passed away in Vissefjarda, Sweden ~ Father of saxophonist Peter Gullin and conductor Gabriella Gullin. Leader and sideman. Aspired to become a classical pianist but settled on jazz sax after hearing Gerry Mulligan on Miles Davis's Birth Of The Cool album. Has collaborated with Arne Domnérus, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Clifford Brown, Archie Shepp, Stan Getz, and Quincy Jones ~ Gullin was born in 1928
May 17, 1972 ~ Keith Lamar Johnson, commonly known as gospel singer, songwriter Keith Wonderboy Johnson, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Earned the nickname “Wonderboy” while still a child for his vocal prowess. Straddled the line between traditional and contemporary gospel. Over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Through The Storm released in 1998. Best known for his 2000 Live And Alive album. Well known songs include I Wouldn't Know You, Let Go Let God and True Love ~ Johnson passed away in 2022
May 17, 1972 ~ Anthony Williams, commonly known a DJ, turntablist Roc Raida, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Member of DJ team the X-Ecutioners, present on the band's first three albums including the acclaimed 2002 Built From Scratch album. Served as DJ for Busta Rhymes and for MF Grimm. Has produced tracks for Ill Al Skratch, Showbiz & AG, the Jungle Brothers, Skillz, and Big Pun. As a solo artist, Williams released about half a dozen albums, starting with The Adventures Of Roc Raida (One Too Many) in 1997 ~ Williams passed away in 2009
May 17, 1971 ~ Singer Vernie Bennett born in London, UK ~ Member of R&B girl group the Eternal, known for mid to late 1990s recordings such as Oh Baby I, Power Of A Woman, Don't You Love Me, I Wanna Be The Only One featuring CeCe Winans, Angel Of Mine, and perhaps their best known Stay, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20 in 1993
May 17, 1969 ~ Folk rock singer, guitarist Alan Doyle, full name Alan Thomas Doyle, born in Petty Harbour, Canada ~ Lead singer of Great Big Sea, known best for late 1990s singles such as Ordinary Day, The End Of The World and Consequence Free. Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with 2012's Boy On Bridge, produced several tracks for Russell Crowe's 2006 My Hand My Heart, collaborated with Dean Brody, and guest starred on the Republic Of Doyle television series
May 17, 1968 ~ Drummer Dave Abbruzzese, full name David James Abbruzzese, born in Stamford, Connecticut, USA ~ Member of Pearl Jam, joining the band in 1991 shortly before the release of their Ten debut album as replacement for original drummer Dave Krusen. Remained with the band through 1994 and appeared on the albums Vs and Vitalogy. Has also worked with Green Romance Orchestra and guested on recordings by Course Of Empire, Nicklebag, Stevie Salas, and Bernard FowlerMay 17, 1967 ~ Singer Glen Campbell records Gentle On My Mind at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California ~ Written by folk singer, songwriter John Hartford. Glen Campbell released his Al De Lory-produced version as a single in June 1967, initially to little succes. Re-released in 1968, earning no less than four Grammy Awards, two for Hartford, two for Campbell. The song would later be covered by Dean Martin, Patti Page, Elvis Presley on the 1969 From Elvis In Memphis album, Aretha Franklin as the B-side to 1969's I Can't See Myself Leaving You, and Waylon Jennings
May 17, 1965 ~ Alternative rock, industrial rock, industrial metal, synth-pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Trent Reznor, full name Michael Trent Reznor, born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Started in the mid-1980s in synth-pop bands such as Option 30, the Innocent and the Exotic Birds. Rose to fame as lead singer and sole constant member of industrial metal outfit Nine Inch Nails which he founded in 1988, earning critical acclaim and commercial succes with the band's Pretty Hate Machine debut album. Mentored Marilyn Manson. Co-wrote several soundtrack with frequent Nail-collaborator Atticus Ross, including 2010's The Social Network for which the duo was awarded an Academy Award for Best Original Score
May 17, 1961 ~ Enya Patricia Brennan, mononymously known as Celtic pop, world, new-age singer, pianist, percussionist, songwriter Enya, born in Gweedore, Ireland ~ First gained attention as member of family outfit Clannad from 1980 through 1982 and present on the albums Crann Ull and Fuaim. Would go on to become Ireland's best-selling solo artist known for her work on soundtracks such The Frog Prince and albums such as the eponymous 1987 Enya album and its follow-up Watermark the next year, the latter propelling her to international stardom. Best known for songs such as I Want Tomorrow, Orinoco Flow, Book Of Days and Anywhere IsMay 17, 1959 ~ Singer Elena Ledda born in Selargius, Italy ~ Originally sang opera yet drawn to the sounds of her native Sardinia has switched to folk. Over half a dozen albums to her name as a solo artist. In-demand collaborator, notably with Greek singer Savina Yannatou on the acclaimed 2006 collaborative album Tutti Bacci, as well as with Lester Bowie, Maria Del Mar Bonet, Paolo Fresu, Andreas Vollenweider, Don Cherry, and Naná Vasconcelos
May 17, 1958 ~ Post-punk, synth-pop, new wave keyboardist, guitarist Alan Rankine born in Bridge Of Alan, UK ~ Member of cabaret band Caspian, which would evolve into post-punk, new romantic outfit the Associates. The band would be best best known for their 1980 The Affectionate Punch album and their critically acclaimed Sulk masterpiece released in 1982. Following his departure from the band on the eve of the Sulk tour Rankine would establish himself as a producer for the likes of Paul Haig, the Cocteau Twins, and the Pale Fountains. Has also recorded as a solo artist in the late 1980s ~ Rankine passed away in 2023
May 17, 1958 ~ Paul Andrews, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock singer Paul di Anno, born in Chingford, UK ~ Lead singer for Iron Maiden, with whom he recorded the eponymous Iron Maiden debut album and its follow-up Killers, before being replaced by Bruce Dickinson in 1981. Di Anno would later comment on being let go from the band: “I don't blame them for getting rid of me. Obviously, the band was Steve Harris's baby, but I wish I'd been able to contribute more. After a while that got me down. In the end I couldn't give 100 percent to Maiden anymore and it wasn't fair to the band, the fans or to myself.” Di Anno has also recorded as a solo artist, and fronted a succession of heavy metal bands including the Killers, Gogmagog, Battlezone, Rockfellas, and Warhorse. However, he will be remembered most for his tenure with Iron Maiden, with whom he recorded two superb albums and co-wrote Maiden-classics such as Running Free, Sanctuary, Remember Tomorrow, and Killers ~ Andrews passed away in 2024May 17, 1955 ~ Guitarist, singer David Townsend, full name David Edward Townsend, born in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Son of singer, producer, songwriter Ed Townsend. Member of Port Authority. Best known as co-founding member of Surface, the R&B band known for songs such as Happy, Closer Than Friends, You Are My Everything, Falling In Love, When Your Ex Wants You Back, Shower Me With Your Love, The First Time and Never Gonna Let You Down. Townsend also served as staff songwriter at EMI, co-writing songs for New Edition (Let's Be Friends), Gwen Guthrie, and Sister Sledge (You're So Fine) ~ Townsend passed away in 2005
May 17, 1955 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader Ernst van 't Hoff passed away in Brussels, Belgium ~ During World War II, Van 't Hoff was ordered by the occupying Nazis to lead a big band and play state-approved dance music. However, he played jazz anyway for which he was repeatedly punished and eventually, in 1944, relieved from his post. Worked with Robert de Kers, Jean Omer, Hans Mossel, Ancienne Belgique, and Ack van Rooyen ~ Van 't Hoff was born in 1908May 17, 1954 ~ Orchestral conductor Henrie Adams born in Thorn, the Netherlands ~ Closely associated with the Sinfonietta Geleen. Has also worked with de Kerkelijke Harmonie St Joseph, het Limburgs Symfonie Orkest, the Royal Military Band Johan Willem Friso, and the Royal Band Of Belgian Guides ~ Adams passed away in 2022
May 17, 1953 ~ Guitarist, songwriter George Johnson born ~ Member of the Brothers Johnson, which also included his brother bassist Louis Johnson. The siblings backed Bobby Womack, the Supremes, and Billy Preston before venturing out on their own, releasing their Quincy Jones produced Look Out For No.1 debut album in 1976. The band would regularly reach the higher echelons of the Billboard R&B throughout the mid-1980s. I'll Be Good To You, Strawberry Letter 23 and Stomp would also reach top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
May 17, 1953 ~ R&B singer, pianist Ray Charles records Mess Around ~ One of Ray Charles' first hits. Written by Ahmet Ertegun, drawing from earlier versions of the piano riff, notably boogie-woogie pianist Pete Johnson's version. The origins may be traced back to as early as 1928 in Cow Cow Davenport's Cow Cow BluesMay 17, 1949 ~ Progressive rock guitarist, flutist, keyboardist, singer Andrew Latimer born in Guildford, UK ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of Camel, gaining a cult following with mid 1970s albums such as Mirage, Snow Goose and Moonmadness
May 17, 1949 ~ Progressive rock, rock, jazz, jazz fusion drummer Bill Bruford, full name William Scott Bruford, born in Sevenoaks, UK ~ Cited as influence by Tool's Danny Carey, Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Pearl Jam's Matt Cameron, and Coheed & Cambria's Chris Pennie. Co-founding member of Yes, remaining with the band through 1972. Present on the band's first five albums, Yes, Time And A Word, The Yes Album, Fragile, and Close To The Edge. Worked with King Crimson from 1972 through 1974, and subsequently with Roy Harper, Genesis and UK before founding Bruford in 1977. Has also worked with Gong, National Health, Earthworks, and Anderson Bruford Wakeman HoweMay 17, 1949 ~ Jazz guitarist Marc Fosset born in Paris, France ~ Influenced by Yves Montand, Didi Duprat, Django Reinhardt. Member of Magma. Also worked with Michel de Villers, René Urtreger, Claude Guilhot, Franco Manzecchi, Patrice Galas, Patrice Caratini, Stéphane Grappelli, Jean-Michel Cazorla, and Philippe Briand ~ Fosset passed away in 2020