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 22, 1973 ~ Rock, alt-country singer, guitarist Dallas Good born in Richmond Hill, Canada ~ Son of bluegrass autoharpist Bruce Good. Founded the Sadies in 1994 with his brother Travis Good, Sean Dean and Mike Bellitsky. The band is known for their blend of punk, country, Americana, surf and garage rock and acclaimed for their 1998 Precious Moments debut album and their 2006 In Concert (Volume One) live album. The band has served as Neko Case's backing band and collaborated with the likes of Neil Young, the Mekons, Kurt Vile, and Buffy Sainte-Marie ~ Good passed away in 2022
May 22, 1973 ~ R&B, soul singer Donell Jones born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Debuted in 1996 with his My Heart album, broke through with its follow-up Where I Wanna Be released in 1999 which included the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit U Know What's Up featuring Lisa Left-Eye Lopes. Has also collaborated with Styles P, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Jermaine Dupri, Clipse, David Banner, and Jon BMay 22, 1972 ~ Rock guitarist, keyboardist, singer Declan Burke born in Limerick, Ireland ~ Member of Darwin Radio. Member of neo-progressive rock supergroup Frost, appearing on the albums Experiments In Mass Appeal and The Philadelphia Experiment. Has also worked with Audioplastik and Dilemma, and recorded a number of albums as a solo artist, starting with Destroy All Monsters released in 2010
May 22, 1972 ~ Canadian rock outfit the Guess Who play the Paramount Theatre, Washington ~ The Canadian rockers perform at the Paramount. The concert would be recorded and released the following August as Live At The Paramount. It would be the band's only live album. The songs Glace Bay Blues, Runnin' Back To Saskatoon and Truckin' Off Across The Sky did not appear on any of the band's studio albums. The album would reach top 40 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart
May 22, 1972 ~ The third edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Sunny and hot, some 26,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Argent, the Incredible String Band, Mungo Jerry, Strawbs, Focus, Plainsong, and Michael Chapman
May 22, 1969 ~ Producer, DJ Carl Craig born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leading DJ in the second wave of Detroit techno during late 1980s and 1990s. Known under a variety of monnikers, most notably Innerzone Orchestra. Has remixed for Maurizio, Theo Parrish, Tori Amos, Depeche ModeMay 22, 1967 ~ Rock bassist Dan Roberts born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Joined the Crash Test Dummies in time for their 1991 The Ghosts That Haunt Me debut album. The band, fronted by his brother Brad Roberts, would score a number of top 10 hits in their native Canada including Superman's Song, Swimming In Your Ocean, Afternoons And Coffeespoons, The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead, He Liked To Feel It, and Keep A Lid On Thngs. Oddly enough, Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm of their 1993 God Shuffled His Feet sophomore album would become their biggest international hit including reaching top 10 on Billboard Hot 100 but only reached top 20 in Canada. A keen photographer Roberts' work also used as the artwork for the band's albums Jingle All The Way and I Don't Care That You Don't Mind
May 22, 1967 ~ Singer Florence Ballard makes last public appearance with the Supremes, performing on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show aired on NBC ~ Ballard, a member of the band since its inception, performs with the Supremes for the last time. Florence Ballard had been growing discontented with the direction of band and especially with label owner Berry Gordy Jr favoring singer Diana Ross over the others. By the end of the summer it would be reported Ballard was on a temporarily leave of absence due to exhaustion. She would not return, replaced by Cindy Birdsong who had up till then frequently filled in for her. Struggling with alcoholism, depression, poverty and unable to make it as a solo singer Ballard would die in 1976 at age 32, her death often cited as one of rock's greatest tragedies
May 22, 1967 ~ Poet, social activist Langston Hughes passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form jazz poetry, which has been described as poetry that demonstrates jazz-like rhythm or the feel of improvisation. Jazz poetry first emerged in the 1920s. has been adopted by the Beat generation by the 1950s and is considered a huge influence on later art-forms such as hip-hop, rap, and spoken word music ~ Hughes was born in 1901May 22, 1966 ~ Angel Cereceda Orrego, commonly known as rock, jazz guitarist Angel Parra Jr, born in Santiago, Chile ~ Son of singer, songwriter Angel Parra. Considered one of Chile's most foremost guitarists, drawing from jazz, rock and folk. Member of rock band Los Tres for over two decades. Has also recorded as a solo artist, with his jazz trio the Angel Parra Trio, and recorded half a dozen albums with his father
May 22, 1966 ~ R&B, soul, new jack swing singer Johnny Gill born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Lead singer of new jack swing outfit New Edition, the band name being a reference to the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons, and known for hits such as Cool It Now, If It Isn't Love and I'm Still In Love With You. Also a member of supergroup LSG alongside Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat, whose 1997 Levert Sweat Gill debut album spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit My Body. Gill also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with 1983's eponymous Johnny Gill, and notably collaborated with Stacy Lattisaw on the Perfect Combination album released in 1984May 22, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist Andy Middleton born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Actively recording since the early 1990s. Well over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. especially acclaimed for the album The European Quartet Live released in 2007. Has backed artists such as Stefan Bartus, Kenny Wheeler, Owen Howard, Renee Rosnes, Maria Schneider, Ron van Stratum, Joey Calderazzo, and Piotr Wojtasik
May 22, 1962 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist Jesse Valenzuela born ~ Co-founding member of Gin Blossoms, initially as lead vocalist, switching to guitar in 1988. Released his Tunes Young People Will Enjoy solo debut album in 2002. Co-wrote and performed Not A Lot Goin' On with Craig Northey, which is used as the theme song of the Canadian sitcom Corner Gas
May 22, 1960 ~ Heavy metal, thrash metal, Christian metal singer, drummer, songwriter Ted Kirkpatrick born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Sole constant member and primary songwriter of Christian metal outfit Tourniquet. Kirkpatrick is known for his unorthodox approach to drumming, viewing the drums as a musical instrument rather than “a noisy time keeper”, and is particularly praised for his ability to create and execute poly-rhythms within the framework of songs. Tourniquet have recorded ten studio albums, starting in the early 1990s, and are perhaps best known for Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance issued in 1992, once voted Favorite Album of the 1990s by the readers of HM Magazine. Besides his work with Tourniquet, serving as the band's thriving force throughout their career, Kirkpatrick has also recorded several albums as a solo artist, perhaps most notably his 2010 In The Shadows Of Masters sophomore album which finds Kirkpatrick drumming to classics by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Gioachino Rossini, Frédéric Chopin and Niccolò Paganini. Besides classical music, Kirkpatrick is also influenced by ethnic and world music, resulting in instruments rarely found in metal such as the bouzouki and dulcimer appearing on Tourniquet's music, as well as rock drummers such as Emerson Lake & Palmer's Carl Palmer and Rush's Neil Peart. Kirkpatrick himself has stated he started drumming at age 10, but only “got serious after watching Buddy Rich from the front row at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1972, and seeing Carl Palmer's epic drum solo on Karn Evil 9 at California Jam in 1974” ~ Kirkpatrick passed away in 2022
May 22, 1959 ~ Steven Patrick Morrissey, mononymously known as alternative rock singer, songwriter Morrissey born in Manchester, UK ~ Fronted 1970s punk band the Nosebleeds. Lead singer of the Smiths which he co-founded with Johnny Marr in 1982, known for pivotal 1980s, 1990s hits such as Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, Sheila Take A Bow, Girlfriend In A Coma and This Charming Man. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Viva Hate in 1988. Acclaimed for his 1992 Your Arsenal album, regarded as one of the most influential 1990s British releases. Morrissey would cause signifant controversy from the mid-2010s onwards as a staunch supporter of Brexit, a bizarre self-published 2018 interview in which he claimed “Adolf Hitler was a liberal lefty”, support for farright movements and suggesting COVID-19 conspiracy theoriesMay 22, 1958 ~ Gospel singer Regina McCrary born ~ Member of traditional black gospel, contemporary urban gospel outfit the McCrary Sisters alongside siblings Ann McCrary, Deborah McCrary and Alfreda McCrary. The group has recorded a number of albums, starting with Our Journey released in 2010, as well as provided backing vocals for artists such as Carrie Underwood (Choctaw County Affair), Margo Price (Do Right By Me), and Allison Russell (All Of The Women). Regina has also toured as backing singer with singer, guitarist Bob Dylan from the late 1970s through 1985 ~ McCrary passed away in 2005
May 22, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Anne Grete Preus born in Haugesund, Norway ~ Member of Veslefrikk. Member of Can Can. Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, acclaimed especially for her Millimeter released in 1994 ~ Preus passed away in 2019
May 22, 1956 ~ Natalia Mikhailovna Schneiderman, commonly known as actress, keyboardist, singer Natasha Shneider, born in Riga, Latvia SSR ~ Best known as member of Eleven, which also included the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam-drummer Jack Irons. Shneider also appeared on Chris Cornell's 1999 Euphoria Morning solo album, worked with the Queens Of The Stone Age, and has worked as an actress for TV and film from time to time ~ Schneiderman passed away in 2008
May 22, 1955 ~ Chalmers Edward Alford, commonly known a blues, gospel, neo soul guitarist Chalmers Alford or Chalmers Spanky Alford, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Gospel guitar player from the 1960s through the 1980s including with the Mighty Clouds Of Joy. From the 1990s onwards productive in the neo-soul genre. Has worked with D'Angelo, Tony Toni Toné, the Soultronics, Questlove, James Poyser, Pino Palladino, Anthony Hamilton, Joss Stone, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, Raphael Saadiq, Roy Hargrove, the Roots, Vikter Duplaix, Evelyn Turrentine Agee, Norman Brown, the Bee Gees, Tupac Shakur, Al Green, and the Canton Spirituals ~ Alford passed away in 2008May 22, 1953 ~ Jazz double bassist Jon Burr born in Huntington, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jim McNeely, Warren Covington, Steve Grossman, Buddy Rich, Ted Curson, Art Farmer, Lee Konitz, Chet Baker, Horace Silver, Stan Getz, Tony Bennett, Jon Hendricks, Stéphane Grappelli, Dorothy Donegan, Roland Hanna, Eartha Kitt, Mark O'Connor, Jonathan Russell, and Howard Alden
May 22, 1952 ~ New wave, electronic, synth-pop singer, songwriter Christina Moser born in Milan, Italy ~ Formed the duo Chrisma with her husband Maurizio Arcieri, perhaps best known for collaborating with producer Nico Papathanassiou and Vangelis on the singles U and Amore as well as on their 1978 Chinese Restaurant album ~ Moser passed away in 2022
May 22, 1952 ~ R&B singer Randy Brown born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Although never a household name, Brown was held in the highest regards by quiet storm aficionados as one of the smoothest, sultriest singers of the 1970s and 1980s. Brown had started as a singer in his church and local doo-wop outfits, most notably with Memphis based outfit the Newcomers including on the modest early 1970s hit Pin The Tail On The Donkey. As a solo artist, Brown would record about half a dozen albums starting with 1978's Welcome To My Room which included two of his best known, I'm Always In The Mood and I Wanna Make Love To You. Other well known songs include I'd Rather Hurt Myself and We Ought To Be Doin' It, the latter his highest charting hit peaking at No.16 Billboard R&B in 1981. Brown's rich tenor and heartfelt delivery made him a favorite among R&B audiences, enjoying popularity especially in Europe where he often performed in multi-artist shows ~ Brown passed away in 2025
May 22, 1950 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Bernie Taupin, full name Bernard John Taupin, born in Lincolnshire, UK ~ Best known for his association with Elton John, having written the lyrics to most of Elton's songs. Has also co-written songs for others including Alice Cooper's How You Gonna See Me Now, Starship's We Built This City, Barry Ryan's Light In Your Heart and Emmylou Harris' A Love That Will Never Grow Old
May 22, 1949 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Johnnie Lovesin born in Val D'Or, Canada ~ Active since the late 1960s as lead singer of several bands, most notably the Invisible Band. As a solo artist known for a number of 1980s albums, starting with 1980s Set The Night On Fire, before a brain aneurysm would temporarily halt his career, Lovesin returned in 1996 with the album Ready To Rumble and would continue to perform, albeit it less frequent, well into the 2010s ~ Lovesin passed away in 2019May 22, 1947 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, composer Franz Koglmann born in Molding, Austria ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Lee Konitz, Paul Bley, Bill Dixon, George Grawe, Andrea Centazzo, Theo Jörgensmann, Wolfgang Reisinger, Enrico Rava, Yitzhak Yedid, Ran Blake, John Lindberg, Steve Lacy, Michel Wintsch, Tony Coe, Oskar Aichinger, Rajsh Menta, Peter Herbert, James Emery, Hannes Enziberger, and Gerry Hemingway
May 22, 1947 ~ Martin James Norman Riley, commonly known as ska, reggae, rocksteady singer Jimmy Reilly, born ~ Father of singer Tarrus Riley. Co-founded the Sensations with Cornell Campbell, Buster Riley and Aaron Dego Davis, and present on mid 1960s hits such as Everyday Is Just A Holiday and Those Guys. Left the band in 1967 to join the Uniques, known for songs such as Watch This Sound and My Conversation. Would go on to record as a solo artist throughout the 1970s and 1980s, well known songs include Tell The Youths The Truth, Clean Up The Streets and perhaps his best known Sexual Healing, the latter a reggae-cover of the Marvin Gaye hit ~ Riley passed away in 2016