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 28, 2025 ~ Drummer Al Foster, full name Aloysius Tyrone Foster, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ The drummer first gained serious attention backing Blue Mitchell on a series of albums, starting with The Thing To Do released in 1964. However, he would become best known for his association with Miles Davis, joining the trumpeter's backing unit in the early 1970s as a replacement for Jack DeJohnette. Foster has recorded about a dozen albums with Davis including Get Up With It, the live albums Agartha and Pangaea, and Star People. Foster recorded a handful of albums as a leader, perhaps most notably the funk-flexing Mixed Roots released in 1978, and has guested on albums by Monty Alexander, Illinois Jacquet (The Soul Explosion), Abbey Lincoln (People In Me), Larry Willis, Duke Jordan, Yusef Lateef (The Doctor Is In & Out), Cecil Payne (Bird Gets The Worm), Dexter Gordon, Clint Houston, Frank Foster, Bob Berg, Jack Wilkins (Merge), Red Garland, Phil Markowitz, Joe Henderson, and Sonny Rollins. His impressive resumé notwithstanding, it was with Davis that Foster would remain most closely associated, the two forming a close friendship. Davis named Mr Foster, a hallucinatory funk composition recorded in the early 1970s, for Foster. Davis has credited the drummer with keeping him in touch with the music scene during his sabbatical years through the early 1980s: “I used to talk to him almost every day when I was retired. I really trusted him during that time” ~ Foster was born in 1943
May 28, 2020 ~ Hard rock, glam rock, pop rock guitarist, producer Bob Kulick, full name Robert Joel Kulick, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Brother of Kiss guitarist Bruce Kolick. Worked with the Random Blues Band, Hookfoot, Michael Wendroff, Lou Reed, Balance, Meat Loaf, Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, WASP, the Skull, Blackthorne, Murderer's Row, Doro, Tim Ripper Owens, Michael Bolton, Motörhead, Tim Curry, Alice Cooper, Mark Farmer, Janis Ian, Was (Not Was), Kris Hadlock, Spys, and David Glen Eisley ~ Kulick was born in 1950
May 28, 2020 ~ Alto saxophonist, arranger, composer Lennie Niehaus passed away in Redlands, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Stan Kenton. Also known as a film composer and arranger, oft in collaboration with Jerry Fielding. Arranged for Kenton as well as for artists including the King Sisters, Mel Tormé, Dean Martin, and for Carol Burnett ~ Niehaus was born in 1929
May 28, 2019 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Ralph Murphy passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as a producer working with artists such as Billy Fury (Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt), the Casuals (Touched), April Wine, Mashmakhan, Shooter, Chris Bartley, Rock Garden, and Jeannie C Riley (Good Enough To Be Your Wife). As a songwriter Murphy had his songs recorded by artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, Ray Price, Don Williams, Kathy Mattea, Little Texas, Shania Twain, and Brotherhood Of Man ~ Murphy was born ca.1943May 28, 2018 ~ Singer, actress Maria Dolores Pradera passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Recognised as one of the most admired voices in Spain and Latin America. Started as an actress in the 1950s. Focused on her music career since the 1960s, specializing in bolero, ballad, ronda, folk and other traditional idioms ~ Pradera was born in 1924
May 28, 2018 ~ Giuseppe Caruso, commonly known as composer, conductor, arranger Pippo Caruso, passed away in Fara-in-Sabina, Italy ~ Best known as conductor, bandleader for several TV shows, starting with Canzonissima in the early 1970s, aired on RAI 1. Also wrote A Ruota Libera for Mita Medici, L'Amore È for Lorella Cuccarini & Alessandra Martines, and composed for films including Kill Johnny Ringo and Maladolescenza ~ Caruso was born in 1935
May 28, 2015 ~ Trombonist, pianist, arranger, songwriter Johnny Keating passed away in London, UK ~ Got his start working as a trombonist for Ted Heath, two years in becoming Heath's primary arranger. Wrote a number of soundtracks, perhaps most notably Hotel. The film's theme song This Hotel would be first recorded by Percy Faith and would be covered by Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, and Stan Kenton. As a performer perhaps best known for Theme From Z-Cars, the theme of the BBC TV drama series Z-Cars, would be adopted by Everton Football Club as their club anthem ~ Keating was born in 1927May 28, 2012 ~ Judith Anne Manes, commonly known as soprano singer Judith Nelson, passed away in Albany, California, USA ~ Especially known for her performances of baroque music at the beginning of the early music revival of the 1970s and 1980s. Member of the Five Centuries Ensemble. Co-founding member of the Concerto Vocale. Co-founding member of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Also known for operatic roles in L'Incoronazione Di Poppea and Messiah ~ Nelson was born in 1939
May 28, 2012 ~ The 43rd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. Sunny and tropical warm, this year's edition would draw some 79,000 visitors in total. Included on today's, Monday the 28th's bill would be Gers Pardoel, Seasick Steve, the Specials, Mumford & Sons, Bruce Springsteen, the Rival Sons, Blood Red Shoes, Herbert Grönemeyer, the Hives, James Morrison, Serena Pryne & the Mandevilles, Jonathan Jeremiah, Miike Snow, Chef Special, and Paul Kalkbrenner
May 28, 2010 ~ The 41st edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Sunny and warm with occasional rain, this year's edition would draw a total of some 72,000 visitors. Included on today's, Friday the 28th's bill would include Epica, Kasabian, Motörhead, Rammstein, the Opposites, the Temper Trap, Paolo Nutini, Sungrazer, Black Box Revelation, and Gossip
May 28, 2008 ~ Jerald Edward Kolbrak, commonly known as rock, country guitarist Jerry Cole, passed away in Corona, California, USA ~ In-demand session musician, often uncredited, throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Has appeared on songs such as Mr Tambourine Man and I Knew I'd Want You by the Byrds, These Boots Are Made For Walkin' by Nancy Sinatra, and Kicks by Paul Revere & the Raiders. Appeared on the Beach Boys 1966 landmark album Pet Sounds. Co-founded Happy Tiger Records with Ray Ruff in 1969, best known for signing a post- Van Morrison Them. Cole also played on the band's 1969 eponymous Them album. Other collaborations included Lee Hazlewood, Roger McGuinn, Roger Miller, Gary Usher, and TG Sheppard ~ Kolbrak was born in 1939May 28, 2007 ~ The 38th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. Mostly dry with some rain, this year's edition drew some 62,500 visitors in total. Included on today's, Monday the 28th's bill would include the Fratellis, Wolfmother, the Scissor Sisters, Arctic Monkeys, Linkin Park, the Smashing Pumpkins, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Stone Sour, the Dave Matthews Band, Korn, and Evanescence
May 28, 2001 ~ Keyboardist, singer Tony Ashton, full name Edward Anthony Ashton, passed away in London, UK ~ Rooted in soul, jazz, blues. Formed Ashton Gardner & Dyke with drummer Roy Dyke and bassist Kim Gardner, known for the 1971 UK top 10 hit Resurrection Shuffle. Briefly a member of the Family, notably present on the band's last album It's Only A Movie released in 1973. Ashton has also worked with Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice ~ Ashton was born in 1946
May 28, 2000 ~ Alternative rock duo the White Stripes make their American TV debut, performing on Backstage Pass aired on Detroit public television ~ The duo, consisting of Jack White and Meg White, perform on the TV series Backstage Pass, playing the songs Apple Blossom and You're Pretty Good Looking. Using a low-fidelity approach to writing and drawing from a wide array of influences including garage rock and blues the duo would go on to become one of the most celebrated acts of the 2000s, praised for songs such as Seven Nation Army, The Hardest Button To Button, Blue Orchid and Icky Thump
May 28, 1996 ~ James George Hunter, commonly known as jazz pianist, singer Jimmy Rowles, passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Recorded prolifically as a leader or co-leader since the mid 1950s, especially noted for the early 1970s albums Some Other Spring and The Special Magic Of Jimmy Rowles. As a composer best known for The Peacocks, first recorded by Rowles and Stan Getz on their 1975 collaborative album it would go on to become a standard covered by over an estimated 200 artists. Rowles also served as accompanist of singers such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, the latter once describing Rowles as “the guy every girl singer in her right mind would like to work with”. Over the course of his lengthy career, Rowles has guested on numerous recordings including by Benny Goodman, Harry Sweets Edison, Gerry Mulligan, Barney Kessel, Woody Herman, Red Norvo, Herbie Harper, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Gene Krupa, Anita O'Day, Sammy Davis Jr, June Christy, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, the 5th Dimension, the Monkees, Mundell Lowe, Buddy DeFranco, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Lee Konitz, and Pepper Adams ~ Hunter was born in 1918May 28, 1995 ~ Alternative metal outfit System Of A Down play their first ever concert, performing at the Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles, California ~ The band would play their first ever concert, debuting songs such as Sugar and PLUCK that would be included on their eponymous System Of A Down debut album released three years later
May 28, 1993 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Duncan Browne, full name Duncan John Browne, passed away ~ Signed by Andrew Loog Oldham and debuted in 1968 with the album Give Me Take You. Best known for songs such as Journey and The Wild Places, the latter remaining a radio staple to this day. Member of Metro. Co-wrote Criminal World, which David Bowie included on his Let's Dance album released in 1983 ~ Browne was born in 1947
May 28, 1990 ~ Hard rock, glam metal outfit Mötley Crüe release Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away), lifted off their Dr Feelgood album ~ A breakup song with a twist, Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) peaked at No.19 Billboard Hot 100, making it the band's fifth and final single to reach the American top 20, preceded by Smokin' In The Boys Room, Girls Girls Girls, Dr Feelgood, and Without You. Bassist Nikki Sixx, who co-wrote the song with guitarist Mick Mars, had picked up the line “don't go away mad, just go away” from a movie but couldn't remember which one. As he would later tell Rolling Stone: “I thought, ‘Great idea for a song.’ A little tongue in cheek. A little sarcasm there”May 28, 1988 ~ Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler marries Teresa Barrick in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma ~ Steven Tyler marries clothing designer Teresa Barrick. It would be Tyler's second marriage. The couple would have two children, daughter Chelsea and son Taj, before separating in 2005 citing personal problems. The divorce would be finalized the following year
May 28, 1988 ~ Melvin James Oliver, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader, arranger, composer Sy Oliver passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Ella Fitzgerald, conducting and arranging on many of her records during the Decca Records years. Also worked with Zack Whyte, the Chocolate Beau Brummels, Alphonso Trent, Jimmie Lunceford, Tommy Dorsey, Jo Stafford, the Sentimentalists, Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Caterina Valente ~ Oliver was born in 1910
May 28, 1985 ~ Singer, songwriter Colbie Caillat, full name Colbie Marie Caillat, born in Malibu, California, USA ~ Released her full-length Coco debut album in 2007, which included the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Bubbly. Also known for duetting with Jason Mraz on the 2008 Grammy Award-winning Lucky single
May 28, 1985 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, lead single off his The Dream Of The Blue Turtles solo debut album ~ Sting's first solo hit following the de facto disbandement of the Police would be a major hit, peaking at No.3 Billboard Hot 100, and the first of a series working with saxophonist Branford Marsalis and other jazz-oriented musicians. The song reflected the singer's fear of committment, building upon the theme in Every Breath You Take. As he would later explain: “This song was as much a hymn to my newfound freedom as it was an antidote to the brooding issues of control and surveillance that haunted Every Breath You Take. Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to a partner is ‘I don't own you, you're free’. If you were to try to possess them in the obvious way, you could never appreciate them in the way that really counts. There are too many prisons in the world already”
May 28, 1984 ~ Pop, synth-pop, new wave, blue-eyed soul group Spandau Ballet release Only When You Leave, lead single off their Parade album ~ At the time of its release, the single would be warmly received by critics, who praised Tony Hadley's “crooner” lead vocals and the track's crisp yet succulent production. Retrospectively, the Guardian would qualify the song as typical of the band's move into “slick, chart-friendly shoulder-heaving soul.” The single would be a top 10 hit in several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and the band's native UK. In the USA, it would be their last single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.34
May 28, 1981 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, flutist Adam Green born in Mount Kisco, New York, USA ~ Formed the duo the Moldy Peaches with singer Kimya Dawson, best known for Anyone Else But You used in the soundtrack of Juno. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Garfield released in 2002May 28, 1981 ~ Hip hop act Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, opening for British punk rock band the Clash, were booed off the stage as the crowd did not appreciate their act ~ With their first modest hit, Freedom, just under their belt and their massive The Message breakthrough hit still a year away, the band was booked as opening act for British punk rock outfit the Clash at Bonds International Casino, New York. The audience clearly did not appreciate the hip hop act and assaulted them with various projectiles and booed the act off the stage
May 28, 1981 ~ Mary Elfrieda Scruggs, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist, songwriter Mary Lou Williams, passed away in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Dubbed “the First Lady of the Jazz Keyboard” for her prowess on the ivories, and one of the first women in jazz to achieve wide critical acclaim and commercial success. Child prodigy, learnt to play the piano at age three, performed in public from age seven and professionally from age fifteen onwards. Drawing from spirituals, gospel, ragtime, stride, bebop, blues, and jazz, Williams may have written and arranged hundreds of compositions including for Andy Kirk, Benny Goodman, and Dizzy Gillespie. Williams served as mentor to numerous jazz greats early on in their career, including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Tadd Dameron, and Bud Powell. In the mid 1950s, most likely in part triggered by the death of close friend Charlie Parker, Williams converted to Catholicism and retreated from music for several years. She would devote her time to church, her own Bel Canto Foundation, and turned her apartment in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of New York into a halfway house for the poor and musicians who were struggling with addition. Reportedly, Williams did not intend to return to music, but it were several clergymen who convinced her she could serve God and the Catholic Church by utilizing her gift of creating music. Dizzy Gillespie had also tried to persuade her to return to music, and she gave a remarkable performance with his band at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1957. Throughout the 1960s, much of her work would be religiously themed, including the Mass Black Christ Of The Andes issued on vinyl in 1964 and considered one of her finest works. Williams remained active until her death in the early 1980s, her career flourishing in the 1970s. Near the end of her life, looking back at her lengthy and impressive career, Williams has been quoted as saying: “I did it, didn't I? Through muck and mud” ~ Scruggs was born in 1910
May 28, 1981 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Victoria Legrand, full name Victoria Garance Alixe Legrand, born in Paris, France ~ Blessed with a voice capable of churning out hauntingly powerful vocals one moment and heartbreakingly crushing the next, Legrand has been critically compared to Nico and Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval. As a child, Legrand emigrated to America with her family where she would play in a Led Zeppelin cover band in her teens and major in drama at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York. Relocating to Paris, Legrand subsequently attended the International Theatre School of Jacques Levy, but dropped out after becoming disenchanted and more interested in songwriting. Back in America, Legrand would team up with Alex Scally to form the dream pop duo Beach House, with whom she recorded over half a dozen albums since the mid 2000s. With Legrand's swirling organs and ghostly vocals paired with Scally's energetic guitar, the duo is praised for exploring new possibilities in dream pop. The pair consider each other musical soul mates, as Legrand would later recall of first meeting through a mutual friend: “It was an inner feeling, like fate.” They are especially acclaimed for their Teen Dream album, issued in 2010, the duo aided by renowned indie engineer and producer Chris Coady then-known for his work with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and TV On The Radio. Legrand has cited artists as diverse as the Cure, the Cocteau Twins, Gene Clark, Neil Young, and in particular Courtney Love as influences. Although perhaps not well known by the public at large, Beach House have consistently earned critical acclaim and built a solid and devoted fanbase including among fellow musicians. Pop duo the Chainsmokers wrote Beach House in honor of the duo, Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips named Beach House's 2012 Bloom one of the ten albums that changed his life, and the duo's songs have been sampled by the likes of the Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and Juice WRLD. Legrand is the niece of French composer Michel Legrand and of soprano singer Christiane Legrand of the Swingle Singers