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 31, 1950 ~ Rock bassist, singer Chris Bailey, full name Christopher Mark Bailey, born in Keith, Australia ~ Best known as a member of the Angels, known in America under the moniker Angel City, during the band's key period and present on some of the band's best known including the 1979 album No Exit and its follow-up Dark Room released a year later, the latter of which spawned the Australian No.8 hit No Secrets. Other well known songs recorded during Bailey's tenure with the band include Face To Face, Take A Long Line, Into The Heat, and Night Attack. The band are little known outside their native Australia, yet at home they are acknowledged for helping redefine the Australian pub rock tradition. Bands that have cited the Angels as an influence include Cheap Trick, Great White, Guns 'n Roses, and Pearl Jam. Bailey has also worked with Headband, the Mount Lofty Rangers which included a then-unknown Bon Scott of later AC/DC fame, Gotham City, the Invisible Men, Wendy Saddington, and Ganggajang ~ Bailey passed away in 2013May 31, 1949 ~ Guitarist Jeff Cotton, full name Jeffrey Ralph Cotton, born in Porterville, California, USA ~ Best known as member of Captain Beefheart's backing unit the Magic Band, joining in 1967 as a replacement for Ry Cooder and leaving the band in 1970 after an altercation with drummer Jeff Bruschell. Also worked with Blues In A Bottle, Merrell Fankhauser, and MU
May 31, 1948 ~ Drummer John Bonham, full name John Henry Bonham, born in Redditch, UK ~ One of the most important drummers in rock history. Influenced by Max Roach, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich. Member of Led Zeppelin from its inception until his death at 32. Legendary live performer, known for his energetic, lengthy drum solos. Has also worked on Zep side projects and an in-demand guest for other artists. Appears on recordings by the Band Of Joy, the Family Dogg, Screaming Lord Sutch, Lulu, Jimmy Stevens, Roy Wood, and Harry Nilsson ~ Bonham passed away in 1980May 31, 1948 ~ Producer Martin Hannett, full name James Martin Hannett, born in Manchester, UK ~ Director, staff producer at Factory Records. Has worked with artists such as Joy Division, Durutti Column, Magazine, John Cooper Clarke, New Order, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, the Happy Mondays, and the Invisible Girls ~ Hannett passed away in 1991
May 31, 1948 ~ Paulo Roberto Da Costa, commonly known as percussionist Paulinho Da Costa born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for Happy People released in 1979. Best known as an in-demand sideman, present on albums such as Earth Wind & Fire's All 'n All and Powerlight, Quincy Jones' The Dude, Michael Jackson's Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad, and Madonna's True Blue. Has also worked with Milton Nascimento, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Tavares, Deniece Williams (This Is Niecy), Freddie Hubbard, Rod Stewart (Blondes Have More Fun), Dolly Parton, Yvonne Elliman (Night Flight), Joe Sample, Kenny Loggins, the Brothers Johnson, Twennynine, Patti Austin (Every Home Should Have One), LTD, and Bobby Womack (The Poet)May 31, 1947 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophinist Greg Abate born in Fall River, Massachusetts, USA ~ Backed Ray Charles in the early 1970s. Formed the short-lived Channel One, known for their sole album Without Boundaries released in 1981. Has also worked with Sax Oddysey, Duke Bellair, Jerome Richardson, Red Rodney and released well over a dozen solo albums
May 31, 1947 ~ William Campbell Jr, commonly known as singer Junior Campbell born in Glasgow, UK ~ Founding member, lead guitarist, pianist, singer of Marmalade. Co-wrote some of the band's best known including I See The Rain, Rainbow and Reflections Of My Life, the latter selling over 2 million copies. As a solo artist known for the early 1970s UK top 20 hits Hallelujah Freedom and Sweet Illusion. Would go on to compose for film and TV
May 31, 1947 ~ Label founder, executive, producer Larry Harris, full name Larry Alan Harris, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Got his start in music working for Buddah. Would go on to co-found Casablanca Records in 1973. The first act they signed was rock outfit Kiss. Other notable acts on the label included Donna Summer, Parliament, Cher and the Village People ~ Harris passed away in 2017
May 31, 1945 ~ Bobby Allen Hodge, commonly known as singer, guitarist Catfish Hodge, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Formed and fronted 1960s outfit the Catfish Band, active in the Detroit scene opening for the likes of Bob Seger, Black Sabbath, and Ted Nugent. As a solo artist released the Soap Opera's in 1975, which featured backing from Dr John, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, and Bonnie Raitt. Member of 1980s blues outfit the Bluesbusters, with whom he recorded the albums This Time and Accept No SubstituteMay 31, 1945 ~ Conductor Yaacov Bergman born ~ Married to pianist Joan Behrens-Bergman. Well known for his associations with the Walla Walla Symphony, and the Portland Chamber Orchestra. Has also worked with the Colorado Springs Symphony, the New York Heritage Chamber Orchestra, the Osaka Symphonica, and the Israel Chamber Orchestra ~ Bergman passed away in 2023
May 31, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Wayne Carson, full name Wayne Carson Head, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter who wrote or co-wrote several classics originally recorded by BJ Thomas (Always On My Mind) and perhaps most notably the Box Tops (The Letter, Neon Rainbow, and Soul Deep). Others who have recorded his songs include Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, the Beach Boys, Dionne Warwick, Mel Tillis, Petula Clark, Clarence Carter, Gary US Bonds, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, Conway Twitty, Johnny Paycheck, Gary Stewart, Moe Bandy, Glen Campbell, Shelby Lynne, April Fools, Waylon Jennings, and Claude King ~ Carson passed away in 2015
May 31, 1940 ~ August Edmond George Meyer Jr, commonly known as keyboardist, organist, accordionist, guitarist, singer Augie Meyers, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding and alongside lead singer Doug Sahm a key member of the Sir Douglas Quintet, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Mendocino released in 1969. The band would be one of the most influential in Texas, with Meyers' distinctive organ a pivotal element of the band's sound, especially notable on tracks such as She's About A Mover, Mendocino, and Nuevo Laredo. Other than on solo albums, Meyers and Sahm would team up again in the supergroup the Texas Tornados, which also included Flaco Jiménez and Freddy Fender. The supergroup released a string of albums in the 1990s, and are perhaps best known for (Hey Baby) Que Paso, co-written by Meyers, a love song in both English and Spanish which at some point became somewhat of an unofficial anthem of the city of San Antonio. Meyers has recorded nearly two dozen albums of his own starting with Western Head Music Co in 1973, and has guested on albums by Willie Nelson (Shotgun Willie), Jerry Lee Lewis, Yusef Lateef, Katie Trickett, Beausoleil, Bob Dylan (Time Out Of Mind), JR Chatwell, John Hammond Jr (Wicked Grin). Jim Barile, Joe Forlini, the Krayolas, Raul Malo, and Tom Waits. Jerry Dale McFadden, keyboardist of the Mavericks, has praised Meyers' playing, once stating to Rolling Stone: “There's something to be said about simplicity. Augie had a way of reducing his organ fills to just the right part, whether soloing or that pulsing rhythm with minimalist note changes in the chord. When you heard it in a song, you knew instantly that it was Augie Meyers” ~ Meyer passed away in 2026
May 31, 1938 ~ Donald Eugene Lytle, commonly known as singer, songwriter Johnny Paycheck born in Greenfield, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for Take This Job And Shove It, a smash hit in 1977. Also known for Slide Of Of Your Satin Sheets, I'm The Only Hell Mama Ever Raised, Colorado Kool-aid, Me & The IRS and Friend Lover Wife. Wrote Apartment No.9, the first major hit for Tammy Wynette. Sang backup for George Jones. Also worked with Ray Price, Faron Young, Roger Miller, and Skeets McDonald ~ Lytle passed away in 2003
May 31, 1938 ~ Leon Welch, commonly known as singer Lenny Welch, born in Long Branch, New Jersey, USA ~ While in his mid-teens, Welch joined a local Asbury Park, New Jersey, vocal group the Mar-Keys, not to be confused with the more famous Stax studio band of the same name. As a solo artist, Welch would score several hits with cover versions during the 1960s, most notably with his 1963 Billboard Hot 100 No.4 hit and millionseller Since I Fell For You, originally a big band standard. Other well known songs include You Don't Know Me, Ebb Tide, A Taste Of Honey, and the Neil Sedaka cover Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, the latter sung as a torch song. Inspired by Welch's cover, Sedaka would later also re-record the song as a torch song, which reached No.8 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Welch passed away in 2025
May 31, 1938 ~ Singer, guitarist Peter Yarrow born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Formed the folk trio Peter Paul & Mary with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. Co-wrote Puff The Magic Dragon, one of the band's biggest hits. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with 1972's Peter, but would be unable to reach the same level of succes as with the trio ~ Yarrow passed away in 2025
May 31, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Louis Hayes, full name Louis Sedell Hayes, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Philly Joe Jones. Mentored by Jo Jones. Replaced Art Taylor in Horace Silver's quintet in 1956. Joined Cannonball Adderley in 1959. Succeeded Ed Thigpen in Oscar Peterson's trio in 1965. Worked with Yusef Lateef, Curtis Fuller, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Kenny Barron, James Spaulding, John Coltrane, Kenny Burrell, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Timmons, Hank Mobley, Booker Little, Tommy Flanagan, Cecil Taylor, McCoy Tyner, Pepper Adams, Gene Ammons, Al Cohn, Richard Davis, Kenny Drew, Grant Green, John Hicks, Johnny Hodges, JJ Johnson, Jackie McLean, Wes Montgomery, Ray Brown, and Gary Bartz. Released his eponymous debut as a leader in 1960 and continues to record to this day
May 31, 1935 ~ Albert Heath, commonly known as hard bop drummer Albert Tootie Heath, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Brother of saxophonist Jimmy Heath and double bassist Percy Heath with whom he formed the Heath Brothers. First recorded with John Coltrane in 1957, featuring in Coltrane's first session as a leader (Coltrane). As a leader, Heath is best known for the early 1970s albums Kawaida and Kwanza. As sideman, Heath has appeared on albums by Red Garland (Groovy), Billy Taylor, Nina Simone, Cannonball Adderley, Art Farmer (Art), Sonny Red, JJ Johnson, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), Gene Ammons, Walter Benton, Blue Mitchell (A Sure Thing), Charlie Mariano, McCoy Tyner, Charles McPherson (Be-Bop Revisited), Ben Webster, Tete Montoliu, and Herbie Hancock ~ Heath passed away in 2024May 31, 1926 ~ Heinz Lewy, commonly known as engineer, producer Henry Lewy, born in Magdeburg, Germany ~ Best known for his association with singer Joni Mitchell, engineering and producing albums such as Blue, Court And Spark, and Hejira. Other notable credits include Stephen Bishop, Neil Young (Harvest), Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Minnie Riperton (Minnie), Joan Armatrading, and Van Morrison ~ Lewy passed away in 2006
May 31, 1925 ~ Vaudevillian, songwriter Charles B Lawlor, also known as Chas B Lawlor, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Emigrated to America in the late 1860s. Perhaps best remembered for penning The Sidewalks Of New York with James W Blake. The song would become an unofficial anthem of New York, first recorded by Dan Quinn in 1895 and covered by numerous artists including Vernon Dalhart, Kai Winding, Nat King Cole, and Mel Tormé. The song would also be notably used as theme song in the campaign of presidential candidate Alfred E Smith in 1928 ~ Lawlor was born in 1852May 31, 1924 ~ Yvette Montagnon, commonly known as classical guitarist, composer Ida Presti, born in Suresnes, France ~ Child prodigy. Would go on to become a highly acclaimed classical guitarist, perhaps best known for premiering Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez broadcast on French radio in 1948. Following her marriage to classical guitarist Alexandre Lagoya in 1951, she would abandon her solo career and work with Lagoye as a duo ~ Montagnon passed away in 1967
May 31, 1908 ~ Dominic Felix Amici, commonly known as actor, comedian, vaudevillian Don Ameche, born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA ~ Major radio star during the early 1930s, followed by a career in Hollywood appearing in comedies, dramas and musicals, totalling some 40 films, as well as roles in Broadway productions and for TV. To younger audiences best known as the villain Mortimer Duke in 1983's Trading Places and for his role as Art Selwyn in 1985's Cocoon, the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor ~ Amici passed away in 1993May 31, 1901 ~ Conductor, composer Alfredo Antonini born in Milan, Italy ~ Student of Arturo Toscanini. Worked with the Pan-American Orchestra, the Columbia Concert Orchestra, Nestor Mesta Cháyres, Terig Tucci, Juan Arvizu, Elas Miranda, the New York Philharmonic, Eileen Farrell, Robert Merrill, and the CBS Orchestra ~ Antonini passed away in 1983