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 4, 1977 ~ Eugenio Sanchez Jr, commonly known as electronic, house producer, DJ, remixer, label executive, A&R agent Junior Sanchez, born in Belleville, New Jersey, USA ~ Executive and A&R agent for Rufftrax, his own Cube Recordings, and various other labels. Has collaborated with Azealia Banks, Katy Perry, Armand van Helden, Green Velvet, Mya, Good Charlotte, Daft Punk, Madonna, Shakira, Ariana Grande, Róisín Murphy, Jamiroquai, and Giorgio Moroder
May 4, 1976 ~ Anza Ohyama, mononymously known as rock, pop, heavy metal singer, actress Anza, born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Has appeared in about a dozen separate productions of the musical Sailor Moon. Member of Moon Lips, a girl group comprised of actresses from the musical. Lead singer for heavy metal outfit Head Phones President. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Sakurakko Club, Momo, and Vitamin Q
May 4, 1976 ~ Nathan Robinson, commonly known as jazz trombonist Jim Robinson, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his signature song Ice Cream. Mentor to Frank Demond and to Big Bill Bissonnette. Worked with Sam Morgan, Bunk Johnson, and George Lewis ~ Robinson was born in 1892
May 4, 1975 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal, nu metal, electronica drummer, keyboardist, singer, producer, DJ Ontronik Khachaturian, also known as Andy Khachturian, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Original drummer System Of A Down, replaced by John Dolmayan in 1997 prior to the band's rise to fame. Founder, lead singer of al-progressive rock band Mt Helium from 1999 through 2002. Also worked with KillMatriarch, VoKee, and recorded as a solo artist
May 4, 1974 ~ Gerald Walcan Bright, mononymously known as dance band bandleader Geraldo, passed away in Vevey, Switzerland ~ One of the most popular dance bandleaders of the 1930s and 1940s employing sidemen such as Johnny Dankworth, Benny Green, Bill Le Sage, Ronnie Scott, and Stan Tracey ~ Bright was born in 1904
May 4, 1973 ~ Chris Palko, commonly known as hip-hop, rap rock rapper Cage, born in Würzburg, West Germany ~ Founding member of hip-hop supergroup the Weathermen. Forms the duo Leak Bros with rapper Tame One. Forms the duo the Nighthawks with Camu Tao. As a solo artist active since the late 1990s, releasing his full-length Movies For The Blind solo debut album in 2002. Has also guested on recordings by Aesop Rock, El-P, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Kid Cudi, and Sadistik
May 4, 1972 ~ Contemporary Christian singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Tomlin, full name Christopher Dwayne Tomlin, born in Grand Saline, Texas, USA ~ One of the most popular contemporary Christian music singers, known for songs such as How Great Is Our God, Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) and his rendition of Good Good Father. His 2013 Burning Lights would top the all-genre Hot 200 albums chart in its first week, only the 4th CCM album to achieve this feat
May 4, 1972 ~ Michael Ryan Pritchard, commonly known as Mike Dirnt, born in Rodeo, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of punk rock outfit Green Day, known for spearheading the 1990s punk rock revival and acclaimed for albums such as Dookie and American Idiot, the latter their first album to top the Hot 200 and later reworked into the first Broadway punk rock opera
May 4, 1972 ~ Pop, rock singer, songwriter Patti Rothberg, full name Patricia Lynne Rothberg, born in New York, New York, New York, USA ~ Released her Between The 1 And The 9 debut album in 1996, spawning the modest Billboard hit Inside. Has opened for artists such as the Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, Garbage, Midnight Oil and Paul WesterbergMay 4, 1971 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Rudresh Mahanthappa born in Trieste, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Vijay Iyer, Bunky Green, Craig Taborn, Francois Moutin, Dan Weiss, Rez Abbasi, Ronan Guilfoyle, Chandler Sardjoe, Mark Dresser, Gerry Hemingway, Steve Lehman, the Oversize Quartet, Clark Terry, Amir Elsaffa, Andrs Morgensen, Jason Robinson, Danilo Pérez, and Jack DeJohnette
May 4, 1970 ~ Jazz pianist Giovanni Mirabassi born in Perugia, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Chet Baker, Steve Grossman, Pierre Stephane Michel, Flavio Boltro, Daniele Mericarelli, Louis Moulin, Andrzej Jagodzinski, Glenn Ferris, Gildas Bocle, Claude Nougaro, Agnes Bihi, Serge Lama, Jeanne Cherhal, Serge Gainsbourg, Patrick Artero, Gianluci Renzi, Leon Parker, and Cyril Mokalesh
May 4, 1969 ~ Bassist Art Edwards, full name Arthur Eugene Edwards III, born in Moline, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of alternative rock band the Refreshments, which also included Roger Clyne and known best for Banditos of their 1996 Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy album. Also a novelist, debuting in 2003 with Stuck Outside Of Phoenix which was later made into a feature film for which Edwards also wrote the screenplay
May 4, 1968 ~ In its 6th week on the charts, The Unknown Soldier by the Doors peaks at No.39 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Issued as the lead single off their Waiting For The Sun sophomore album. Contrary to many songs of the era, The Unknown Soldier was specifically not about the Vietnam war, which was going on at the time, the band aiming for a timeless appeal rather than a time capsule. Reportedly, it took the band well over a 100 takes to record a version they were happy with. Due to the controversial subject, the single received little airplay. Its follow-up single, the lighter Hello I Love You off the same album, would do better and reached the top of the American charts
May 4, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter Anders Osborne born in Uddevalla, Sweden ~ Influenced by Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Lowell George, Robert Johnson. Recording as a solo artist since the late 1980s. Known for songs such as Favorite Son and Pleasing You. Wrote Watch The Wind Blow By, recorded by Tim McGraw. Has collaborated, written, performed and recorded with artists such as Keb' Mo, Tab Benoit, Mike Zito, Johnny Sansone, the Stanton Moore Trio, Toots & the Maytals, Luther Dickinson, the Voice Of The Wetlands All-Stars, Billy Luso, Derek Trucks, and Susan TedeschiMay 4, 1964 ~ Heavy metal, thrash metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Gary Holt, full name Gary Wayne Holt, born in San Pablo, California, USA ~ Influenced by Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Matthias Jabs, Ted Nugent. Guitarist, primary songwriter for thrash metal act Exodus. Joined Slayer in 2011, initially as a temporary replacement for the illness stricken Jeff Hanneman, becoming a permanent member in 2013
May 4, 1964 ~ Jazz percussionist, composer Terje Isungset born in Hol, Norway ~ Perhaps best known for designing musical instruments from non-traditional materials, most notably ice. Isungset played traditional dance music with his accordionist father while in high school, and subsequently honed his skills playing with a succession of bands on the lively Bergen jazz scene throughout the 1980s. Issungjet would go on to become one of the most well-respected musicians to emerge from Norway, an in-demand sideman and collaborator for the likes of Kenneth Sivertsen, Karl Seglem, Tore Brunborg, Frode Gjerstad, and Stian Westerhus, and an innovative leader and composer. As a leader and composer, Isungjet is best known for using the sounds of nature, many of his compositions recorded with instruments made from non-traditional materials such as arctic birch, granite, glass or most famously ice. The idea of working with ice first came to Isungjet in 1999, when he was commissioned to compose and perform in a frozen waterfall. He has further enhanced the concept and regularly performs with ice instruments, which poses obvious logistical questions as instruments need to be transported and stored at the right temperature and will melt, which changes the sound, when played too long in a warmer environment. Isungjet has further used the concept to draw attention to global warming. In 2019, collaborating with Greenpeace Isungjet led a quartet on the Ocean Memories project, performing the most northerly concert ever in Spitsbergen solely with instruments made of ice to draw attention to the urgent need to protect the Arctic Oceans. In a 2021 interview with the Bristol Magazine, Isungjet has commented: “I think (the climate crisis) has to do with the lack of respect for nature. Nature is really unique, it's our best friend, without nature, no human beings. And if you have a good friend, you have to treat them nice and gently and with respect. It's very simple”
May 4, 1963 ~ Maria Evangelina Leonel Gandolfo, commonly known as post-punk, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Vange Leonel, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Known for her soulful, bluesy vocals, inspired by Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin. Rose to fame as member of post-punk outfit Nau, known for their eponymous 1987 Nau album. Has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Vange released in 1991 which included her best known song Noite Preta. Leonel came out as a lesbian in the mid 1990s and has since been a vocal advocate for the gay cause and women's rights. Leonel is also known as an author ~ Leonel passed away in 2014
May 4, 1963 ~ Vincent Charles Pusateri, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal bassist, singer Vinnie Chas, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Co-founding member of Pretty Boy Floyd, a glam metal outfit given their name by Kim Fowley. They are best known for Rock And Roll (Is Gonna Set The Night On Fire) and I Wanna Be With You, both lifted off their 1989 Leather Boyz With Electric Toyz debut album, one of the earliest albums produced by Howard Benson. On forming Pretty Boy Floyd, Chas would later recall on first meeting the band's lead singer Steve Summers and immediately knowing they would be in a band together. As Chas told Music Mayhem in a 2003 interview: “We had the same goals, tastes in music and the determination to succeed.” Prior to forming Pretty Boy Floyd, Chas had played in several bands, notably Sinister and Raze, alongside childhood friend Jerry Cantrell of future Alice In Chains fame ~ Pusateri passed away in 2010May 4, 1962 ~ Rock bassist Erik van Biesen born in Dendermonde, Belgium ~ Best known as member of pivotal rock group Gorki. Has also worked with the Paranoiacs, Revenge 88, Captain X, Freddy Devadder, de Bende van Meende and his own Biezen
May 4, 1961 ~ Gospel singer, producer, songwriter Donald Lawrence born in Gastonia, North Carolina, USA ~ Has worked as vocal coach to En Vogue, musical director for Stephanie Mills, songwriter for the Clark Sisters, and in a variety of roles collaborated with Peabo Bryson, Kirk Franklin, Karen Clark Sheard, Donnie McClurkin, and Mary J Blige
May 4, 1961 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Jay Aston born in Porthcawl, UK ~ Member of pop group Bucks Fizz from 1981 through 1985 including on their 1981 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Making Your Mind Up, The Land Of Make Believe, My Camera Never Lies and When We Were Young, singing lead on the latter
May 4, 1959 ~ Randy Bruce Traywick, commonly known as country, gospel singer, guitarist, songwriter Randy Travis born in Marshville, North Carolina, USA ~ Active since the late 1970s. Retired from music in 2013 for health reasons. Pivotal figure in country music, major force in the neotraditionalist movement. Some 20 albums to his name. Known for songs such as On The Other Hand, Forever And Ever Amen, Honky Tonk Moon, Deeper Than The Holler, Is It Still Over, It's Just A Matter Of Time, The Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart, Point Of Light, If I Didn't Have You, and Whisper My Name
May 4, 1956 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll singer Gene Vincent records Be-bop-a-lula at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Under the supervision of producer Ken Nelson, Gene Vincent and his backing unit the Blue Caps record Be-bop-a-lula as well as Race With The Devil, Woman Love and I Sure Miss You.
May 4, 1956 ~ Soul, retro-soul, R&B, funk singer Sharon Jones, full name Sharon Lafaye Jones, born in Augusta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Ike & Tina Turner, Marva Whitney, Michael Jackson, Erykah Badu and Beyoncé. Sang in church choirs and as a session backing singer, working with the likes of Norma Jean Bell, They Might Be Giants, Lucky Peterson, Booker T Jones, Steve Cropper, and Rufus Wainwright. As a solo artist broke through relatively late in life fronting the acclaimed retro-soul, funk outfit Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings known for backing Amy Winehouse. The band has recorded over half a dozen critically acclaimed albums with the band, starting with Dap Dippin' With Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings released in 2002 ~ Jones passed away in 2016May 4, 1955 ~ Robert Alan Deal, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock, guitarist, singer, songwriter Mick Mars, born in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founding member of Mötley Crüe, known for Billboard top 20 hits such as Smokin' In The Boys Room, Girls Girls Girls, Dr Feelgood, Without You and Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away). Has guested on recordings by Hinder, Papa Roach, and Dilana
May 4, 1955 ~ Rock, country, pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter, producer Robert Ellis Orrall born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Boom It Was Over and A Little Bit Of Her Love in the 1990s and the Carlene Carter-duet I Couldn't Say No in 1983. Best known as songwriter penning or co-penning over 250 songs songs. Artists who have recorded his songs include Reba McEntire, Shenandoah (Next To You Next To Me), Martina McBride, Taylor Swift (I'm Only Me When I'm With You), Lindsay Lohan, Clay Walker, Ilse de Lange (I'm Not So Tough), Ashton Shepherd, Michael Peterson (From Here To Eternity), and Clay Walker