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 5, 2025 ~ Rock, punk rock, garage rock drummer James Baker, full name James Lawrence Baker, passed away in Perth, Australia ~ Key figure in Australia's punk rock scene, known as a member of several quintessential outfits. Inspired by the Beatles-drummer Ringo Starr, Baker purchased his first drum kit while still in his mid-teens and was performing professionally the next year. Upon returning from travels to America and the UK, where he saw early live performances by the Ramones, the Flamin' Groovies, the Dictators, and Johnny Thunders, Baker co-founded punk rock trio the Victims in 1977, known for their Television Addict debut single which is considered a pioneering cut from the Australian punk scene. Subsequently Baker played with the Scientists, one of the most notable independent groups to emerge from down under and influentual on later artists including Mudhoney and Nirvana, briefly with the Hoodoo Gurus including on their landmark Stoneage Romeo debut album, the Beasts Of Bourbon, and with the Dubrovniks. Despite battling terminal cancer, Baker continued to perform until his death, releasing his sole solo album Born To Rock in 2024, and joining the Victims on stage for their last ever shows in late 2024 ~ Baker was born in 1954
May 5, 2025 ~ Drummer, bassist Nathan Jerde passed away ~ Drummer of indie rock, garage rock outfit the Ponys, with whom he recorded three albums. The band is especially acclaimed for their 2005 Celebration Castle sophomore album produced by Steve Albini, who had previously worked with PJ Harvey, the Pixies, and Nirvana. Jerde was instrumental in the band's sound, or as Pitchfork once commented: “Drummer Nathan Jerde reliably hammers every backbeat, but the propulsive silence of his ghost notes is what truly drives these songs.” Following the band's initial split in 2007, Jerde founded Mother Of Tears and played bass guitar with Tyler Jon Tyler. In the late 2000's and again in the mid 2010s, the Ponys have reunited for several shows ~ Jerde was born ca.1981
May 5, 2025 ~ Southern gospel singer, pianist Squire Parsons, full name Squire Enos Parsons Jr, passed away in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Following his musical education, trained on piano and bassoon, Parsons was employed as a high school teacher and served as music director of various churches. As a singer, Parsons rose to fame as a member of the Kingsmen Quartet from the mid- to late 1970s before venturing out on his own, releasing his Sweet Beulah Land debut album in 1979. Its title track would become a signature song, a classic of the genre, and be covered by numerous artists including Charlie Louvin, the Gaither Vocal Band, the Rarely Herd, and Tori Amos. Others who have recorded his songs include John Starnes, the Chuck Wagon Gang, the Florida Boys, the McPeak Brothers, Brian Free, the Kingdom Heirs, and the Greenes. Upon hearing of his passing, singer Bill Gaither commented: “If anyone ever deserves the name ‘Gentleman’ in the field of Gospel Music, it would be Squire Parsons. Squire was one of the kindest, most considerate men and an incredible singer” ~ Parsons was born in 1948
May 5, 2023 ~ Producer, label executive Chris Strachwitz passed away in San Rafael, California, USA ~ Founder and president of Arhoolie Records since 1960, which became a leading force in blues, Cajun, roots music. The first album produced would be Mance Lipscomb's Texas Songster And Sharecropper in an edition of just 250 copies. Would go on to work with Black Ace, Big Joe Williams, Mercy Dee Walton, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Juke Boy Bonner, Clifton Chenier, Country Joe & the Fish (I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag), Big Joe Duskin, Charlie Musselwhite, Robben Ford, John Delafose, and Flaco Jiménez ~ Strachwitz was born in 1931
May 5, 2023 ~ Jack Rivers Lewis, commonly known as jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins, passed away ~ Influenced by Johnny Smith, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and Tal Farlow. Active since his teens, backing artists such as the Elgarts, Warren Covington, and Sammy Kaye early on in his career. About a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Merge released in 1978. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Albert Dailey, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Fortune, Astrud Gilberto, Morgana King, Charles Mingus, Bob Brookmeyer, Buddy Rich, and the Manhattan Transfer ~ Lewis was born in 1944
May 5, 2021 ~ Ivor Neville Kamen, commonly known as model, singer, songwriter Nick Kamen, passed away in London, UK ~ Known for the 1980s singles Each Time You Break My Heart and I Promised Myself, both of which reached top 10 across Europe. The former was produced and written by Stephen Bray and Madonna, the latter also providing backing vocals. In his native UK Kamen is best known for appearing in a Levi's 501 television commercial ~ Kamen was born in 1962
May 5, 2020 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Ciro Pessoa, full name Ciro Pessoa Mendes Corréa, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Co-founding member of influential rock unit Titas, remaining only with the band through its eponymous Titas debut album released in 1984. Following his departure from the band has fronted numerous short-lived bands, recorded as a solo artist, and founded and fronten the pioneering post-punk, gothic rock band Cabine C ~ Mendes was born in 1957May 5, 2020 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger Kjell Karlsen, full name Kjell Oddvar Karlsen, passed away ~ Father of singer Webe Karlsen. Founded his first orchestra at age 16. Has worked with Karin Krog, Totti Bergh, Bjørn Johansen, Harald Bergersen, Ole Jacob Hansen, Frode Thingnæs, Erik Amundsen, Grynet Molvig, Laila Dalseth, Odd Børre, and Kirsti Sparboe ~ Karlsen was born in 1931
May 5, 2017 ~ Sambista, singer, songwriter Almir Guineto passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Known for songs such as Mordomia. Worked with Fundo de Quintal, and Originals Do Samba. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Beth Carvalho, Zeca Pagodinho, and by Dorina ~ Guineto was born in 1946
May 5, 2017 ~ Progressive rock drummer Clive Brooks, full name Clive Colin Brooks, passed away in Canterbury, UK ~ Member of Uriel, Arzachel, the Egg. Subsequently worked with the Groundhogs, present on the albums Hogwash and Solid. Member of Liar, present on the albums Straight From The Hip and Set The World On Fire. Drum tech for Toto, Robbie Williams, and notably Pink Floyd from the early 1980s through the mid 1990s ~ Brooks was born in 1949May 5, 2015 ~ Jazz double bassist Gene Mayl passed away in Harrison Township, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Claude Bolling, Don Byas, Claude Luter, the Dixieland Rhythm Kings, Speckled Red, Terry Waldo, George Brunies, Wild Bill Davison, Billy Maxted, Bob Scobey, and Muggsy Spanier ~ Mayl was born in 1928
May 5, 2011 ~ Rhythm guitarist, singer Nigel Pickering passed away in St Augustine, Florida, USA ~ Rhythm guitarist of sunshine pop outfit Spanky & Our Gang, best known for their 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Sunday Will Never Be The Same. Subsequent hits would include Making Every Minute Count and Lazy Day. The band would disband shortly after lead guitarist Hale's death in 1968, though their remained popularity propelled the record label to reissue compilations and shelved recordings ~ Pickering was born in 1929
May 5, 2009 ~ Singer Jason Derülo releases Whatcha Say, lifted off his eponymous debut album ~ Prior to his solo career, Jason Derülo had written songs for the likes of Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Pleasure P, Cassie, and notably Bossy for Birdman, also guesting on the latter's track. It was Whatcha Say, however, issued as the lead single off his then-upcoming eponymous Jason Derülo debut album that would start off his solo career with a bang. The single would reach top 10 in over a dozen countries, including the No.1 spot in New Zealand and America. Derülo would go on to enjoy popularity especially through the mid-2010s, racking up about half a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits as a solo artist, as well as several as a collaboratorMay 5, 1998 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae saxophonist Tommy McCook passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founding member of pivotal ska band the Skatalites. Also closely associated with renowned producers Duke Reid and Bunny Lee, sessioning with numerous artist through either of the two producers. Has also notably worked with Coxsone Dodd, Yabby You, Toots & the Maytals, and with Herbie Mann on the albums Reggae and its follow-up Reggae II ~ McCook was born in 1927
May 5, 1992 ~ Jean-Claude Villeminot, commonly known as comedian, actor, singer Jean-Claude Pascal, passed away in Clichy, France ~ Representing Luxembourg, Pascal won the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival with Nous Les Amoureux written by Jacques Datin and Maurice Vidalin. Would have another try, again for Luxembourg, in 1981 with C'Est Peut-être Pas L'Amérique which he co-wrote with Sophie Makhno and Jean-Claude Petit, reaching 11th place ~ Villeminot was born in 1927
May 5, 1992 ~ Alternative rock outfit Soul Asylum release Runaway Train, lifted off their Grave Dancers Union album ~ The band had enjoyed regional popularity in their native Minnesota, but had yet to score a national hit. Lead singer Dave Pirner had been working on a draft version of Runaway Train for years, a song intended about depression. When the “runaway train” metaphor for depression hit him, he finished the song's lyrics in a single setting. It would become the band's biggest hit, and their only one to hit Billboard Hot 100 top 10, peaking at No.5, elevating the band to national fame. Runaway Train also earned Pirner, the song's sole writer, a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song, though he did not attend the awards ceremony as he didn't like the idea of proclaiming one song superior to another. The band would score one more major hit, Misery peaking at No.20 Billboard Hot 100 in 1995
May 5, 1990 ~ Singer Toto Cutugno wins the 35th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Zagreb, Yugoslavia ~ Representing Italy, Toto Cutugno wins with the song Cutogno Insieme 1992, a self-penned composition. Ireland and France would tie for second place, represented respectively by Liam Reilly with Somewhere In Europe, and Joëlle Ursull with White And Black Blues
May 5, 1989 ~ Rapper, singer, songwriter, actor Chris Brown, full name Christopher Maurice Brown, born in Tappahannock, Virginia, USA ~ Reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with his 2005 Run It debut single featuring Juelz Santana. Would go on to score numerous hits and sell over 140 million records. Well known songs include Say Goodbye, Kiss Kiss featuring T-Pain, With You, Forever, Look At Me Now featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes, and Turn Up The Music. Has also collaborated with Bow Wow, Ludacris, Twista, TI, Big Sean, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Wisin & Yandel, E-40, August Alsina, Omarion, Jamie Foxx, Meek Mill, and G-Eazy
May 5, 1988 ~ Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, mononymously known as pop, blue-eyed soul singer, guitarist, drummer, bassist, pianist, songwriter Adele, born in Tottenham, UK ~ Shot to fame in 2008 with her 19 debut album which reached top 10 in America and across Europe including No.1 spots in the Netherlands and her native UK. Has since cemented her position as successor to quintessential British female singers such as Dusty Springfield and Amy Winehouse with mostly self-penned songs drawing heavily from R&B and blue-eyed soul. Known for songs such as Chasing Pavements, Rolling In The Deep, Someone Like You, the James Bond-theme Skyfall, and Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
May 5, 1986 ~ Jazz guitarist Billy Mackel, full name John William Mackel, passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Started on banjo before switching to guitar. Best known for his association with Lionel Hampton, playing intermittently with the vibraphonist for about three decades starting in the mid 1940s including on albums such as The Blues Ain't News To Me, Newport Uproar, and Blues In Toulouse. Has also backed artists such as Milt Buckner, Arnett Cobb, and Herbie Fields ~ Mackel was born in 1912
May 5, 1984 ~ Pop group Herrey's wins the 29th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Luxembourg, Luxembourg ~ Representing Sweden, pop group Herrey's win with the song Diggi-loo Diggi-ley written by Torgny Söderberg and Britt Lindeborg. Ireland reached second place, represented by Linda Martin with Terminal 3, while Spain's Bravo with Lady Lady reached third place
May 5, 1984 ~ In its 9th week on the charts, Love Somebody by Rick Springfield peaks at No.5 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Rick Springfield, who co-produced the track with Bill Drescher, Love Somebody was issued as the first single off the soundtrack album for the musical drama film Hard To Hold which also featured Springfield in a leading role. At the time of its release the song would be warmly received by critics, as Cashbox concluded Springfield grew as a songwriter since he began his pop music career, and the Philadelphia Inquirer stated the song was his best pop-rocker since Jessie's Girl. The soundtrack album consisted primarily of tracks performed by Springfield, suplemented by three tracks by Graham Parker, Nona Hendryx, and Peter Gabriel. Love Somebody became Springfield's fifth and final single to reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100
May 5, 1984 ~ Hardcore punk, post-hardcore, alternative rock, folk punk guitarist, bassist, singer Wade MacNeil born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Best known as co-founding member, lead guitarist for Alexisonfire, a band credited with bringing emo and post-hardcore to Canadian mainstream and especially acclaimed for their 2006 Crisis album. MacNeil has also worked with the Gallows, the Black Lungs, Cancer Bats, Dooms Children, and composed for film and video games
May 5, 1982 ~ Vibraphonist, bandleader Cal Tjader, full name Callen Radcliffe Tjader Jr, passed away in Manila, Philippines ~ Often described as the most successful non-Latino in Latin jazz, although Tjader did also explore other jazz idioms. As a leader, Tjader recorded over 50 albums, and is especially acclaimed for Tjader Plays Mambo and A Night At The Blackhawk from the 1950s, and Latino Con Cal Tjader and Bamboléate from the 1960s. On occasion, Tjader has served as sideman, including on recordings by Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz, Anita O'Day, Mongo Santamaria, and Eddie Palmieri ~ Tjader was born in 1925
May 5, 1982 ~ Singer, songwriter Chris Mann, full name Christopher Michael Mann, born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ First gained attention in 2012 reaching 4th place in the talent show The Voice. Subsequently released his full-length Roads solo debut album, reaching top 10 on the Billboard Classical charts. Toured for two years playing the lead role in the music The Phantom Of The Opera starting in 2015
May 5, 1982 ~ Synth-pop, art pop singer, songwriter Lawrence Rothman born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 2017 Book Of Law, co-produced by Rothman and Justin Raisen and featuring guests such as Angel Olsen, Marissa Nadler, Charli XCX and Guns 'n Roses-bassist, guitarist Duff McKagan. Rothman is also an in-demand producer, having worked with SASAMI, Girl In Red, Alison Mosshart, and Courtney Love