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 6, 1957 ~ Malcolm Welbourne, commonly known as funk, blues, swamp, soul, reggae singer, guitarist, producer Papa Mali, born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ As a young teen mentored by John Campbell. Left home at 17 to play juke joints and back blues and soul singers. Given his nickname by Burning Spear. Formed the Killer Bees in 1980. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 2000 Thunder Chicken debut album. Formed the 7 Walkers in the late 2000s, which also included the Grateful Dead-drummer Bill Kreutzmann and the Meters-bassist George Porter Jr
May 6, 1952 ~ Benedictus Albertus Annegarn, commonly known as chanson singer, guitarist, songwriter Dick Annegarn born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Especially popular in France and Belgium. Performs mainly self-penned songs in French. Recorded a handful of English-language classics such as The House Of The Rising Sun and Love Me Tender. Recorded only one song in Dutch, namely De Tuinman of his 1985 Frères album. Best known for Bruxelles, which became an anthem of consolation for the victims of the 2016 Brussels attacks
May 6, 1952 ~ Pop rock singer, songwriter Graham Brazier, full name Graham Philip Brazier, born in Auckland. New Zealand ~ Claimed to have been offered the spot of lead singer in the Doors following the death of Jim Morrison, though this has been disputed as “somewhat exaggerated” by the band's biographer and former manager Danny Sugerman. Rose to prominence with the band Hello Sailor. The band is known best for their 1977 eponymous Hello Sailor, spawning the singles Gutter Black and Blue Lady which would both reach top 20 in the band's native New Zealand. Following the band's disbandement after two albums Brazier formed the Legionnaires and recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Inside Out released in 1981 ~ Brazier passed away in 2015
May 6, 1951 ~ David William Logan Johnstone, commonly known as guitarist, singer Davey Johnstone born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Most closely associated with Elton John, touring and recording with the singer since the early 1970s. Johnstone has appeared on over 20 of Elton John's albums, sessioning on 1971's Madman Across The Water and becoming a full member of John's band the following year. Prior to joining Elton John's band, Johnstone was a member of Magna Carta, present on the albums Seasons and Songs From Wasties Orchard, the latter named for the Long Hanborough street where Johnstone lived. Johnstone has recorded two albums as a solo artist, the obscure Smiling Face in 1973 and Deeper Than My Roots in 2022. In 1990, Johnstone formed Warpipes with Steve Trudell, which included Elton John associates bassist Bob Birch, keyboardist Guy Babylon, and drummer Nigel Olsson, and released their sole Holes In The Heavens album in 1991. Besides his work with Elton John, Johnstone has appeared on albums by Colin Scot, Joan Armatrading, Long John Baldry (Everything Stops For Tea), Kiki Dee, Meat Loaf (Bat Out Of Hell), Yvonne Elliman (Night Flight), Colin Blunstone, Leo Sayer, Alice Cooper, the Pointer Sisters, Stevie Nicks (Bella Donna), Bob Seger, Olivia Newton-John, and Judy Collins
May 6, 1950 ~ Funk, pop rock drummer Robbie McIntosh, full name Robert Broderick James McIntosh, born in Dundee, UK ~ Founding member of funk, R&B, pop outfit the Average White Band, with whom he recorded two albums prior to his untimely death at age 24 of an accidental heroin overdose. McIntosh was present on the band's biggest hit, Pick Up The Pieces, their sole Billboard Hot 100 No.1. Prior to his tenure with the Average White Band, McIntosh had worked with the Senate, Mal & the Primitives, and Brian Auger's jazz fusion unit the Oblivion Express. McIntosh also guested on Herbie Mann's London Underground album, released in 1973 ~ McIntosh passed away in 1974May 6, 1948 ~ Henri-Alain Langolff, commonly known as guitarist Franck Langolff, born in Fes, Morocco ~ Internationally perhaps best known for co-writing Joe Le Taxi with Etienne Roda-Gil. The song would be an international hit for Vanessa Paradis in 1987, reaching top 10 across Europe including Ireland and the UK and top the French charts for 11 weeks. It would propel Paradis, then aged 14, to stardom ~ Langolff passed away in 2006
May 6, 1948 ~ Folk, country, soft rock singer Mary MacGregor born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for her Torn Between Two Lovers, a 1976 Billboard No.1 hit. McGregor later admitted she hated the song, partly because she had little sympathy for the song's narrator pleading with her husband to stay with her despite having an affair but chiefly because the single's succes strained her own marriage, being away from home all the time and eventually leading to a divorce. MacGregor would subsequently score a handful of minor hits, notably Good Friends from the 1979 Meatballs film, but would be unable to repeat the succes of Torn
May 6, 1947 ~ Louise Dilworth Beatty, commonly known as operatic contralto, concert singer Louise Homer, passed away in Winter Park, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed an international career singing in vaudeville, concert halls and opera, especially from the 1910s onwards. Married to composer Sidney Homer from 1895 until her death. Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera. Has also worked with the Royal Opera House, the Boston Opera Company, the Chicago Civic Opera, and the San Francisco Opera ~ Beatty was born in 1871
May 6, 1945 ~ Rock, rock & roll, heartland rock, roots rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Seger, full name Robert Clark Seger, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Quintessential roots rock rocker active since the late 1960s. Has long enjoyed a devoted fan bas. Became a household name by the mid 1970s on the strength of hits such as Night Moves, Mainstreet and perhaps his best known Still The Same, all staples of rock radio since. Other well known songs include Hollywood Nights, We've Got Tonite, Old Time Rock & Roll, Against The Wind, Shame On The Moon and Shakedown
May 6, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore born in Amarillo, Texas, USA ~ Highly admired by peers. Influenced by Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, Bob Dylan. Member of the Flatlanders, alongside Joe Ely and Butch Hancock, known for their pivotal early 1970s recordings re-released in 1990 as More A Legend Than A Band and generally regarded as one of the most influential works in alternative country
May 6, 1944 ~ Drummer Bill Legend born in Essex, UK ~ Member of T.Rex during their most productive period, remaining with the band from 1971 through 1973. Notably present on the band's best known album, 1971's Electric Warrior considered today a landmark album of glam rock
May 6, 1943 ~ Psychedelic folk, psychedelic rock, jazz rock, new age organist, pianist, flutist Mike Ratledge, full name Michael Roland Ratledge, born in Maidstone, UK ~ Important figure in the Canterbury scene. Founding member of Soft Machine and last original member to leave the group, doing so in 1976. Present on the band's first eight albums, 1975's Bundles being the last to feature Ratledge. Has also worked with Wilde Flowers, Kevin Ayers, Syd Barrett, Elton Dean, David Bedford, and Karl Jenkins ~ Ratledge passed away in 2025
May 6, 1942 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Colin Earl born in Hampton Court, UK ~ Original member of Mungo Jerry. Present on the band's first three albums, 1970's Mungo Jerry and 1971's Electronically Tested and You Don't Have To Be In The Army and the UK top 10 singles In The Summertime, Baby Jump and Lady Rose
May 6, 1942 ~ Jazz bassist David Friesen born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with John Handy, Marian McPartland, Joe Henderson, Billy Harper, John Stowell, Ted Curson, Ricky Ford, Duke Jordan, Mal Waldron, Paul Horn, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Kenny Garrett, Dizzy Gillespie, and Kenny Drew
May 6, 1939 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Eddie C Campbell born in Duncan, Mississippi, USA ~ Became a fixture on the Chicago blues scene, backing the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Little Johnny Taylor, and Jimmy Reed. Member of the Willie Dixon-assembled unit the Chicago Blues All-Stars. Would find popularity especially in Europe as a solo artist, particularly acclaimed for his 1977 King Of The Jungle debut album. Has recorded over another half dozen albums since, warmly welcomed by blues aficionados, until a stroke and a heart attack while on tour in Germany in 2013 left him partly paralyzed and forced him to retire from music ~ Campbell passed away in 2018May 6, 1936 ~ Singer Herbie Cox, full name Herbert Alexander Cox, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of the Cleftones, known for doo-wop, vocal R&B classics such as Little Girl Of Mine, Can't We Be Sweethearts, Gee and perhaps their best known Heart And Soul, the latter a Billboard top 20 hit in 1961. The band's songs have frequently been used since in films including Goodfellas, American Graffiti and A Bronx Tale ~ Cox passed away in 2019
May 6, 1933 ~ R&B singer Oliver Morgan born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his 1964 single Who Shot The La La which tells of the mysterious circumstances of singer Prince La La's death, reportedly of a drug overdose the previous year at age 27. Morgan would not have another national hit, and settled on performing locally in the New Orleans area to enthusiastic crowds. Morgan recorded his sole album, I'm Home, as late as 1998 ~ Morgan passed away in 2007May 6, 1930 ~ Singer Leon Hughes born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Original member of the Lamplighters during the early 1950s. Member of the Hollywood Flames. Best known as original member of the Coasters, remaining with the group through 1958 and present on songs such as Down In Mexico, Searchin', and Young Blood. Also notably worked with Bobby Nunn as the Dukes, known for the late 1950s singles Looking For You and I Love You ~ Hughes passed away in 2023
May 6, 1927 ~ Betty Jane Phillips, commonly known as singer Betty Jane Baker, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Sang backup for Elvis Presley (Can't Help Falling In Love, A Little Less Conversation), Frank Sinatra (That's Life), Bobby Darin (Dream Lover), the Righteous Brothers (You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'), Sam Cooke (You Send Me), Lloyd Price (Stagger Lee), and the Anita Kerr Singers. Married to actor Mickey Rooney from 1944 to 1949, with whom she has two children. Married to composer Buddy Baker from 1950 to 1957. Married to jazz guitarist Barney Kessel from 1961 to 1980 ~ Phillips passed away in 2002May 6, 1924 ~ Denys Justin Wright, commonly known as jazz guitarist, pianist Denny Wright, born in Bromley, UK ~ Worked with Kenny Graham, Carl Barriteau, Phil Green, Stéphane Grappelli, Lonnie Donegan, Johnny Duncan, Digby Fairweather, Ella Fitzgerald, Ken Snakehips Johnson, Billy Eckstine, Fapy Lafertin, Russ Conway, Biréli Lagrène, Humphrey Lyttelton, Nigel Kennedy, and George Shearing ~ Wright passed away in 1992
May 6, 1917 ~ Kalman Cohen, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Kal Mann, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lyricist, often teaming up with composers such as Bernie Lowe and Dave Appell. Co-writer of several well-remembered songs from the rock & roll era including Elvis Presley's Teddy Bear, Charlie Gracie's Fabulous and Butterfly, Bobby Rydell's The Cha Cha Cha and Wild One, and Let's Twist Again and Limbo Rock recorded by Chubby Checker ~ Mann passed away in 2001
May 6, 1899 ~ Bandleader Billy Cotton, full name William Edward Cotton, born in London, UK ~ Popular bandleader from the 1920s onwards and one of the few to remain popular after the British dance band era and well into the 1950s. Known for songs such as Somebody Stole My Gal. Also appeared in a number of films starting in the 1930s ~ Cotton passed away in 1969May 6, 1851 ~ Louis Armand Aristide Bruand, commonly known as cabaret singer, comedian, songwriter Aristide Bruant, born in Courtenay, France ~ Credited as pioneer of the chanson réliste genre. Nightclub owner, known for insulting his upper-class audience clubbing in Montmartre. Well known songs include Nini Peau D'Chien, Le Chat Noir and Les Mômes De La Cloche, many of his songs considered part of the French cultural canon ~ Bruand passed away in 1925