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 9, 1989 ~ Country singer, guitarist Keith Whitley, full name Jackie Keith Whitley, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Recorded only two albums before his untimely death of alcohol poisoning at age 34 yet was held in the highest regard by peers, critics and a devoted fanbase. Master storyteller. Known for songs such as Miami My Amy, Ten Feet Away, Don't Close Your Eyes, When You Say Nothing At All, I'm No Stranger To The Rain, I Wonder Do You Think Of Me, It Ain't Nothin' and the Earl Thomas Conley-duet Brotherly Love. Artists who recorded songs written by Whitley included Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, John Conlee, Joe Nichols, Vern Gosdin (Would These Arms Be In The Way), Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss, Travis Tritt, Kenny Chesney, and Gene Watson ~ Whitley was born in 1954
May 9, 1987 ~ Singer Johnny Logan wins the 32nd edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Brussels, Belgium ~ Representing Ireland, Johnny Logan wins with the song Hold Me Now, a self-penned composition. It would be the 2nd win for the Irishman, already having won with What's Another Year in 1980. In the 1987 contest, runner-ups would be Germany's Wind with Lass Die Sonne In Dein Herz in second place, and Italy's Umberto Tozzi & Raf with Gente Di Mare in third placeMay 9, 1980 ~ Flutist Erik Bosgraaf born in Drachten, the Netherlands ~ Plays a wide array of classical genres, ranging from medieval to contemporaraty classical and experimental music. Internationally renowned. Founded the trio Cordevento with Izhar Elias and Alessandro Pianu. Has also worked with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Holland Symfonia, and the POW Ensemble
May 9, 1979 ~ Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, commonly known as rock, hard rock, alternative rock, alternative metal singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassst, drummer Andrew WK, born in Stanford, California, USA ~ Spent most of the 1990s playing in a number of Detroit-based punk rock, heavy metal, and grindcore bands. By the end of the decade would work in a variety of day jobs, while recording solo material. Would release his well-received solo debut EP, Girls Own Juice, in 2000 and has recorded to critical acclaim since with about half a dozen full-length albums to his name. Has contributed songs for a number of soundtracks and served as producer and mixer for the likes of Wolf Eyes, To Live And Shave In LA, and Baby Dee
May 9, 1979 ~ Alternative pop, pop rock singer, songwriter Matt Morris, full name Matthew Burton Morris, born ~ Has released a handful of solo recordings, starting with the album UnSpoken in 2003 yet is best known as an in-demand songwriter. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Morris include Christina Aguilera (Underappreciated), Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake, Reba McEntire (The Only Promise That Remains), Mary J Blige (Need Someone), Cher, Kimbra, Sarah McLachlan, Nikki Yanofsky, Rachel Platten, Joy Williams, Francesco Yates, and Selena Gomez (Me & My Girls)
May 9, 1979 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Pierre Bouvier, full name Pierre Charles Bouvier, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Founded punk rock outfit Reset in his early teens, with whom he recorded the albums No Worries and No Limits. Co-founding member, lead singer, bassist for Simple Plan. The band released their No Pads No Helmets Just Balls debut album in 2002 and has recorded consistently to commercial success both in their native Canada and abroad since. Well known songs include I'd Do Anything featuring Mark Hoppus, Perfect, Welcome To My Life, Crazy, and Summer Paradise
May 9, 1975 ~ Tamia Marilyn Washington, mononymously known as hip-hop soul, R&B, gospel, pop singer, songwriter Tamia born in Windsor, Canada ~ First gained attention in 1994 appearing on Quincy Jones's Q's Jook Joint, notably present on the songs You Put A Move On My Heart and Slow Jams. Would release her eponymous Tamia solo debut album in 1998 and regularly hit the higher echelons of the Billboard R&B charts throughout the early 2000s. Known for songs such as Missing You with Brandy, Gladys Knight & Chaka Khan of the Set It Off soundtrack, Imagination featuring Jermaine Dupri, So Into You and Stranger In My House, the latter also reaching the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 top 10 in 2001May 9, 1975 ~ Punk rock, indie rock drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Trevor MacGregor born ~ Best known as drummer for Treble Charger, joining the band in 1997, replacing original drummer Morris Palter. MacGregor appeared on the band's two highest charting albums, namely Wide Awake Bored and their final album Detox both reaching top 10 on the album charts in their native Canada. MacGregor has also worked extensively as a session drummer, perhaps most notably on skate punk outfit SNFU's 2004 In The Meantime And In-Between Time album
May 9, 1972 ~ Pop rock guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Johan Lindström born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Co-founding member of Tonbruket, with whom he recorded about half a dozen acclaimed albums starting with 2010's Dan Berglund's Tonbruket. Collaborated with Rebecka Törnqvist on the 2017 Home Secretary collaborative album. Fronts the Johan Lindström Septett. Has served as producer for the likes of Sofie Livebrandt, Edda Magnason, Freddie Wadling, Anders Widmark, and Pugh Rogefeldt
May 9, 1971 ~ Britpop, alternative rock bassist, turntablist Paul McGuigan, full name Paul Francis McGuigan also known as Guigsy, born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member of Oasis, present on the band's first three albums Definitely Maybe, (What's The Story) Morning Glory and Be Here Now. Departed the band in 1999 to be replaced by Andy Bell. McGuigan is also known as an avid sports fan, especially soccer, renowned for his near-encyclopaedic knowledge of soccer and cricket, and while still in the band co-authored the Robin Friday biography The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw (The Robin Friday Story)
May 9, 1970 ~ Dennis David Coles, commonly known as hip hop rapper, producer, songwriter Ghostface Killah, born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Member of rap, hip hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan, known for their dark funk and martial arts imagery and critically acclaimed for a number of 1990s and early 2000s albums especially their 1993 Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) debut album and the album The W released in 2000. The band would also serve as launching pad for most members, who have all gone on to critically and commercially successful parallel solo careers. Coles has released about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Ironman which spawned the UK top 20 hit All That I Got Is You featuring Mary J Blige, has regularly guested on bandmates' solo outings, and has ventured into actingMay 9, 1969 ~ Marie-Claire Cremers, commonly known as Eurodance, house, R&B, pop rock singer, songwriter Amber, born in Ubbergen, the Netherlands ~ Active from the mid 1990s through the mid 2000s. Best known for singles such as This Is Your Night, If You Could Read My Mind, and Sexual (La-da-di)
May 9, 1969 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer Peter Wilkinson, full name Leslie Peter Wilkinson, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Influenced by new wave acts such as the Stranglers and Siouxsie & the Banshees as well as jazz. Joined the Shack in 1990, first appearing on the Waterpistol album which initially was not released as the master tapes were lost and the label folded resulting in the band disbanding. Rejoined a reformed incarnation in 2005. Has played with the Cast from 1992 through 2001 and again from 2010 through 2014. Formed and fronts Aviator, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with Huxley Pig Part 1 released in 2002. Has also worked with Ian McCulloch, Echo & the Bunnymen (Siberia), the Baltic Fleet, David Boone, and Michael Blyth
May 9, 1968 ~ Jazz guitarist, arranger, composer Anthony Wilson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of bandleader Gerald Wilson. Cites Duke Ellington, Wes Montgomery, Ry Cooder and T-Bone Walker as influences. Nominated for a Grammy Award with his first album, the eponymous Anthony Wilson album released in 1997, and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Closely associated with Diana Krall. Has also worked with Mose Allison, Herb Alpert, Chris Botti, Michael Bublé, Pete Christlieb, Randy Crawford, Bobby Hutcherson, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, Willie Nelson, Diane Schuur, Curtis Stigers, and Melody Gardot
May 9, 1968 ~ Alto saxophonist Benjamin Herman born in London, UK ~ Best known as leader of the New Cool Collective. Has worked with artists such as Jan Akkerman, Candy Dulfer, Wouter Hamel, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Jesse van Ruller, Typhoon, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, Misha Mengelberg, Pete Philly, Perquisite, Hans Teeuwen, C-Mon & Kypski, Chef Special, Dr John, Michel Camilo, Paul Weller, Han Bennink, Maarten van der Grinten, Bart van Lier, and Stan TraceyMay 9, 1966 ~ Michael Hampton, commonly known as electro DJ, rapper, producer DJ Magic Mike born in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Cousin of producer, turntablist DJ Scratch. Best known for his 1989 DJ Magic Mike & The Royal Posse debut album, which would make him the first platinum selling recording artist from Orlanda, Florida. Has recorded consistenly since and is considered one of the pioneers of Miami bass
May 9, 1963 ~ Jazz trumpeter, cornetist Ron Miles, full name Ronald Glen Miles, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Praised for his harmonically nuanced approach to modern jazz, Miles has released over a dozen albums as a leader starting in the late 1980s. Especially acclaimed for his 1997 Woman's Day album. Closely associated with Bill Frisell and Fred Hess, recording some half a dozen albums with each of the two. Miles has also appeared on albums by the likes of Lannie Garrett, Dotsero (Essensual), Paul Warburton, Jon Gunther (Healing Song), Ginger Baker (Coward Of The County), Myriam Alter, the Czars, DJ Logic, Otis Taylor (Double V), Jenny Scheinman, Wayne Horvitz, Floratone, Myra Melford (Snowy Egret), Ben Goldberg, Matt Wilson (Honey And Salt), Bruce Cockburn, and Joshua Redman ~ Miles passed away in 2022May 9, 1962 ~ David Callcott, commonlu known as alternative dance, alternative rock, synth-pop, new wave singer, songwriter David Gahan born in Epping, UK ~ Lead singer of Depeche Mode, known for songs such as Just Can't Get Enough, People Are People, Strangelove, Personal Jesus and Enjoy The Silence
May 9, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jon Klette born in Norway ~ Fronted the Jazzmob, known for the albums Truth and Pathfinder. Also worked with Paal Nilssen-Love, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Vidar Johansen, Bugge Wesseltoft, Per Zanussi, Sjur Miljeteig, and Kjetil Moster ~ Klette passed away in 2016
May 9, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter Paul Heaton, full name Paul David Heaton, born in Bromborough, UK ~ Fronted the Housemartins, known for songs such as Happy Hour and Caravan Of Love. Co-founded the Beautiful South, best known for A Little Time
May 9, 1961 ~ Delta blues singer, guitarist Tommy McClennan passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for recordings such as Bottle It Up And Go, New Highway 51, Shake 'Em On Down, Whiskey Head Woman, My Baby's Gone, Cross Cut Saw Blues. The latter two would be carried forward to younger generations covered by respectively Moon Mullican and Albert King ~ McClennan was born in 1905
May 9, 1959 ~ Drummer Dennis Chambers born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Took up drumming at age four and was gigging in Baltimore-area nightclubs by age six. Influenced by Clyde Stubblefield, Al Jackson Jr, Steve Gadd, Jack DeJohnette, Buddy Rich, and Elvin Jones. Member of George Clinton's pivotal funk outfits Parliament and Funkadelic from 1978 through 1985. In-house drummer for Sugar Hill Records during the early 1980s. Has toured with Carlos Santana. In-demand session drummer appearing on albums by Don Blackman, John Scofield, the Brecker Brothers, Barbara Dennerlein, Tom Coster, John McLaughlin, Steely Dan, Niacin, CAB, Maceo Parker, and Victor Wooten
May 9, 1958 ~ Earl John Daley, commonly known as reggae, pop singer Earl Sixteen, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ When he dropped out of school to pursue a career in music, his mother threw him out of the family home. Influenced by American soul and Jamaican artists such as Dennis Brown. Until the late 1970s, early 1980s worked with a number of local groups and recorded a number of solo singles before focusing mainly on a solo career, releasing his full-length Reggae Sounds solo debut album in 1981. Known for his association with singer Roy Cousins. Has worked with producers such as Lee Scratch Perry, Linval Thompson, Augustus Pablo, and Coxsone Dodd. In Europe, and especially the UK, best known as co-lead singer for electronica, reggae outfit Dreadzone since the mid 1990s. Has also worked with Leftfield, Spacemonkeyz, and Damon Albarn's Gorillaz project
May 9, 1958 ~ Oseloke Augustine Onwubaya, commonly known as reggae singer Ras Kimono, born in Ekeleke Elemelu, Nigeria ~ Member of the Jastix. Shot to immediate stardom with his 1989 solo debut album Under Pressure spawning continental hits Under Pressure, Natty Get Jail and Rhumba Style ~ Onwubaya passed away in 2018
May 9, 1957 ~ Opera singer Ezio Pinza, full name Ezio Fortunato Pinza, passed away in Stamford, Connecticut, USA ~ Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, appearing in over 750 performances of some 50 operas. Unjustly arrested by the FBI in 1942 and detained for three months with hundreds of other Italian-Americans on suspicion of supporting the Axis. After his tenure with the Met embarked on a second career in Broadway musicals, perhaps most notably in South Pacific portraying the role of the painter Emile de Becque ~ Pinza was born in 1892May 9, 1957 ~ Punk, punk rock drummer Jim Reilly, full name James G Reilly, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Best known as member of punk rock outfit Stiff Little Fingers from 1979 through 1981, present on the albums Nobody's Heroes, Go For It, and Hanx. Other associations include the Alternative Soldiers, the Dead Handsomes, and XSLF