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.
November 26, 1937 ~ Robert Andrew Kreinar, commonly known as rock, pop rock bassist Bob Babbitt, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ In-demand session musician. Best known as a member of Motown house band the Funk Brothers and for his stint in MFSB. Member of late 1960s rock band Scorpion. Has also worked with Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, Gloria Gaynor, Alice Cooper, Del Shannon, Jim Croce, Dennis Coffey, Cindy Bullens, Phil Collins, and Marion James. Notably present on songs such as Edwin Starr's War, the Miracles' The Tears Of A Clown, Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues, the Temptations' Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), Diana Ross' Touch Me In The Morning, and Main Ingredient's Just Don't Want To Be Lonely ~ Kreinar passed away in 2012November 26, 1937 ~ Singers, guitarists Jim Sundquist and Phil Humphrey born ~ Sundquist and Humphrey shared a birthday and formed the early 1960s duo the Fendermen, best known for their single Mule Skinner Blues which reached the Billboard top 10 in 1960 ~ Sundquist passed away in 2013, Humphrey in 2016
November 26, 1936 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Robert Johnson records 32-20 Blues at Gunter Hotel, San Antonio, Texas ~ The title refers to the 32-20 Winchester ammunition. Penned by Robert Johnson, based on the Skip James song 22-20 Blues. Produced by Don Law. Released as a single in April 1937. The song would go on to become a blues classic covered by Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, John Hammond Jr, Eric Clapton, Alexis Korner, Keith Richards, the Cowboy Junkies, Cassandra Wilson, and Chain
November 26, 1933 ~ Gospel, doo-wop, soul, R&B singer Garnet Mimms born in Ashland, Virginia, USA ~ Perhaps best known for fronting the Enchanters, known for first recording Cry Baby. The song, written by Bert Berns and Jerry Ragovoy, would reach top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard R&B charts. It would later become closely associated with Janis Joplin, who covered the track for her posthumously released 1971 Pearl album. Mimms has also worked with Evening Stars, the Gainors, and the Norfolk Four. As a solo artist best known for his 1965 single I'll Take Good Care Of You, which reached top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts, top 30 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100November 26, 1932 ~ Composer Alan Stout, full name Alan Burrage Stout, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Contemporary classical composer known for his modernist style incorporating elements of 12-tone music as well as experimental styles. Has his compositions performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ~ Stout passed away in 2018
November 26, 1927 ~ Songwriter Gwen Gordy born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. Married to singer, label executive Harvey Fuqua. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Lonely Teardrops (Jackie Wilson), All I Could Do Was Cry (Etta James), and Distant Lover (Marvin Gaye) ~ Gordy passed away in 1999