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.
October 1, 2023 ~ Bandleader, drummer, composer Julian Bahula, full name Sebothane Julian Bahula, passed away ~ One of several South African expatriates fleeing the Apartheids regime, finding success in Europe in the 1970s. Best known for founding and leading Jabula, with whom he recorded five albums through the early 1980s. The group is also known for guesting on the Mike Oldfield-albums Ommadawn, Incantations and Amarok. In 2012 South African president Jacob Zuma presented Bahula with the Order of Ikhamanga for exceptional achievements in the field of music ~ Bahula was born in 1938
October 1, 2023 ~ Soprano singer Patricia Janecková, full name Patricia Burda Janecková, passed away in Ostrava, Czech Republic ~ Rose to fame winning the Czech-Slovak talent show Talentmania in 2010, and subsequently released her eponymous Patricia Janecková debut album the following year at age 13. Known for her passionate and emotive performances, Janecková continued to perform in public while studying privately with soprano Eva Drizgova-Jirusova. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Janecková announced a career hiatus in 2022. Despite early signs of a successful treatment, she passed away the following year at age 25 ~ Janecková was born in 1998October 1, 2023 ~ Pop rock, soft rock, country producer Ron Haffkine passed away in Mexico ~ Best known as manager and producer for Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, the band name shortened to Dr Hook in 1975, for whom he produced songs such as Sylvia's Mother, The Cover Of The Rolling Stone, Sharing The Night Together, When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman, and Sexy Eyes, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Haffkine was born in 1938
October 1, 2021 ~ Balladeer, troubadour, singer, guitarist, songwriter Ewert Ljusberg, full name Karl Ewert Alvar Ljusberg, passed away in Härjedalen, Sweden ~ Actively recording since the early 1970s. Appeared in a Swedish production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. As a recording artist has collaborated with artists such as Bengt Sandh, Bernt Johansson, São Tomé, and his brother Arne Ljusberg. Assigned president of the Republic Of Jamtland, a humorous, fictitious nation, in 1989 ~ Ljusberg was born in 1945
October 1, 2021 ~ Folk singer, bhodran player, guitarist, promoter, band manager, label founder, producer Robin Morton passed away ~ Iconic figure in folk and Celtic folk. Co-founded the Boys Of The Lough in 1967 with Tommy Gunn and Cathal McConnell, remaining with the band through 1979. Manager of the Battlefield Band from 1980 until his death four decades later. Founded Temple US Records as well as Kinmor Publishing ~ Morton was born in 1939
October 1, 2018 ~ Composer, conductor, flutist Caroline Charrière passed away ~ Founded all-female choir Choeur De Jade. Composed chamber music, choral music and orchestral pieces. Best known for the oratorio Le Livre De Job and Awakening, a composition for wind quintet ~ Charrière was born in 1960
October 1, 2018 ~ Chahnour Varenagh Aznavourian, commonly known as singer Charles Aznavour passed away in Mouries, France ~ One of France's most popular singers dubbed France's Frank Sinatra. Has collaborated with Edith Piaf, Fred Astaire, Andrea Bocelli, Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Dusty Springfield, Liza Minnelli, Mia Martini, Elton John, Dalida, Serge Gainsbourg, Josh Groban, Petula Clark, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, José Carreras, Nana Mouskouri, Julio Iglesias, Mireille Mathieu, Luciano Pavarotti, Céline Dion, Sting, Laura Pausini, Paul Anka, Plácido Domingo, and Youssou n'Dour ~ Azanavourian was born in 1924
October 1, 2018 ~ Bandleader, trumpeter, percussionist Jerry González passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Played an important role in development of Latin jazz. Brother of bassist Andy González. Member of Conjuncto Libre. Co-directed the Fort Apache Band with his brother Andy. Formed the Spanish ensembles Pirated del Flamenco and Comando de la Clave. Has also worked with Tito Puente, McCoy Tyner, Jaco Pastorius, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Eddie Palmieri, Cachao, Woody Shaw, Tony Williams, Larry Young, Freddie Hubbard, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Archie Shepp, Paco de Lucia, George Benson, Chico O'Farrill, the Beach Boys, Papo Vazquez, Ray Barretto, Bobby Paunetto, Chocolate Armenteros, Hilton Ruiz, Chico Freeman, Famoudou Don Moye, Jose Chombo Silva, Rashied Ali, Paquito d'Rivera, Kenny Vance, Diego el Cigala, Enrique Morente, Santi Debriano, Steve Turre, Clifford Thornton, Kip Hanrahan, Abbey Lincoln, Franco Ambrosetti, and Dave Valentin ~ González was born in 1949
October 1, 2014 ~ Lynsey Monckton Rubin, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lynsey de Paul, passed away in London, UK ~ Songwriter, wrote or co-wrote songs for Jack Wild (Taking It Easy, Bring Yourself Back To Me), Del Davis (Sugarloaf Hill), and the Fortunes (Storm In A Teacup). As a solo artist best known for a string of 1970s hits including Sugar Me, Getting A Drag and Won't Somebody Dance With Me. Represented UK in the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Rock Bottom, co-written with Michael Moran. The song would reach 2nd place, losing out to France's Marie Myriam's L'Oiseau Et L'Enfant ~ Rubin was born in 1948
October 1, 2011 ~ George Edward Ballard, commonly known as jazz drummer Butch Ballard, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Pearl Bailey, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Arnett Cobb, Clark Terry, Shadow Wilson, Woody Herman, Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Billy Strayhorn, Kay Davis, Chubby Kemp, Wendell Marshall, John Coltrane, Freddie Green, Harry Sweets Edison, Clark Terry, Emmett Berry, Bardu Ali, Willie Cook, Cat Anderson, Arnett Cobb, Lucky Millinder, Bootsie Barnes, Bob Dorsey, Eddy Vincent, Mercer Ellington, and the Philadelphia Legends Of Jazz Orchestra ~ Ballard was born in 1918October 1, 2003 ~ Greig Stewart Jackson, commonly known as bassist Chubby Jackson, passed away in Rancho Bernardo, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known for his work with Woody Herman, driving Herman's rhythm section. As a leader acclaimed for his 1957 I'm Entitled To You album. Has also worked with Charlie Ventura, Dinah Washington, Charlie Barnet (Cherokee), Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, and Lionel Hampton ~ Jackson was born in 1918
October 1, 1992 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Harry Ray passed away in Bound Brook, New Jersey, USA ~ Joined the Moments in 1970, with whom he scored the Billboard R&B top 10 hits If I Didn't Care and All I Have the same year. Subsequent singles would include My Thing, Sexy Mama, Dolly My Love. A move to a new label barred the band from using the name and the trio renamed themselves Ray Goodman & Brown in 1978. The first single under their new moniker, Special Lady, would become one of their biggest hits and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and No.1 Billboard R&B ~ Ray was born in 1946October 1, 1991 ~ Jazz trumpeter, trombonist Stu Williamson, full name Stuart Lee Williamson, passed away in Studio City, California, USA ~ Younger brother of pianist Claude Williamson. Leader and sideman. Worked with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Billy May, Charlie Barnet, Shelly Manne, Pepper Adams, Terry Gibbs, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Elmo Hope, Jack Montrose, Zoot Sims, Lennie Niehaus, Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Howard Rumsey, Duane Tatro, and Bud Shank ~ Williamson was born in 1933
October 1, 1990 ~ Filipino Napoli, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Phil Napoleon, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ First performed on-stage at age 5. Co-founded the Original Memphis Five with pianist Frank Signorelli, known for their 1927 hit Clarinet Marmelade. Has also worked with the Cotton Pickers, the Charleston Chasers, Leona Williams, Alberta Hunter, and with Jimmy Dorsey ~ Napoli was born in 1901
October 1, 1988 ~ Synth-pop, new wave singer Trevor Herion, full name John Trevor Herion, passed away ~ Member of a number of short-lived new wave, synth-pop bands yet never became a household name. Started in a local pub band originally called the B52's, renamed to the Puritans after discovering the American band the B52's were named the same. Present on Made For Television (See My Friends), the first of only two singles by the band. Subsequently fronted Fallout Club, noted for also including Thomas Dolby, and known locally for the singles Falling Years, Dream Soldiers and Wonderlust all released in 1981. Following the band's disbandement Herion debuted as a solo artist with the album Beauty Life, which spawned a number of singles, all to little succes. Suffering from depression Herion committed suicide at age 28 ~ Herion was born ca.1959
October 1, 1984 ~ British pop group Wham release Freedom, lifted off their Make It Big sophomore album ~ Following Wake Me Up Before You Go Go and Careless Whisper, it became the third consecutive UK No.1 hit off the duo's sophomore album. Decades later, singer George Michael would convey: “When I was 19, I wrote Freedom, the original version, and I thought ‘I can't believe I've just done that’. I was absolutely thrilled. Because until then I had no real understanding of my abilities, but with Freedom, I started to take myself seriously as a writer.”
October 1, 1974 ~ Singer Keith Duffy, full name Keith Peter Thomas Francis Julian John Duffy, born in Donaghmede, Ireland ~ Original member of 1990s boy band Boyzone, known for hits such as Love Me For A Reason, Key To My Life, Father And Son, Words, Isn't It A Wonder, Baby Can I Hold You, All That I Need, I Love The Way You Love Me, You Needed Me and Every Day I Love You, all of which reached top 10 in both England and the band's native IrelandOctober 1, 1971 ~ Pop, rock drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, mandolinist, singer Nigel Powell born in Bromley, UK ~ While in school a member of Illiterate Hands, which included future Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood as well as Thom Yorke's brother Andy Yorke. Powell would go on to play with the Sleeping Souls, Frank Turner's backing band. Has also worked with Dive Dive, the Unbelievable Truth, and produced a number of Belgian singer Milow's early singles
October 1, 1969 ~ Jazz bassist, keyboardist Joseph Patrick Moore born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader and sideman. As a bassist influenced by Paul Chambers, Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown and Ron Carter. Released his Never Never Land debut album in 1997. Two albums later he would co-found Blue Canoe Records, the internet's first all digital independent jazz label. Over the years Moore has collaborated with Earl Klugh, Bob James, Chris Duarte, Jimmy Herring, Jeff Sipe, and Andrew Carlton
October 1, 1968 ~ Pop, surf outfit the Beach Boys record I Can Hear Music, originally recorded by the Ronettes in 1966 ~ Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector. Previously recorded by girl group the Ronettes two years prior, barely making an impression on the charts. The Carl Wilson-produced cover would be included on the band's 1969 20/20 album. Released as a single, b/w All I Want To Do, it fared well better than the original, reaching No.24 Billboard Hot 100, and became a signature song for the band
October 1, 1961 ~ Stefano Rota, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, songwriter Michael Righeira, born in Turin, Italy ~ Formed the duo Righeira with Johnson Righeira, known best for Vamos A La Playa of their 1983 eponymous Righeira debut album. The single would reach top 10 across Europe and to this day is still regarded as one of the classic Italo disco recordings. Both the 1985 non-album single L'Estate Sta Finendo and Innamoratissimo of their 1986 Bambini Forever would also reach top 10 in their native ItalyOctober 1, 1960 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records Sad Mood at RCA Studios, New York, New York ~ Recorded twice, the second and final cut with strings, yet Sam Cooke still felt displeased with the song. It was good enough though for producers Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore. The single released the following November, featuring Love Me on the flip side, would reach top 30 of both Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts
October 1, 1958 ~ Hector Pedro Juan Bosio, commonly known as alternative rock, new wave, pop-rock, post-punk, electronic bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, DJ, singer Zeta Bosio, born in San Fernando, Argentina ~ Formed pioneering Latin rock band Soda Stereo with Gustavo Cerati and Charly Alberti. Influenced by the Beatles, the Police, the Cure, Television, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Pink Floyd and Queen, the band would become the best-selling rock band in Argentina with some 25 million records sold. Well known songs include Zoom, Cuando Pase El Temblor, En La Ciudad De La Furia, Persiana America and De Musica Ligera
October 1, 1957 ~ Singer Nappy Brown records Right Time in New York, New York ~ Also known under the title Night Time Is The Right Time. Previously recorded by Big Bill Broonzy in 1938 and by Roosevelt Sykes the year before that, with slightly different lyrics for each version. Nappy Brown recorded the song as Right Time and eventhough it did not chart nationally it would inspire numerous later versions, notably Ray Charles in 1958, and mark a highlight of Brown's early career. Musicians appearring on Nappy's version included Buster Cooper on trombone, Hilton Jefferson and Budd Johnson on saxophones, Kelly Owens on piano, Skeeter Best on guitar, Leonard Gaskin on bass and Bobby Donaldson on drumsOctober 1, 1956 ~ Albert Gumm, commonly known as songwriter Albert von Tilzer, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Brother of songwriter Harry von Tilzer. Wrote or co-wrote numerous hit songs including Alcoholic Blues, Honey Boy, I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, and perhaps most notably Take Me Out To The Ball Game ~ Von Tilzer was born in 1878
October 1, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Michael Saxell born in Ystad, Sweden ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a singer, songwriter, starting in the early 1980s. In-demand songwriter, wrote or co-wrote songs such as Repo Man (Bachman & Turner), Back Of A Map Of The Moon (Terry Jacks), Johnny G (The Guidetti Song) (Badpojken), and If I Were Sorry (Frans Jeppsson Wall)
October 1, 1956 ~ Poet, radio host, jazz scholar, music critic Reuben Jackson born in Augusta, Georgia, USA ~ Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of jazz music and culture. Served as curator of the Duke Ellington Collection at the Smithsonian Institution for over two decades, a position he called “a job of a lifetime”. Hosted Friday Night Jazz for most of the 2010s, aired on Vermont Public Radio. An accomplished music critic, Jackson has written for the Washington Post, Jazz Times, Down Beat, and All About Jazz, his reviews regularly featured on NPR's All Things Considered radio show. Jackson is also known as a poet, his most recent bundle Scattered Clouds published in 2019 ~ Jackson passed away in 2024