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 19, 1979 ~ Singer Prince releases his eponymous Prince sophomore album ~ The singer's For You debut album, released the previous year, failed to generate a pop hit, so Warner Brothers asked Prince to try again. He recorded Prince in a mere five weeks, and it would give him his first chart success. The album's lead single, I Wanna Be Your Lover, would top the Billboard R&B and reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100, its follow-up Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad would reach top 20 Billboard R&B. The album would be warmly received by critics, the Village Voice critic Robert Christgau going so far as to remark in his 1981 Christgau's Record Guide (Rock Albums Of The Seventies) book that “this boy is going to be a big star, and he deserves it”. A few years later he would indeed, his 1984 Purple Rain album and accompanying film catapulting the singer from Minneapolis to global fame
October 19, 1979 ~ Rock, heartland rock, roots rock singer, guitarist Tom Petty releases Damn The Torpedoes, his third studio album ~ Teaming up with producer Jimmy Iovine, who had previously worked with John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Patti Smith, proved to be fruitful. The album would be Tom Petty's critical and commercial breakthrough, spawning the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits Don't Do Me Like That and Refugee. The album itself would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 200, as would his next three albums, all of which also co-produced by Iovine. Holding the No.2 position for seven weeks, Damn The Torpedoes was held off the top spot by The Wall, which prompted Petty to comment: “I love Pink Floyd but I hated them that year.”October 19, 1978 ~ Mandolinist Avi Avital born in Beer Sheva, Israel ~ Known for his renditions of baroque and folk music, much of it originally written for instruments other than mandolin. Has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, and Genevata Camerata
October 19, 1972 ~ Prakazrei Samuel Michel, commonly known as keyboardist, producer Michel Pras, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Fugees alongside Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, known for the acclaimed 1990s albums Blunted On Reality and The Score. Following the band's disbandement, Pras has scored hits with Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are) from the film Bulworth and with We Trying To Stay Alive with former bandmate Wyclef Jean and John Forté
October 19, 1967 ~ Jazz trombonist Henderson Chambers passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a trombonist, active since the early 1930s, over the course of his career Chambers has also doubled on tenor saxophone, trumpet, and tuba. Most closely associated with Buck Clayton during the 1950s, with Ray Charles during the pianist's early 1960s hit streak, and with Count Basie with whom he played intermittently throughout most of his career. An in-demand touring and session musician, Chambers has appeared on albums by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald (Lullabies Of Birdland), Jimmy Rushing (Goin' To Chicago), Earl Coleman (Earl Coleman Returns), Mildred Bailey, Sammy Davis Jr, Cat Anderson, Ernie Wilkins, Gene Ammons, and Frank Sinatra (At The Sands). Chambers passed away at age 59 from a heart attack ~ Chambers was born in 1908
October 19, 1967 ~ R&B group the Miracles release their stand-alone single I Second That Emotion, featuring You Must Be Love on the flip side ~ Singer Smokey Robinson and producer Al Cleveland were Christmas shopping and when Robinson picked out a set of pearls for his wife, Cleveland replied he seconded that emotion. The common phrase of course is ‘second that motion’ as in backing a plan, an idea, a motion instead of an emotion. The pair used the misspoken phrase and wrote the song that same afternoon. It would be the third Billboard R&B No.1 hit for the Temptations, preceded by Shop Around and You've Really Got A Hold On Me. The song also reached top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.4. In songwriting circles, I Second That Emotion would often be studied for its use of secondary rhymes and melodic intricacy. The song would be covered by dozens of artists, including notably Jerry Garcia who has frequently performed the song live with both the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia Band
October 19, 1966 ~ Saxophonist Tim Garland born in Essex, UK ~ Prolific saxophonist and leading figure in British jazz, drawing from jazz as well as classical music. Garland first gained attention with jazz-folk crossover unit Lammas, and would go on to record well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader since the late 1980s. Internationally, he is perhaps best known for his association with Chick Corea, notably present on the acclaimed albums The New Crystal Silence and The Vigil. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Garland has also worked with the Brand New Heavies, Damon Brown (Rhythm Indicative), Dominic Alldis, Joe Locke, Clark Tracey (Stability), Geoffrey Keezer, the London Jazz Orchestra, Bill Bruford (Random Acts Of Happiness), Paul Bollenback (Brightness Of Being), Jacquie Dankworth, and Denise DonatelliOctober 19, 1963 ~ In its 7th week on the charts, Busted by Ray Charles peaks at No.4 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Harlan Howard, then already a noted songwriter known for songs such as Pick Me Up On Your Way Down (Charlie Walker), Heartaches By The Number (Ray Price), and I Fall To Pieces (Patsy Cline), Busted tells of a farmer in dire need of some financial help, as he's busted, but he can't get a loan, as everyone else is busted too. The song would first be recorded in 1962 by Johnny Cash, with some help from the Carter Family, and by Ray Charles the following year for his Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul album. Issued as a single, it would reach No.4 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and earn Charles a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. Although the song has since been recorded by a wide array of artists, mostly in country and rock & roll, including Kitty Wells, Charley Pride, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Reed, and John Conlee, the commercially most successful version would remain the brass-heavy “soulified” rendition by Charles
October 19, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist, singer Bendik Hofseth born in Oslo, Norway ~ About a dozen albums as a leader. In-demand sideman and collaborator. Replaced Michael Brecker in Steps Ahead, first appearing on the eponymous 1983 Steps Ahead sophomore album. Other notable collaborations include Arild Andersen, Jan Eggum, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Helge Iberg, Anne Grete Preus, Øystein Sevåg, Maj Britt Andersen, Ketil Bjørnstad, the Oslo Gospel Choir, Andy Summers, and Silje NergaardOctober 19, 1962 ~ Singer Tony Bennett records I Wanna Be Around at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Inspired by Frank Sinatra divorcing his first wife to marry Ava Gardner, only to then see Gardner leave him, housewife and beautician Sadie Vimmerstedt came up with the idea for the song and gave Johnny Mercer the opening line “I want to be around to pick up the pieces, when somebody breaks your heart.” She sent to idea to Mercer, simply addressed to “Johnny Mercer, songwriter, New York”. The post office forwarded the letter to ASCAP who in turn gave it to Mercer who then wrote the song and agreed to share credit and royalties with Vimmerstedt. Tony Bennett's 1962 rendition would be the first hit version of the song, reaching top 20 Billboard Hot 100. It has since been recorded by numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin, Brenda Lee, Dinah Washington, and ironically by Sinatra
October 19, 1960 ~ Drummer, percussionist Dan Woodgate born in London, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of Madness, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as The Return Of The Los Palmas 7, Michael Caine, Sunday Morning and Small World. Also a member of Voice Of The Beehive, known for songs such as Don't Call Me Baby and I Think I Love YouOctober 19, 1960 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Jean-Michel Pilc born in Paris, France ~ Worked with Ari Hoenig, Francois Moutin, Harry Belafonte, John Abercrombie, Richard Bona, Michael Brecker, André Ceccarelli, Roy Haynes, Daniel Humair, Dave Liebman, Michel Portal, Aldo Romano, Martial Solal, and Jean Toussaint
October 19, 1960 ~ Singer Jennifer Holliday, full name Jennifer Yvette Holliday, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Known for her roles in Broadway musicals such as the 1980 production of Your Arm's Too Short To Box With God and the 1983 production of Dreamgirls. Reached the higher echelons of the R&B charts with singles such as the Grammy Award-winning And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going, I Am Love, Hard Time For Lovers, and I'm On Your Side
October 19, 1959 ~ Jazz drummer Ronnie Burrage born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Soul Flamingos, Fontella Bass, Oliver Sain, the Rainbow Glas, the Expression Jazz Quintet, Lester Bowie, Defunkt, Terub Nakamura, Roland Hanna, Major Holley, Arthur Blythe, Andrew Hill, Jackie McLean, McCoy Tyner, Woody Shaw, Third Kind Of Blue, Billy Bang, Hamiet Bluiett, Sonny Fortune, Courtney Pine, Gunther Schuller, the World Saxophone Quartet, Kenny Kirkland, Marcus Miller, Joe Ford, Branford Marsalis, Clifford Jordan, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Locke, Avery Sharpe, Jack Walrath, Ronnie Cuber, Santi Debriano, Barbara Dennerlein, Chico Freeman, Eric Person, Roland Hanna, Julius Hemphill, Ed Schuller, Archie Shepp, and Fred Wesley
October 19, 1958 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree ~ Written by Johnny Marks. Produced by Owen Bradley. Backed by Hank Garland and Shot Jackson on guitars, Floyd Cramer piano, Boots Randolph saxophone, Bob Moore bass, Buddy Harman drums. Released later the same year, paired with Papa Noel on the flip side, it would hardly chart. Re-released the next year, again making little impression. On its second re-release, in 1960, it would finally reach Billboard top 20. Over time, the song became one of Brenda Lee's best known and it has regularly reappeared in the charts during the holiday season
October 19, 1957 ~ Christian rock singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Billy Smiley born in Farmington, Michigan, USA ~ Key member of Christian rock outfit White Heart. As a producer worked with Geoff Moore & the Distance, Margaret Becker, Rhonda Gunn, the Newsboys, Bebe & CeCe Winans, and Clay Aiken
October 19, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Karl Wallinger, full name Karl Edmond De Vere Wallinger, born in Prestatyn, UK ~ Revered songwriter drawing from British heritage such as the Beatles as well as from Americans such as Bob Dylan. Key member of the Waterboys from 1983 through 1985, present on the albums A Pagan Place and the highly acclaimed This Is The Sea. Following his departure from the band Wallinger recorded as World Party, basically Wallinger's one-man-band at times employing session musicians where needed, known for Ship Of Fools, Way Down Now, Is It Like Today and She's The One, the latter later covered by over a dozen artists including Robbie Williams. Wallinger was also especially helpful in advancing Sinéad O'Connor's career, prominently involved in O'Connor's early demos that landed the then-unknown singer a record deal with Ensign Records ~ Wallinger passed away in 2024
October 19, 1956 ~ Bandleader, songwriter Isham Jones, full name Isham Edgar Jones, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ One of the most popular dance bandleaders of the 1920 and 1930s. Known for songs such as Wabash Blues, It Had To Be You, and I'll See You In My Dreams. Employed sidemen such as Louis Panico, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Walt Yoder, Roy Bargy, and Al Gallodoro ~ Jones was born in 1894
October 19, 1954 ~ Richard Banke, commonly known as rockabilly, cowpunk, psychobilly, rock, country guitarist, mandolinist, washboardist Skid Roper, born ~ Perhaps best known for teaming up with Mojo Nixon during the 1980s, the duo recording about half a dozen albums through the end of the decade. They are perhaps best known for Elvis Is Everywhere of their 1987 Bo-Day-Shus album, the song becoming an alternative staple on MTV. Following his time with Nixon Roper has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Trails Plowed Under released in 1989
October 19, 1953 ~ Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Bobby Bandiera born ~ Best known as touring guitarist for Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. Auditioned to become a member of Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band for the 1984 Born In The USA tour, but lost out to Nils Lofgren. Has backed Bruce Springsteen on other occasions though. Has also recorded a number of solo albums, notably Bandiera released in 1991October 19, 1951 ~ Lili Ramirez Villamizar, commonly known as nueva cancion, ffolk singer Lilia Vera, born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Protest singer drawing from traditional Venezuelan folk music. Associated with songwriters such as Otilio Galíndez, Simon Diaz, Luis Mariano Rivera. Released her eponymous Lilia Vera debut album in 1974. Among her best known songs are her renditions of Tonada, El Becerrito, Clavelito Colorado, La Culebra and Canchuncu Dicoso
October 19, 1949 ~ Rock, blues guitarist Lloyd Watson born in Peterborough, UK ~ Early adopter of the wah-wah pedal. Enjoyed regional popularity with his backing unit the Soul Mates during the late 1960s. Would go on to open for David Bowie, King Crimson and Roxy Music during the 1970s, including on international tours. Sessioned on Brian Eno's Here Come The Warm Jets and Andy Mackay's In Search Of Eddie Riff. Member of experimental rock supergroup 801, which also included Eno and Roxy alumni Phil Manzanera ~ Watson passed away in 2019
October 19, 1948 ~ Organist, pianist, keyboardist Peter Solley born in London, UK ~ Backed artists such as Chris Farlowe, Terry Reid, and Arthur Brown throughout the early 1970s. Co-founding member of Paladin, known for the critically acclaimed albums Paladin and its follow-up Charge. Member of Fox, with whom he scored the mid 1970s UK top 20 hits Only You Can, Imagine Me Imagine You, and S-s-s-single Bed. Solley has also appeared on albums by Snafu, Gravy Train, Keith Christmas, Dave Cartwright, Procol Harum, Pat Travers, Al Stewart (Time Passages), Wreckless Eric, Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, Johnny Warman (Hour Glass), the Romantics (The Romantics), and Eric Clapton ~ Solley passed away in 2023
October 19, 1946 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Keith Reid, full name Keith Stuart Brian Reid, born in Welwyn Garden City, UK ~ Best known as lyricist of most of the Procol Harum songs, including Conquistador, A Whiter Shade Of Pale, Salty Dog, and Grand Hotel. Others who recorded songs co-written by Reid include Michel Polnareff (Time Will Tell), Gary Brooker, Peter Frampton, John Farnham (You're The Voice), and the Jeff Healey Band ~ Reid passed away in 2023October 19, 1946 ~ Country, folk singer, songwriter Merle Travis records So Round So Firm So Fully Packed at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, California ~ The title was taken from the slogan “so round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw” used for a Lucky Strike cigarette brand advertising campaign first heard in 1944. Written by Merle Travis, Cliffie Stone, Eddie Kirk. Produced by Lee Gillette. Released in January 1947, b/w Sweet Temptation, it would be a Billboard Country top 10 hit. The same year botn Johnny Bond and Ernest Tubb would score hits with the song. Later also notably covered by Eddy Arnold and Ricky Skaggs