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 2, 1977 ~ Jazz pianist, organist, keyboardist David Wallumrød born in Kongsberg, Norway ~ Worked with Knut Reiersrud, Torun Eriksen, Jarle Bernhoft, Marit Larsen, Maria Solheim, Vidar Busk, Maria Mena, Thomas Dybdahl, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Cloudberry Cream, and Kjetil Moster
October 2, 1977 ~ Lasse Malberg, commonly known as rapper Redrama, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Raps in English, Swedish and Finnish. Member of Alien Allies. Frequent collaborator of Paleface, notably on Still In Charge which reached top 10 in Finland. As a solo artist released his Everyday Soundtrack in 2003, spawning the Finnish No.1 hit Hang It Up
October 2, 1976 ~ Pop, country pop singer Glen Campbell records Southern Nights at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Allen Toussaint, who recorded the track for his Southern Nights album a year earlier. Produced by Gary Klein it would become one of Glen Campbell's biggest hits, topping both the Billboard Country and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts
October 2, 1976 ~ Jazz trombonist Quentin Jackson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his stints with Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington, working with the latter's orchestra for a little over a decade starting in 1949. Other notable collaborations include Clark Terry, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Bill Coleman, Randy Weston, Count Basie, Oliver Nelson, Shirley Scott (For Members Only), Billy Taylor, Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), Milt Jackson, Herbie Mann, Barbara Lewis (Workin' On A Groovy Thing), Jimmy Smith, the Manhattan Transfer, and Johnny Hodges ~ Jackson was born in 1909October 2, 1975 ~ R&B, gospel, pop rock, soul singer, songwriter Toneisha Harris born in Salisbury, Maryland, USA ~ Runner-up in the 2020 edition of talent show The Voice, losing out to Todd Tilghman. Would go on to release a handful of singles, including Don't Stop with her Voice-coach Blake Shelton, and Cycles with fellow Voice alumni Arei Moon
October 2, 1973 ~ Sascha Reimann, commonly known as hip hop, rap, rap rock, punk rock singer, rapper, actor Ferris MC, born in Neuwied, West Germany ~ Formed the 1990's hip hop trio FAB, an acronym for Freaks Association Bremen, with Flowin Immo and DJ Pee. Though the trio remained together only briefly, releasing their sole Freaks album in 1994, they are considered especially influential on German hip hop. After the group's disbandement, Ferris continued in hip hop to critical acclaim through the mid 2000s, teaming up with the likes of Tobi Tobsen, DJ Stylewarz, and Afrob, before ventring into house, electro, and electropunk music, notably as a member of Deichkind from the late 2000s through the late-2010s
October 2, 1973 ~ Lene Grawford Nystrøm, commonly known as pop, dance-pop, Eurodance singer, songwriter Lene Nystrøm, born in Tønsberg, Norway ~ Best known as member Eurodance outfit Aqua active from the mid 1990s through 2001. The band has sold over 20 million records and is best known for their 1997 Barbie Girl dance hit, a No.1 hit across Europe and a top 10 hit on the American Billboard Hot 100. Nystrøm was married to bandmate Søren Rasted from 2001 through 2016, with whom she has two children
October 2, 1971 ~ Pop, vocal pop singer Eddie Butler born in Dimona, Israel ~ Internationally best known as a member of Eden, with whom Butler reached 5th place at the 1999 Eurovision Songfestival representing their native Israel with the song Happy Birthday. After the group disbanded in the early 2000s, Butler has ventured out on his own, performing across Europe, Russia, and the USA. In 2006, Butler would again participate in the Eurovision Songfestival, this time as a solo artist reaching second-last place with Together We Are One
October 2, 1971 ~ In its twelfth week on its chart, the double A-side single Maggie May/Reason To Believe by Rod Stewart hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Rod Stewart's first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, where it held the top position for five consecutive weeks. Initially, it was issued with the Tim Hardin-cover Reason To Believe on the A-side, the self-penned Maggie May featured on the flip side. However, as radio stations picked up the B-side it would be re-issued as a double A-side single. Though it would still be a few more years before Stewart became a solid hitmaker, Maggie May was the song that started his solo career. Decades later, Stewart would look back on his first major hit: “At first, I didn't think much of Maggie May. I guess that's because the record company didn't believe in the song. I didn't have much confidence then. I figured it was best to listen to the guys who knew better. What I learned is sometimes they do and sometimes they don't”
October 2, 1971 ~ Tiffany Renee Darwish, mononymously known as singer, songwriter, actress Tiffany, born in Norwalk, California, USA ~ Best known for a string of hit singles off her 1987 Tiffany debut album, namely Could've Been, the Beatles-cover I Saw Him Standing There and notably the Tommy James & the Shondells-cover I Think We're Alone Now. Her Hold An Old Friend's Hand 1988 sophomore album would spawn another American top 10 hit, All This Time, but failed to replicate the succes of her debut album. Darwish has posed for Playboy, appeared on Celebrity reality shows and continues to tour and recordOctober 2, 1970 ~ Alternative rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Martin Sköld born in Sparreholm, Sweden ~ Rose to fame as member and along with singer Joakim Berg main songwriter of Kent. The band is known for a string of hits starting in the late 1990s including the Swedish No.1 hits Dom Adra, Max 500, Palace And Main, Tontarna, 2000 and Gamla Ullevi
October 2, 1969 ~ Damon Michael Gough, commonly known as indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, keyboardist, songwriter Badly Drawn Boy, born in Dunstable, UK ~ Released a number of mostly unnoticed EP's before turning out his full-length critically acclaimed The Hour Of The Bewilderbeast debut album in 2000. Has been recording to a limited yet devoted fanbase sinceOctober 2, 1968 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jeff Martin born in Windsor, Canada ~ Frontman of Canadian rock outfit Tea Party, known for songs such as Temptation, Psychopomp, Heaven Coming Down and The Messenger. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Exile & The Kingdom Come in 2006. Also worked with the Armada, Hundred Mile House, the Eternal, the Tenth Planet, and Lepers & the Crooks
October 2, 1968 ~ Alternative country, new traditionalist singer, guitarist, songwriter Kelly Willis born in Annandale, Virginia, USA ~ Emerged from the Austin country scene, landing a record deal after being noticed by Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett. Debuted in 1990 with the Well Travelled Love album. Has recorded to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase since. Worked with Jay Farrar, Chuck Prophet, Monte Warden, Aaron Neville, Martin Zellar, Mark Collie, and with Bruce Robison whom she married in 1992
October 2, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Gillian Welch born in New York, New York, USA ~ Has been releasing critically acclaimed albums, usually backed by steady musical partner guitarist David Rawlings, since the mid 1990s, combining elements of Appalachian music, bluegrass, country, and Americana. Welch cites influences as varied as the Stanley Brothers, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Neil Young, and the Velvet Underground, with a touch of Throwing Muses and the Pixies. Welch is a sought-after collaborator, appearing on albums by Ryan Adams, Ani DiFranco, Emmylou Harris, Jay Farrar, Alison Krauss, Robyn Hitchcock, Steve Earle, Ralph Stanley, Solomon Burke, and Mark Knopfler. Musicians who guested on Welch's albums include Jimmy Buffett, Trisha Yearwood, Joan Baez, Brad Mehldau, Allison Moorer, Miranda Lambert, Kathy Mattea, and ZZ Top
October 2, 1965 ~ David Nehaisi, commonly known as classical crossover, operatic pop singer David D'Or, born in Holon, Israel ~ Noted for his four-octave vocal range, D'Or has recorded well over half a dozen albums since the early 1990s, most of which have reached Gold or Platinum status in his native Israel. Though best known as a classical crossover singer, D'Or has also ventured into world music, jazz, and hip hop, notably collaborating with Israeli rapper Subliminal on the 2006 track Ten Koah (Give Me Strength). D'Or has guested with renowned orchestras the world over including the London Symphony, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Symphony Orchestra, has performed for crowds upwards of 50,000, as well as for popes, presidents, and royalty. D'or represented Israel at the 2004 Eurovision Songfestival, where he reached 11th place with Leha'amin (To Believe) which he co-wrote with Ehud ManorOctober 2, 1962 ~ Keyboardist, bassist, singer Harold Chicester born in USA ~ Bassist for rock-funk outfit the Royal Crescent Mob from 1985 to 1994. Closely associated with Greg Dulli often lent his talents to Dulli's projects Afghan Whigs and the Twilight Singers, both on tour and on record. Also a co-founding member of Howling Maggie, whose original line-up would also include bassist Jim Rico, guitarist Andy Harrison, trumpeter Randy Sander, and drummer Jerome Dillon
October 2, 1960 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Al Connely born in Montreal, Canada ~ Played with future Glass Tiger-founders Alan Frew and Wayne Parker in their late seventies band Onyx. When they disbanded Connelly formed the punk outfit the Untouchable Lowlifes. In 1983 he was asked to join Glass Tiger. They played locally, were eventually signed to Capitol Records and released their debut album Thin Red Line in 1986. The band were awarded three Juno awards, the album went multi-platinum
October 2, 1960 ~ Pianist, hornist Django Bates born in Beckenham, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Founded Human Chain. Founded Delightful Precipice. Has also worked with Dudu Pukwana, Tim Whitehead, Ken Stubbs, Bill Bruford, Sidsel Endresen, George Russell, George Gruntz, Michael Brecker, Tim Berne, Christian Jarvi, Vince Mendoza, David Sanborn, Kate Rusby, and Don Alias
October 2, 1957 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Who's Sorry Now ~ Written by Ted Snyder, Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby. Produced by Harry A Myerson. Previously recorded by Isham Jones in 1923. Connie Francis was about to be dropped by her record label due to lack of sales, allowing her one more record. She was initially reluctant to record a 35 year old song, as her father suggested convinced an updated version would have cross-over appeal. It would become her breakout hit
October 2, 1955 ~ Singer Philip Oakey born in Hinckley, UK ~ Lead singer, co-founder of Human League, known best for Don't You Want Me which topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Other well known songs included Being Boiled, The Sound Of The Crowd, Love Action (I Believe In Love), Open Your Heart, Mirror Man, Keep Feeling Fascination, The Lebanon. Oakey has also recorded as a solo artist and is an in-demand collaborator, notably teaming up with producer Giorgio Moroder for Together In Electric Dreams which was used as the theme song for the 1984 Electric Dreams filmOctober 2, 1954 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist Greg Jennings born in Nicoma Park, Oklahoma, USA ~ Longtime member of country outfit Restless Heart known for 1980s Billboard Country charttoppers such as That Rock Won't Roll, Why Does It Have To Be (Wrong Or Right), Wheels, The Bluest Eyes In Texas, A Tender Lie and perhaps their best known I'll Still Be Loving You, the latter also reaching top 40 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 in 1987
October 2, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, violinist, theremin player, songwriter John Otway born in Aylesbury, UK ~ Active since the early 1970s. Enjoys a cult following built through extensive touring. Had his 1977 John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett debut album, a collaborative effort with Wild Willy Barrett, produced by the Who's Pete Townshend. The album also included Really Free, Otway's highest-charting single reaching the uK top 30
October 2, 1952 ~ Rock drummer, singer Sigtryggur Baldursson born in Norway ~ Founding member of the Sugarcubes. Also worked with Pigface, Peyr, Kukl, Emiliana Torrini, Ben Frost, Kippi Kaninus, the SJS Bigband, Headpump, Bradley Fish, and the Reptile Palace Orchestra
October 2, 1951 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Bill Elliott born in Wayland, Massachusetts, USA ~ Initially a session and studio musician for artists such as Stevie Nicks, Smokey Robinson, Donna Summer and Bette Midler. Eventually gravitated to compose and orchestrate for film and Broadway. Won a 2015 Tony Award for his orchestration of the Broadway musical An American In Paris. Also known for his work on musicals such as Nice Work If You Can Get It and BandstandOctober 2, 1951 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records Domino ~ Originally a French song composed by Louis Ferrari with lyrics by Jacques Plante, it would be a hit in Europe. Bing Crosby's version, with English lyrics by Don Raye would reach top 10 on the American pop charts. Crosby was backed by John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra
October 2, 1951 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer Coco Montoya born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Backing drummer for Albert Collins starting in the mid 1970s. Spent about a decade, starting in the early 1980s, as member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers
October 2, 1951 ~ Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, commonly known as pop rock, new wave singer, bassist, songwriter Sting born in Wallsend, UK ~ Rose to fame as frontman of pivotal late 1970s, 1980s pop, new wave outfit the Police, drawing from pop, rock, punk, reggae and jazz. Well known songs include Roxanne, Can't Stand Losing You, Message In A Bottle, Walking On The Moon, Don't Stand So Close To Me, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Every Breath You Take and Wrapped Around Your Finger. Following the band's disbandement embarked on a successful solo career, starting with the Dream Of The Blue Turtles album in 1985. Has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since, Police and solo recordings combined selling over an estimated 100 million copies