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 25, 2025 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, pianist, bandleader Gérard Badini passed away ~ The son of an opera singer, Badini was raised in a musical household. Badini started on clarinet in the early 1950s, playing New Orleans jazz-style ensembles backing the likes of Michel Attenoux, Jimmy Archey, Lil' Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Peanuts Holland. By the late 1950s, Badini had switched to tenor saxophone and continued to serve as a sideman, notably touring with Claude Bolling as well as with Roger Guérin and Geo Daly. During the 1960s, Badini worked with Alice Babs, Duke Ellington, Cat Anderson, Jef Gilson, and François Guin. In 1973, Badini formed his first own ensemble, Swing Machine, which at times incorporated sidemen such as Raymond Fol, Helen Humes, Sonny Payne, and Sam Woodyard. From the mid-1980s through the late 1990s, Badini would play piano in and lead its successor, Super Swing Machine ~ Badini was born in 1931
October 25, 2024 ~ Rock, psychedelic rock, jam band bassist, trumpeter, singer Phil Lesh, full name Philip Chapman Lesh, passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Grateful Dead, a band especially acclaimed for a string of late 1960s, early 1970s albums including Anthem Of The Sun, Live/Dead, Workingman's Dead, and American Beauty. Bandmate drummer Mickey Hart has referred to Lesh as “the group's intellectual, who brought a classical composer's mindset and skills to a five-chord rock & roll band”. Following the Grateful Dead's disbandement in the mid 1990s, Lesh has worked with several spin-off groups and former bandmates including the Other Ones, Dead, and Furthur ~ Lesh was born in 1940
October 25, 2022 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Branislav Hronec passed away ~ After stints with the West Coast Combo and the Bratislava Jazz Studio founded the Bran Hronec Group in 1963, later renamed to the Bran Hronec Orchestra, with whom he recorded and toured internationally throughout the 1980s ~ Hronec was born in 1940October 25, 2022 ~ Classical cellist Farquhar Wilkinson, full name Farquhar Davis Wilkinson, passed away in Blenheim, New Zealand ~ Principal cellist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra from 1955 through 1992. Has also worked with the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra, the Alex Lindsay String Orchestra, the Aspey String Quartet, and the London Symphony Orchestra ~ Wilkinson was born in 1932
October 25, 2021 ~ Virginia O'Connor, commonly known as big band singer Ginny Mancini, passed away ~ Married to renowned conductor, pianist, film composer Henry Mancini from 1947 until his death in 1994. Member of the Mel-tones, backing choir with Mel Tormé's band during the mid 1940s. Backing singer appearing in films such as The Harvey Girls and The Music Man. Member of the Mello-larks, the vocal choir with the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Tex Beneke. After marrying Henry she would continue to work part-time as backing vocalist for film and TV ~ O'Connor was born ca.1924
October 25, 2021 ~ Music manager Walter Herbert, full name Walter James Herbert, passed away in Orinda, California, USA ~ Started as roadie for Santana. Best known as manager of Journey, which he put together, through the mid 1990s. Also managed Frumious Bandersnatch, the Steve Miller Band, Roxette, Europe, Mr Big, and Enuff Z'nuff ~ Herbert was born in 1948
October 25, 2021 ~ Blues harpist, singer, songwriter Willie Cobbs passed away in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Best known for his 1960 recording You Don't Love Me, loosely based on Bo Diddley's She's Fine She's Mine. Cobbs' tune would be covered by a wide array of artists including the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, John Mayall, and Dawn Penn, the latter reworking the R&B, blues tune to the classic rocksteady tune You Don't Love Me (No No No) in 1967 ~ Cobbs was born in 1932
October 25, 2020 ~ Copla singer, songwriter Dolores Abril, full name Dolores Caballero Abril, passed away in Espartinas, Spain ~ Married to Juanito Valderrama, with whom she also worked, from 1981 until his death in 2004. As a solo artist especially known for a number of 1960s recordings, notably Al Primer Derrote, Tu Te Casate, Gloria A Chicuelo Il and Que Bonita Esta La Reina ~ Abril was born in 1935October 25, 2020 ~ Operatic soprano Rosanna Carteri passed away in Monte Carlo, Monaco ~ Enjoyed popularity from the 1950s through the mid 1960s. Debuted as Elsa in Richard Wagner's Lohengrin in Rome at age 19. Would go on to portray leading roles with renowned orchestras including La Scala, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House ~ Carteri was born in 1930
October 25, 2019 ~ Contemporary classical composer Chou Wen-Chung passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Chinese-American credited as one of the first to translate authentic oriental melo-rhythms into modern Western music. Protégé of Edgard Varèse. Also known as founder of the the Center For US-China Arts Exchange to promotoe mutual understanding between the two countries through the channel of culture ~ Wen-chung was born in 1923
October 25, 2019 ~ James Joseph Paulsen, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Joe Sun, passed away in Palm Bay, Florida, USA ~ About a dozen albums to his name, Sun would enjoy popularity through the mid-1980s. He is perhaps best known for first recording Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You, penned by Hugh Moffatt and Pebe Sebert. Issued as his debut single in 1978, Sun's original reached No.14 on the Billboard Country charts, and became a country classic later covered by Dolly Parton, the Osborne Brothers, and Foster & Allen. Sun scored several more top 30 Billboard Country hits through the early 1980s, most notably High And Dry, I'd Rather Go On Hurtin', and Bombed Boozed & Busted, the latter also a significant country hit in Canada. Sun also played the minor role of Tommy Fratter in the 1985 Marie biographical movie starring Sissy Spacek, Jeff Daniels, and Morgan Freeman, and recorded national radio spots for Budweiser and Timberline Boots ~ Paulsen was born in 1943October 25, 2018 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter David Johnson passed away ~ Member of Little Caesar & the Romans, known for their 1961 Those Oldies But Goodies (Remind Me Of You) Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Having released only one full-length album the band broke up in 1962, in part due to an argument between lead singer Carl Burnett and Johnson as to which of them should be called Little Caesar. Johnson would later found and front the short-lived Little Caesar & the Consuls ~ Johnson was born in 1934
October 25, 2018 ~ Composer Martin Dalby passed away ~ Organist of St Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen. Best known for his roles with BBC Radio, initially serving as producer for BBC's Music Programme from 1965 forward and promoted to Head of Music at BBC Scotland in 1972. As a composer wrote for orchestra, chamber music, choral music, choir music, brass and wind ensembles, and for film, radio and TV. Well known compositions include his Viola Concerto, The Mary Bean commissioned by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and The White Maa written for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra ~ Dalby was born in 1942
October 25, 2018 ~ Cornelius Fortune, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist Sonny Fortune, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. Rose to prominence backing Miles Davis in the mid 1970s, including on the albums Agharta and Pangaea. As a leader, Fortune has recorded over a dozen albums, notably It Ain't What It Was released in 1991. Fortune has also appeared on albums by George Benson, Mongo Santamaria, Pharoah Sanders, Roy Ayers, McCoy Tyner (Sahara), Leon Spencer, the Average White Band (AWB), Charles Mingus, Dom Um Romão, Kenny Barron, Herbie Mann, Nat Adderley, Mtume (You Me And He), Buddy Rich, Cindy Blackman, Mal Waldron, and Elvin Jones ~ Fortune was born in 1939
October 25, 2014 ~ John Symon Asher Bruce, commonly known as bassist, singer Jack Bruce, passed away in Sudbury, UK ~ Considered one of the all-time most important and influential UK bassists. Member of the Graham Bond Organisation. Member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Best known for founding the pivotal 1960s supergroup Cream with Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton, co-writing a vast amount of the band's songs including The Sunshine Of Your Love, White Room and I Feel Free. After the band disbanded released his Songs For A Tailor solo debut album in 1969, which would be a global smash hit. Has since recorded to critical acclaim as a solo artist, as a member of blues-rock outfit West Bruce & Laing, and served as touring bassist and studio collaborator for a wide array of artists including Michael Mantler, Charlie Mariano, John McLaughlin, Bernie Marsden, Rocket 88, Soft Machine, Mose Allison, the Golden Palominos, Kip Hanrahan, and Dick Heckstall-Smith ~ Bruce was born in 1943
October 25, 2010 ~ Singer Gregory Isaacs, full name Gregory Anthony Isaacs, passed away in London, UK ~ By the late 1970s one of the biggest internationally known reggae artists, rivaled only by Dennis Brown and Bob Marley. Known for songs such as My Only Lover, All I Have Is Love, Slavemaster, Lonely Soldier, Love Is Overdue, Permanent Lover, Wailing Ruby, Night Nurse, Rumour, and Too Good To Be True. Worked with Jamaica's biggest producers including Byron Lee, Errol Dunkley, Winston Holness, Gussie Clarke, Lloyd Campbell, Glen Brown, Harry Muddie, Roy Cousins, Sydney Crooks, Lee Scratch Perry, Prince Jammy, Bobby Digital, Tad Hawkins, and Steely & Clevie ~ Isaacs was born in 1951
October 25, 2010 ~ Singer Rihanna releases What's My Name featuring Drake, lifted off her Loud album ~ Rihanna had already scored a little over half a dozen Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers, but for Drake, notably featured as a collaborator, it would be his first No.1. What's My Name would earn the pair a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The song was co-written by Ester Dean, who had previously written hits for Usher, Katy Perry (Firework), and Christina Aguilera. Rihanna would later say of Dean: “She really captured me, everything I would say and how I would say it. Some people get it halfway right. She just gets it and knows exactly what you want to hear”October 25, 2003 ~ Country, pop singer, songwriter Tegan Marie born in Grand Blanc, Michigan, USA ~ First gained attention for her covers of popular songs, notably Florida Georgia Line's HOLY, receiving millions of views on social media. Would subsequently be signed by Warner Music Nashville at age 13, making her the youngest female singer to sign to a major country label since Tanya Tucker in 1972
October 25, 2002 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Richard Harris passed away in Bloomsbury, UK ~ Best known as an actor for stage and film, Harris nevertheless recorded about a dozen albums as a singer. Best known to pop audiences for first recording the Jimmy Webb-penned MacArthur Park, originally intended for the Association. Harris would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1968. In later years both country singer Waylon Jennings and R&B, disco singer Donna Summer would each score a hit with it ~ Harris was born in 1930
October 25, 1992 ~ Singer, songwriter Roger Miller, full name Roger Dean Miller, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as When Two Worlds Collide, Dang Me, Chug-a-lug, King Of The Road, Walkin' In The Sunshine and Little Green Apples. As a songwriter had his work recorded by artists such as Jim Reeves (Billy Bayou), Rex Allen, Ray Price (Invitation To The Blues), Ernest Tubb (Half A Mind), Faron Young, Alan Jackson (Tall Tall Trees), Brooks & Dunn, and Dwight Yoakam ~ Miller was born in 1936
October 25, 1990 ~ Jazz pianist Austin Peralta, full name Austin Topper Peralta, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Classically trained child prodigy. Played with Chick Corea and Hank Jones at age 15. Led the Eighty-Eights, known for the albums Maiden Voyage and Mantra released while in his mid-teens. Other notable associations include Adam Rudolph, Tim Riles, Shafiq Husayn, Erykah Badu (New Amerykah Pt.2 (Return Of The Ankh)), Anthony Crawford, Thundercat, and Flying Lotus. Died at a mere age 22, the coroner's report indicating the most likely cause of death was viral pneumonia aggravated by a combination of alcohol and drugs ~ Peralta passed away in 2012
October 25, 1990 ~ Jazz bassist, upright bassist Major Holley, full name Major Holley Jr, passed away in Maplewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Played violin and tuba in his youth, before taking up the bass while in a Navy band. Following his stint in the military, Holley worked with Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald. In the 1950s, Holley was most closely associated with Oscar Peterson, prior to relocating to the UK for a number of years, where he worked at the BBC. After his return to America, Holley toured with Woody Herman, and subsequently Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, before focusing on session work. Holley has recorded about half a dozen albums with Coleman Hawkins, including the acclaimed Desafinado released in 1963, and has appeared on albums by Kenny Burrell, Clark Terry (Tread Ye Lightly), Shirley Scott (Soul Shoutin'), Milt Jackson, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Phil Woods (Directly From The Half Note), Johnny Lytle, Quincy Jones (Gula Matari), Gerald Wiggins, Milt Buckner, Buddy Tate (The Texas Twister), Ray Bryant, Lee Konitz, Joe Venuti (Sliding By), Roland Hanna, Hilton Ruiz (Cross Currents), Totti Bergh, and Peter Appleyard (Barbados Heat). Holley has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, perhaps most notably Two Big Mice with Slam Stewart ~ Holley was born in 1924
October 25, 1987 ~ Jazz saxophonist Willis Jackson, also known as Willis Gator Jackson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Cites Lester Young and Illinois Jacquet as main influences. Joined Cootie Williams's band in 1949 after being discovered by Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. Worked as a session musician during the 1950s, mostly R&B and jazz. Toured as leader of backing band of Ruth Brown, whom he married. In 1959 signed to Prestige Records where he put out a string of jazz albums which proved to be highly influential on the soul jazz movement. Served as a mentor for Jack McDuff and Pat Martino early in their careers. Ska innovator Prince Buster named Later For The Gator as one of the first ska songs. Jackson continued to record into the 1980s ~ Jackson was born in 1928
October 25, 1986 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, model Hannah Cohen born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Daughter of renowned jazz drummer Myron Cohen. After relocating to New York, Cohen became somewhat of a muse to the city's art scene working as a model and performing as a singer at the Village Vanguard jazz club. Cohen has released several well-received albums of dreamy, melancholic indie pop, starting with 2012's Child Bride, and guested on albums by Neal Casal, Glen Hansard, Martha Wainwright (Come Home To Mama), Julia Stone, Bell X1, Kevin Morby (Singing Saw), Sam Evian, FaltyDL, Adrian Crowley (Dark Eyed Messenger), and Sufjan Stevens
October 25, 1985 ~ Ciara Princess Wilson, mononymously known as R&B, pop, hip-hop singer, songwriter Ciara, born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Member of Hear'say. Wrote Blu Cantrell's 10,000 Times and Fantasia's Got Me Waiting. Released her Goodies debut album in 2004. Best known for songs such as Goodies featuring Petey Pablo, 1-2 Step, Oh featuring Ludacris, Get Up featuring Chamillionaire, and Love Sex Magic featuring Justin Timberlake. Also guested on Missy Elliott's Lose Control and Bow Wow's Like YouOctober 25, 1985 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Gary Holton, full name Gary Frederick Holton, passed away in London, UK ~ Sang with the Sadler's Wells Opera in his early teens. Featured in a touring production of the musical Hair in his late teens. Best known as frontman of glam rock outfit Heavy Metal Kids, with whom he recorded three albums including the highly acclaimed eponymous Heavy Metal Kids debut album. The band bridged the gap between the gap between glam rock and punk, which made them a critics darling, yet they would never become a household name. Subsequently, Holton has worked with Casino Steel in the early 1980s, and ventured into acting. Holton would die of an overdose at age 33 ~ Holton was born in 1953
October 25, 1985 ~ Singer, pianist Morton Downey, full name Sean Morton Downey, passed away in Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Major influence on the Ink Spots singer Bill Kenny. Dubbed “the Irish Nightingale” for his Irish ancestry and his creamy high-timbred sound, easily mistaken for a female voice, Downey enjoyed his greatest success during the 1920s and 1930s. Best known for first recording I'll Always Be In Love With You, a smash hit for Downey in 1929, and over the years recorded by over a 100 artists including Nat Gonella, Mel Tormé, Georgia Gibbs, Count Basie, Vera Lynn, Jimmy Witherspoon, Lloyd Price, and Eddy Arnold. Other well known songs include All I Need Is Someone Like You, California Skies, In The Valley Of The Roses, That's How I Spell Ireland, and Wabash Moon ~ Downey was born in 1901