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 4, 2025 ~ Pop, rock guitarist, bassist Paul van Bruystegem passed away in Lier, Belgium ~ Has recorded about half a dozen albums with the Wolf Banes prior to joining Triggerfinger in 2003 as replacement for Wladimir Geels. Van Bruystegem would enjoy his biggest commercial success with the latter, scoring a No.1 hit in both the Netherlands and Belgium with the Lykke Li cover I Follow Rivers, and departed the band in 2023. Van Bruystegem has also worked with Beverly Jo Scott, the Popgun, Big Bill, and Neeka, and served as producer for the likes of Horses On Fire, Guy Swinnen, Psycho 44, Troubleman, and the DeVilles. Following his departure from Triggerfinger, Van Bruystegem founded Mr Paul & the Lowriders, with whom he recorded the album Unguarded Thoughts released in 2023 ~ Van Bruystegem was born in 1959
October 4, 2023 ~ Electro, synth-pop keyboardist, organist Dominique Perrier passed away ~ Married to singer Janet Woollacott, who would join her husband in the 1990s band Stone Age. The band is known for merging electro, Celtic and Breton influences. Previously Perrier co-founded electro, synth-pop act Space Art with whom he recorded three albums from 1977 through 1980, and has worked with Christophe, Louis Deprestige, the Gipsy Kings, and perhaps most notably Jean-Michel Jarre including on the acclaimed albums The Concerts In China and Waiting For Cousteau ~ Perrier was born in 1948
October 4, 2022 ~ Jazz singer Janet Thurlow, full name Janet Lorraine Thurlow, passed away in Lynwood, California, USA ~ First gained attention as a “song stylist” in the late 1940s with renowned New Orleans producer, songwriter Robert Bumps Blackwell's band, a group that also included the then-unknown Quincy Jones and Ray Charles. Invited by Lionel Hampton in 1950 to join his orchestra as a singer, making her recording debut on the 1951 I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me which reportedly made her the first white singer to front an all-Black big band. By 1953 Thurlow started her solo career, performing through the mid 1960s. Thurlow was also featured on the 1953 Charles Mingus recording Eclipse, a song about interracial romance. Thurlow herself married African-American trombonist Jimmy Cleveland earlier the same year ~ Thurlow was born in 1926
October 4, 2022 ~ Loretta Webb, commonly known as country, honky tonk singer, guitarist, songwriter Loretta Lynn, passed away in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, USA ~ Known as “the Coal Miner's Daughter” has shaped 1960s and 1970s country and along with Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette served as a rolemodel for future generations of female country singers. Known for songs such as You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man, Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' With Lovin' On Your Mind, One's On The Way, Fist City and Coal Miner's Daughter ~ Webb was born in 1932October 4, 2021 ~ Beatle fan Lizzie Bravo passed away ~ Alongside Gayleen Pease one of two fans waiting outside EMI Studios randomly chosen to sing the line “nothing's gonna change my world” on the Beatles' Across The Universe. While recording the track Paul McCartney felt it needed a high-pitched voice, went outside and asked the group of fans on the street who could hold a high note. Bravo and Pease both answered yes. Although the take with both girls would not make the Let It Be album, the version including them would however make it to the 1969 No One's Gonna Change Our World charity compilation album as well as appear on several later issued rarities albums ~ Bravo was born ca.1951
October 4, 2019 ~ Carol Diahann Johnson, commonly known as actress, singer Diahann Carroll, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1950s starring in film editions of Carmen Jones and Porgy & Bess. Awarded a Tony Award for her role in the 1962 Broadway musical No Strings, making her the first African-American woman to receive the award. Carroll, a close friend of Lenny Kravitz's mother actress Roxie Roker, was a godmother of Kravitz ~ Johnson was born in 1935
October 4, 2019 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, drummer, engineer, producer Ed Ackerson passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of the Dig, the 27 Various, Antenna, Polara and BNLX. As a producer or engineer has worked on recordings by the Jayhawks, the Replacements, Soul Asylum, Golden Smog, Wesley Stace, John Strohm, Brian Setzer, the Wallflowers, Rhett Miller and Juliana Hatfield ~ Ackerson was born in 1965
October 4, 2019 ~ Rapper, singer Travis Scott releases his Highest In The Room stand-alone single ~ The song deals with both Travis Scott's use of weed, the rapper wondering if he is “the highest in the room”, and Scott's then-recent breakup with socialite and TV personality Kylie Jenner. The instrumentation is based around a guitar melody Scott had recorded with his iPhone, which is an uncommon thing to do. Prior to the single's release, Scott had played the song earlier the several of his performances, including a version that included a verse from Lil' Baby which was left off of the final version, as Scott wanted to express the breakup with his girlfriend himself. The single hit No.1 Billboard Hot 100 in its first week on the charts, making it his second American charttopper. Swiss beatmaker OZ had also worked on Scott's first No.1, Sicko Mode, which had topped the charts the previous year
October 4, 2018 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Hamiet Bluiett passed away in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Considered one of the finest baritone saxophonists of his day. Co-founded the World Saxophone Quartet, which also included Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, and David Murray. Has worked with Charles Mingus, Sam Rivers, Babatunde Olatunji, Abdullah Ibrahim, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, 360 Degree Music Experience, Anthony Braxton, James Carter, Gil Evans, the Music Revelation Ensemble, and Craig Harris ~ Bluiett was born in 1940October 4, 2014 ~ Keyboardist Paul Revere, full name Paul Revere Dick, passed away in Garden Valley, Idaho, USA ~ Best known as leader and organist for Paul Revere & the Raiders, known for a string of hits from the early 1960s through the early 1970s including Like Long Hair, Just Like Me, Good Thing, Him Or Me (What's It Gonna Be), Kicks, Let Me, Hungry, and Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian) ~ Revere was born in 1938
October 4, 2012 ~ Folk, soul, R&B singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Paul Kelly, full name Paul Laurence Dunbar Kelly, passed away in Ruby, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for Stealing In The Name Of The Lord and for Hooked Hogtied & Collared. Also wrote Personally first recorded by Jackie Moore, later notably covered by both singer Karla Bonoff and country singer Ronnie McDowell ~ Kelly was born in 1940
October 4, 2009 ~ Singer Mercedes Sosa, full name Haydée Mercedes Sosa, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Dubbed “La Negra”, considered one of the premier exponents of nueva cancion updating traditional folk. Refused to leave the country after the military coup in 1976 and would eventually be arrested by the Videla regime during a show along with all the concert-goers. Best known for her Gracias A La Vida signature song. International pressure would lead to her release and she Sosa spent a number of years in exile. Has collaborated with a host of Argentinian and international stars including Martha Argerich, Andrea Bocelli, David Broza, Jaime Roos, Joan Baez, Francis Cabrel, Lucio Dalla, Gal Costa, Lucecita Benítez, Charly García, Nana Moskouri, Pablo Milanés, Milton Nascimento, Pata Negra, Luciano Pavarotti, Shakira, Sting, and Caetano Veloso ~ Sosa was born in 1935
October 4, 2008 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Al Gallodoro, full name Alfred J Gallodoro, passed away in Oneonta, New York, USA ~ Praised as “the best sax player who ever lived” by bandleader Jimmy Dorsey. Best known for his longtime associations with Paul Whiteman and the NBC Symphony Orchestra led by Arturo Toscanini ~ Gallodoro was born in 1913
October 4, 2005 ~ Rock drummer, percussionist, singer Mike Gibbins, full name Michael George Gibbins, passed away in Oviedo, Florida, USA ~ Original member of Iveys, which evolved into Badfinger. Gibbins remained with the band until its initial disbandement in 1975 and is present on the band's best known including Come And Get It, No Matter What and Day After Day all of which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. After the band dissolved Gibbins would work as a session musician, notably on Bonnie Tyler's It's A Heartache, briefly rejoined a Badfinger reincarnation, and recorded as a solo artist starting with the album A Place In Time released in 1998 ~ Gibbins was born in 1949
October 4, 2001 ~ Jazz guitarist John Collins, full name John Elbert Collins, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for his restrained rhythm guitar playing, perfectly suited to the style of his musical teammates. Best known as longtime associate of Nat King Cole, backing Cole as a member of the Nat King Cole Trio from 1951 until Cole's death in 1965. Present on several of Cole's biggest hits including Pretend, Answer Me My Love, Smile, Darling Je Vous Aimer Beaucoup, A Blossom Fell, Send For Me, Looking Back, Ramblin' Rose, and Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer. Collins started his professional music career in the mid 1930s, backing his pianist and bandleader mother Georgia Gorham, before moving on to accompany artists such as Art Tatum, Roy Eldridge, Billie Holiday, Fletcher Henderson, and Benny Carter. Following a stint in the Army in the 1940s, Collins resumed his career working with the likes of Slam Stewart, Erroll Garner, and again Art Tatum. Following Cole's death in 1965, Collins has worked with Bobby Troup, Carmen McRae, Snooky Young, and Ray Brown. Collins recorded one album as a leader, The Incredible John Collins released in 1984, featuring backing from bassist Jimmy Woode and drummer Alvin Queen. In 1993, Collins was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame ~ Collins was born in 1913
October 4, 2000 ~ Benjamin Orzechowski, commonly known as bassist Benjamin Orr, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known as singer, bassist, co-founder of the Cars. Sang lead on Cars-songs such as Just What I Needed, Let's Go, and Drive. Previously a member of the Grasshoppers known for a pair of 1965 singles, Mod Socks and the Orr-penned Pink Champagne & Red Roses. As a solo artist Orr would score a modest hit with Stay The Night in 1987 ~ Orzechowski was born in 1947
October 4, 1999 ~ Arthur Leo Owens, commonly known as country songwriter, singer AL Doodle Owens, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand songwriter, frequent collaborator of Dallas Frazier. Songs written or co-written by Owens have been recorded by artists such as Lefty Frizzell, George Morgan, Charley Pride, Brenda Lee (Johnny One Time), Willie Nelson, Duane Dee, Elvis Presley (True Love Travels On A Gravel Road), Charlie Louvin, Bob Luman, Hank Locklin, Nat Stuckey, Jerry Lee Lewis, Connie Smith, Stoney Edwards (Hank And Lefty Raised My Country Soul), Henson Cargill, Charlie Rich (Raggedy Ann), Arlene Harden, Ferlin Husky, Moe Bandy (I Just Started Hatin' Cheatin' Songs Today), Gene Watson, Tammy Wynette, George Jones (Wine Colored Roses), and Doug Stone ~ Owens was born in 1930
October 4, 1999 ~ Jazz trumpeter Art Farmer, full name Arthur Stewart Farmer, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Twin brother of bassist Addison Farmer, with whom he also worked. Influenced by Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Freddie Webster. As a composer best known for Farmer's Market, first recorded by Wardell Gray in 1952. As a leader especially acclaimed for his 1955 Evening In Casablanca album. Co-founded the Jazztet with Benny Golson. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Clifford Brown, Gigi Gryce, Ernie Wilkins, Gene Ammons (Jammin' With Gene), Oscar Pettiford, Clifford Jordan (Cliff Craft), Sonny Clark, Charles Mingus, George Russell (The Jazz Workshop), Manny Albam, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Gerry Mulligan, Milt Jackson (Bags' Opus), Ben Webster, and John Coltrane ~ Farmer was born in [artist-art-farmer]
October 4, 1999 ~ Country singer Faith Hill releases Breathe, lead single off her album of the same name ~ In the 1990s, country broke into mainstream. Faith Hill had tapped into the era's trend with massive crossover appeal starting with her pop-friendly 1998 Faith album, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 No.7 hit This Kiss. She followed up with its successor, Breathe, the following year. The title track garnered massive airplay, and had a 53-week run on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 including five weeks at No.2. Despite never topping the chart, it would be named the No.1 song in Billboard's year-end list. Up till then, the only other song to have achieved this feat was Wooly Bully by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs in 1965, which also peaked at No.2. Breathe would also win Hill a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, while its parent album won Best Country AlbumOctober 4, 1996 ~ Fiddler Jerry Rivers passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Nicknamed “Burrhead” for his haircut. Member of Hank Williams' backing unit the Drifting Cowboys, present on most of Williams' best known including Long Gone Lonesome Blues, Cold Cold Heart, Moanin' The Blues, Hey Good Lookin' and Jambalaya (On The Bayou) ~ Rivers was born in 1928
October 4, 1994 ~ Guitarist Danny Gatton, full name Daniel Wood Gatton Jr, passed away in Newburg, Maryland, USA ~ Guitar virtuoso. Member of the Offbeats. Member of Liz Meyer & Friends. Founded the Redneck Explosion. Fuses jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, rock & roll, rockabilly and more into a hybrid style referred to by Gatton as “redneck jazz.” Hugely admired by musicians such as Buckethead, Joe Bonamassa, Lenny Breau, James Burton, Chris Cheney, Vince Gill, Johnny Hiland, Evan Johns, Albert Lee, Les Paul, Arlen Roth, Richie Sambora, Ricky Skaggs, Slash and Steve Vai ~ Gatton was born in 1945October 4, 1991 ~ R&B, pop, hip-hop singer, songwriter, actress Leigh-Anne Pinnock born in High Wycombe, UK ~ Member of girl group Little Mix, known for UK hits such as Cannonball, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Secret Love Song featuring Jason Derülo, Shout Out To My Ex, and A Woman Like Me featuring Nicki Minaj
October 4, 1990 ~ Henry Oliver Jones, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ollie Jones, passed away in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of various doo-wop groups including the Ravens, the Blenders, the Cues. Also known as a songwriter, responsible for tracks such as Nat King Cole's Send For Me, Fabian's Tiger, Perry Como's Love Makes The World Go Round, the Crests' Step By Step, Damita Jo's I'll Be There, and Elvis Presley's Finders Keeper (Losers Weepers) ~ Jones was born in 1923
October 4, 1990 ~ Dequantes Devontay Lamar, commonly known as hip hop, trap, mumble rap rapper, singer, songwriter Rich Homie Quan, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by TI, Lil Wayne, OutKast and Goodie Mob. Guested on Gucci Mane's 2013 Trap House III mixtape. Later the same year, Lamar also guested on YG's Billboard Hot 100 top 20 single My Nigga. As a solo artist, Lamar is known best for the mid-2010s singles Type Of Way and Flex (Ooh Ooh Ooh), both of which reached top 20 Billboard R&B. Lamar's full-length Rich As In Spirit debut album released in 2018 would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 200. Lamar has also collaborated with Trinidad James, 2 Chainz, Migos, Fabolous, and DJ Drama ~ Lamar passed away in 2024October 4, 1989 ~ Comedian Graham Chapman passed away in Maidstone, UK ~ Member of comedy troupe Monty Python, known for the TV series and a number of films. The group has also reached the charts with a number of songs from their shows, notably Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, Sit On My Face and The Lumberjack Song ~ Chapman was born in 1941
October 4, 1989 ~ Niatia Jessica Kirkland, commonly known as rapper, singer, actress, TV personality Lil' Mama, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ As a recording artist best known for the singles Lip Gloss and Shawy Get Loose, the latter featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain, both of which reached No.10 on the Bilboard singles chart in 2007