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.
September 2, 1955 ~ Americana, folk, alternative country singer, guitarist, songwriter Malcolm Holcombe, full name Malcolm Brank Holcombe, born in Weaverville, North Carolina, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name, including the criminally overlooked A Hundred Lies released in 1996. Known for his moody poetry, country blues guitar, and distintive rumbling baritone voice. Though Holcombe has never achieved mainstream success, he was revered by peers and critics, drawing comparison to the likes of John Prine and Tom Waits. Holcombe enjoyed a cult following, artists such as Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and Iris DeMent among his fans, and has opened for Merle Haggard and Wilco. Upon hearing of his death, revered singer, songwriter Mary Gauthier commented: “He was a genius. A channel. A giver. A master, a maestro, one of my greatest teachers, saintly in spirit, and truly touched by God and the angels” ~ Holcombe passed away in 2024
September 2, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist Steve Masakowski born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Father of bassist Martin Masakowski and singer Sasha Maskowski. Worked with Johnny Adams, Mose Allison, Dave Liebman, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Carl Fontana, Rick Margitza, Bobby McFerrin, Nicholas Payton, Dianne Reeves, Sam Rivers, Woody Shaw, Alvin Tyler, Bennie Wallace, the Astral Project, Randy Brecker, Tom Harrell, Art Baron, Larry Sieberth, James Singleton, Brian Blade, Earl Tubinton, Jason Marsalis, Damon Short, Harry Sheppard, Tony Dagradi, Denise Mangiardi, Johnny Vidacovich, Harold Battiste, Dr John, Mary Jane Ewing, Kaya Martinez, Clarence Johnson III, and Irvin Mayfield
September 2, 1953 ~ Saxophonist, composer John Zorn born in New York, New York, USA ~ Eclectic saxophonist with over two dozen albums to his name as a solo artist or leader. Led Naked City, Masada, and the Bar Kokhba Sextet. Has also worked with Eugene Chadbourne, Joe Piscopo, the Golden Palominos, Peter Brötzmann, Violent Femmes, Steve Beresford, Bill Frisell, Fred Frith, Pain Killer, and Jim Staley. Has served as producer for the likes of Scott Johnson, the New Klezmer Trio, Mr Bungle, Anthony Coleman, the Boredoms, Fushitsusha, Peter Garland, and Marc RibotSeptember 2, 1951 ~ Violinist, violist Mik Kaminski born in Harrogate, UK ~ Member of the Electric Light Orchestra from 1973 through 1979, present on some of the band's best known albums including Eldorado, Face The Music, and A New World Record. In later years Kaminski worked with spin-off groups ELO Part II and the Orchestra. Kaminski also fronted Violinski, considered a one-hit wonder for their 1979 single Clog Dance
September 2, 1950 ~ Krautrock, electronic, experimental rock, new age guitar, keyboardist Michael Rother born in Hamburg, West Germany ~ Co-founded Neu with drummer Klaus Dinger, best known for their acclaimed Neu 75 album. Formed Harmonia with Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius. As a solo artist Rother is especially acclaimed for his 1977 Flammende Herzen album. Has also worked with Cluster, Moonshake, Kraftwerk, and Brian Eno
September 2, 1948 ~ R&B, gospel, folk, pop singer, percussionist, songwriter Linda Tillery, full name Linda Joyce Tillery, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Active since her teens, starting with rock band the Loading Zone. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Sweet Linda Devine released in 1970. Regarded as a pioneer in women's music, and an in-demand collaborator for the likes of June Millington, Deidre McCalla, Barbara Higbie, Holly Near, and Margie Adam. Has also sung backup for Santana, Bobby McFerrin, Huey Lewis & the News, and the Turtle Island String Quartet
September 2, 1946 ~ Drummer, lyricist, author Aldir Blanc, full nme Aldir Blanc Mendes, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Former psychiatrist would eventually quit medical practice to focus on music. Best known for his association with singer, songwriter João Bosco. Others who have recorded his songs include Elis Regina, Guinga, Milton Nascimento, and notably Nana Caymmi who recorded his Resposta Ao Tempo ~ Mendes passed away in 2020
September 2, 1946 ~ Keyboardist, organist, singer, songwriter Billy Preston, full name William Everett Preston, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as That's The Way God Planned It, Outa-space, Will It Go Round In Circles, Space Race, Nothing From Nothing, and With You I'm Born Again, the latter a duet with Syreeta Wright. As a session and touring musician Preston has worked with Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, James Cleveland, the Beatles, George Harrison, Sly Stone, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers ~ Preston passed away in 2006September 2, 1945 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, horn player, saxophonist, producer, arranger Marty Grebb, full name Marty Joseph Grebb, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Buckinghams. Also worked with Peter Cetera, Bill Payne, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Etta James, the Exceptions, Leon Russell, Dick Campbell, Lovecraft, Olivia Newton-John, Bernie Taupin, Joe Vitale, the Knack, Maria Muldaur, JJ Cale, and Alien Ant Farm
September 2, 1944 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger Pablo Ziegler born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Worked with artists such as Astor Piazzolla, Milva, Plácido Domingo, Gary Burton, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, Emanuel Ax, Regina Carter, Branford Marsalis, Paquito d'Rivera, Kenny Garrett, Stefon Harris, Joe Lovano, Christopher O'Riley, Quique Sinesi, Walter Castro, Nestor Torres, Joe Locke, Randy Brecker, David Sánchez, Miguel Zenón, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, het Metropole Orkest, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, Denyce Graves, and Julio Botti
September 2, 1943 ~ Pop rock songwriter Dorde Novkovic born in Vladimirci, Serbia ~ Father of singer Boris Novkovic. One of the most prolific Croatian songwriters with over an estimated 2500 songs to his name. First gained attention in the late 1960s when Miso Kovac scored a hit with Vise Se Neces Vratiti. Others who have recorded songs written by Novkovic include Neda Ukraden, Tomislav Ivcic, Gabi Novak, and Zanamari Percic ~ Novkovic passed away in 2007
September 2, 1943 ~ Soul, R&B singer Joe Simon born in Simmesport, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of gospel outfit the Golden West Singers. Dubbed “the mouth of the South” for his distinctive voice, critically compared to Otis Redding and Jackie Wilson. As a solo artist known for a two decade career, charting with R&B singles such as The Chokin' Kind, The Power Of Love and perhaps his best known Get Down Get Down Get On The Floor. Was backed by Sly Stone and Larry Graham on his first major hit My Adorable One ~ Simon passed away in 2021September 2, 1943 ~ Singer Rosalind Ashford born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Original member of Martha & the Vandellas. Also worked with the Del-fi's, later renamed to Vels, known among soul aficionados for a number of uncharted 1960s singles such as Camel Walk and There He Is At My Door, but best known as backing singers for Marvin Gaye on songs such as Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
September 2, 1940 ~ Horst Nussbaum, commonly known as pop, schlager, disco singer, producer, songwriter Jack White born in Cologne, Germany ~ Best known for his association with several 1980s, 1990 artists, serving as producer, songwriter for the likes of Laura Branigan (Control), Engelbert Humperdinck, Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora (When The Rain Begins To Fall), David Hasselhoff, Barry Manilow, Hazell Dean, and Audrey Landers ~ Nussbaum passed away in 2025
September 2, 1940 ~ Jazz pianist Mick Pyne born in Thornton Dale, UK ~ Younger brother of trombonist Chris Pyne. Worked with John Stevens, Phil Seamen, Tubby Hayes, Stan Getz, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Lee Konitz, Hank Mobley, Joe Williams, Ronnie Scott, Humphrey Lyttelton, John Eardley, Cecil Payne, Georgie Fame, Adelaide Hall, Keith Smith, and Charlie Watts ~ Pyne passed away in 1995
September 2, 1939 ~ Robert Dickey, singer, commonly known as Bobby Purify born in Tallahassee, Florida, USA ~ Best known as half of vocal duo James & Bobby Purify, the other being his cousin James Purify, known for songs such as I'm Your Puppet, Let Love Come Between Us, and Shake A Tail Feather. Dickey would retire from music in the early 1970s for health reasons. James would initially continue to perform as a solo singer, and team up with singer Ben Moore in the mid 1970s using the old James & Bobby monniker ~ Dickey passed away in 2011September 2, 1938 ~ Singer Jimmy Clanton born in Cut Offs, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the few white singers to come out of the late 1950s New Orleans R&B, rock & roll soung. Best known for Just A Dream, a milion-seller and a 1958 American top 10 hit released under the moniker Jimmy Clanton & his Rockets. Also known for Go Jimmy Go, Venus In Blue Jeans, Don't Look At Me and Because I Do
September 2, 1938 ~ Reizo Nakanishi, commonly known as novelist, songwriter Rei Nakanishi, born in Mudanjiang, Japan ~ One of the premier Japanese songwriters of the post-World War II period. Best known for penning Kyou De Owakare for Sugawara Yoichi, and Kita Sakaba for Takashi Hosokawa. Others who recorded his songs include Jun Mayuzumi, the Peanuts, Chiyoko Shimakura, Mieko Hirota, Mina Aoe, Yukiji Asaoka, and Hideki Saijo ~ Nakanishi passed away in 2020
September 2, 1935 ~ Folk singer Liam Clancy born in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland ~ Youngest member of sibling outfit the Clancy Brothers, regarded as Ireland's first pop stars. Sang lead on Brothers songs such as The Leaving Of Liverpool, The Wild Rover, The Shoals Of Herring, Port Lairge, Juice Of The Barley, The Patriot Game, Gallant Forty Twa and Peggy Gordon. Duetted with Tommy Makem in Makem & Clancy, known for their 1976 hit single And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda ~ Clancy passed away in 2009
September 2, 1934 ~ Jazz clarinetist Alcide Nunez, full name Alcide Patrick Nunez, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the first New Orleans jazz musicians to make recordings. Declared the world's greatest jazz clarinetist by Pee Wee Russell. Worked with Papa Jack Laine, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Nick LaRocca, Bert Kelly, the Louisiana Five, and Harry Yerkes ~ Nunez was born in 1884September 2, 1934 ~ Ruggerio Eugenio di Rodolfo Colombo, commonly known as baritone singer, violinist, songwriter, actor Russ Columbo, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Prisoner Of Love, Too Beautiful For Words and perhaps his best known You Call It Madness But I Call It Love ~ Columbo was born in 1908
September 2, 1933 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Richard Lewis born ~ Tenor singer for doo-wop outfit the Silhouettes, known best for their 1957 hit Get A Job. Originally issued as the B-side to I Am Lonely, the A-side re-release would go on to sell a million copies and be the group's only hit, topping both the pop and R&B charts ~ Lewis passed away in 2005
September 2, 1932 ~ Emilio Joseph Radocchia, commonly known as jazz, classical, rock vibraphonist Emil Richards, born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Lionel Hampton. Active since the early 1950s, beginning his career in music working with artists such as Toshiko Akiyoshi, Charles Mingus, Ed Thigpen and appearing on recordings by Perry Como, Ray Charles, Mitchell Ayres. Played bongos on the original version of the Mission Impossible theme composed and performed by Lalo Schifrin. Would continue to work well into the 2010s, notable collaborations including Frank Capp, Paul Horn, Louie Bellson, Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, George Shearing, Maria Muldaur, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, Marvin Gaye (Let's Get It On), Herb Alpert, the Bee Gees (Saturday Night Fever), Ry Cooder, Donovan, Blondie (Autoamerican), Tom Waits, Queen Latifah, Gregory Porter, and Josh Groban ~ Radocchia passed away in 2019
September 2, 1932 ~ Hard bop, bebop pianist Walter Davis Jr born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Babs Gonzales, Max Roach, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Donald Byrd, Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Kenny Clarke, Sonny Criss, Jackie McLean, Pierre Michelot, Archie Shepp, Nick Brignola, Slide Hampton, Etta Jones, Charlie Rouse, Art Taylor, Hank Mobley, and Philly Joe Jones ~ Davis passed away in 1990
September 2, 1931 ~ Clifford Laconia Jordan, commonly known as tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Blues-infused be-bop saxophonist. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader, starting in the mid 1950s. Especially acclaimed for Blowing In From Chicago released in 1957 and In The World released in 1969. Along with Eric Dolphy, Jordan backed Charles Mingus on his 1964 European tour. As a sideman Jordan appears on albums by Johnny Griffin (A Blowin' Session), Sonny Clark, Lee Morgan, JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Pony Poindexter (Pony's Express), Charles McPherson, Joe Zawinul, Cedar Walton (The Electic Boogaloo Song), Hugh Lawson, Dizzy Reece (Manhattan Project), Mal Waldron, and Carmen McRae ~ Jordan passed away in 1993
September 2, 1931 ~ Producer Dr George Butler born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Spearheaded Blue Note's transition into commercial mainstream during the 1970s. Signed and launched the careers of Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr, and Nnenna Freelon. By the late 1970s Butler would move on over to Columbia Records, accepting the position of Vice President, where he helped persuade Miles Davis to return to recording and proved pivotal to the careers of fusion and soul-jazz acts such as Bob James, Billy Cobham, and Grover Washington Jr. Produced or co-produced albums by acts such as Horace Silver, Grant Green, Elvin Jones, Donald Byrd (Black Byrd), Shirley Bassey, Ronnie Foster (The Two-Headed Freap), Alphonse Mouzon (Mind Transplant), Bobby Hutcherson, Moacir Santos, Jimmy Witherspoon, Earl Klugh (Earl Klugh), Noel Pointer, Maynard Ferguson, Rodney Franklin, Max Roach (M'Boom), and Freddie Hubbard ~ Butler passed away in 2008