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 30, 1960 ~ Drummer Bill Rieflin, full name William Frederick Rieflin, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Industrial rock, industrial metal drummer rose to fame in the 1990s. Worked with Ministry, Revolting Cocks, Lard, KMFDM, Pigface, Swans, Chris Connelly, Nine Inch Nails, REM, Slow Music, the Humans, Minus 5, Robert Fripp, Acid Horse, Blackouts, Sweet '75, and King Crimson ~ Rieflin passed away in 2020September 30, 1960 ~ Avant-garde jazz, experimental, contemporary classical guitarist, bandleader, composer Scott Fields born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Has recorded over two dozen albums since the early 1990s, especially acclaimed for 1995's Fugu and 200's Mamet. As a sideman present on recordings by the Silt Loam Ensemble, Heinz Geisser and Jeff Parker. Produced Joseph Jarman's 1996 Connecting Spirit album
September 30, 1958 ~ Country, bluegrass singer, songwriter Marty Stuart, full name John Marty Stuart, born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, USA ~ Backed Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash before starting a solo career. Married to Cash's daughter singer Cindy Cash from 1983 to 1988. Married singer Connie Smith in 1997. Draws from country, bluegrass and rockabilly. Debuted in with the eponymous Marty Stuart album in 1985. Known for songs such as Tempted, Burn Me Down and the Travis Tritt duet The Whiskey Ain't Workin'. Also worked with Mark O'Connor, Jeff Foxworthy, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Porter Wagoner, and Harry Stinson
September 30, 1954 ~ Barbara Stanislawa Trzetrzelewska, commonly known as jazz-pop singer, songwriter Basia, born in Jaworno, Poland ~ Has cited Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Astrud Gilberto, and Antônio Carlos Jobim as influences. Member of Matt Bianco alongside Danny White and Mark Reilly. As a solo artist known for hits such as Time And Tide, New Day For You, Promises, Baby You're Mine, Cruising For Bruising, and Drunk On Love
September 30, 1954 ~ Nathaniel Ian Wynter, commonly known as reggae keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Natty Wailer, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ At times credited as Ian Wynter and Brother Ian. Best known for his work with Aston Barrett, King Tubby and Bob Marley. First recorded with the latter on the 1976 Rastaman Vibration album. Toured with Marley throughout the USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. After Marley's death in 1981 semi-retired from music to reemerge by the late 1990s. Over the course of his career has also worked with Peter Tosh, Linval Thompson, Dennis Brown, and fronted his own outfit the Reggae Vibes notably known for the albums Lifted and Destiny released respectively in 2000 and 2013 ~ Wynter passed away in 2022September 30, 1954 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Patrice Rushen, full name Patrice Louise Rushen, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her 1982 Grammy Award-nominated single Forget Me Nots. Its chorus would later be used in Will Smith's 1997 song Men In Black, earning Rushen co-writing credit. Rushen has collaborated with Kenny Burrell, Eddie Henderson, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Wallace Roney
September 30, 1954 ~ R&B, soul, funk, disco keyboardist, singer William Shelby born in Ohio, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for Dynasty, for whom he co-wrote songs such as Groove Control, Do Me Right and Love In The Fast Lane. The band is best known for their Billboard R&B top 10 hit I've Just Begun To Love You off their 1980 Adventures In The Land Of Music sophomore album. Shelby has also served as a latter-day member for Lakeside, remaining with the funk outfit from 1993 until his death at age 65 ~ Shelby passed away in 2021
September 30, 1953 ~ Deborah Lynn Thurmond, commonly known as country singer, songwriter, actress Deborah Allen, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Debuted in 1980 with the album Trouble In Paradise and has been recording to commercial success since. Best known for the 1983 crossover hit Baby I Lied. Duetted with Jim Reeves on Don't Let Me Cross Over, Oh How I Miss You Tonight and Take Me In Your Arms And Hold Me. As a songwriter wrote or co-wrote hits for Janie Fricke (Don't Worry 'Bout Me Baby), John Conlee (I'm Only In It For Love), Tanya Tucker (Can I See You Tonight), and Patty Loveless (Blame It On Your Heart)September 30, 1950 ~ Renato Fiacchini, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, actor, dancer Renato Zero, born in Rome, Italy ~ Active since the mid 1960s. Best known for hits such as Madame, Il Cielo, Il Carrozzone, Amico, Piu Su, Spiagge, and Spalle A Muro. Over two dozen of Zero's album made it to the Italian top 10
September 30, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Lars Klevstrand born in Drammen, Norway ~ Debuted in 1968 with the album Vi Skal Ikkje Sova. Has worked with Lillebjørn Nilsen, Karl Svendsen, Hege Tunaal, Guttorm Guttormsen, Steinar Ofsdal, and Arja Saijormaa
September 30, 1947 ~ Mark Feld, commonly known as singer, songwriter Marc Bolan, born in London, UK ~ Glam rock pioneer. Lead singer of T.Rex, known for songs such as Hot Love, Bang-a-gong (Get It On), Telegram Sam, Metal Guru and 20th Century Boy ~ Feld passed away in 1977September 30, 1946 ~ Hector Juan Perez Martinez, commonly known as salsa, bolero singer, songwriter Héctor Lavoe, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico ~ Considered one of the most important salsa singers from the 1960s onwards, helped popularize the genre. Worked with Roberto Garcia, the Orquesta New York, extensively with Willie Colón, with the Kako All-Stars, Johnny Pacheco, the Fania All-Stars, and Tito Puente ~ Martinez passed away in 1993
September 30, 1945 ~ Schlager, disco, pop producer, songwriter Ralph Siegel, full name Ralph Maria Siegel, born in Munich, Germany ~ Internationally best known for his songwriting contributions to about a dozen Eurovision Songfestival entries, including the 1982 winner Nicole's Ein Bisschen Frieden. Other entries co-written by Siegel include Theater (Katja Ebstein), Johnny Blue (Lena Valaitis), and Lass Die Sonne In Dein Herz (Wind). Siegel has also worked with Udo Jürgens, Heino, Rex Gildo, Costa Cordalis, Mireille Mathieu, and Roy BlackSeptember 30, 1945 ~ Guitarist Richard Bowden born in Linden, Texas, USA ~ Formed Shiloh with childhood friend Don Henley. Following the band's disbandement in 1971 toured with Roger McGuinn. Best known for forming the duo Pinkard & Bowden with Sandy Pinkard. The duo would be critically compared to iconic country comedy duo Homer & Jethro and are especially acclaimed for their 1990 Live In Front Of A Bunch Of Dickheads live album
September 30, 1944 ~ Songwriter, lyricist, producer Bernd Meinunger born in Meiningen, Germany ~ Internationally best known for co-writing about a dozen of Germany's entries for the annually held Eurovision Songfestival and a few more for Luxembourg, Switzerland, Montenegro and San Marino, including the 1982 winner Ein Bisschen Frieden performed by Nicole. Other notable Eurovision Songfestival entries co-written by Meinunger include Theater (Katja Ebstein), Johnny Blue (Lena Valaitis), Lass Die Sonne In Dein Herz (Wind), Wir Geben 'ne Party (Mekado), and Reise Nach Jerusalem (Kudüs'e Seyahat) (Sürpriz), all of which reached the second or third place. Aside from Meinunger's successes in the Eurovision Songfestival, over 200 of his songs have charted in Germany including songs recorded by Peter Alexander, Mireille Mathieu, Peter Maffay (So Bist Du), Rex Gildo, Andrea Martin, and Christoff ~ Meinunger passed away in 2025September 30, 1944 ~ Singer, painter Diane Dufresne born in Montreal, Canada ~ Recorded about two dozen albums since the late 1960s, focusing primarily on popular Quebec songs. Closely associated with composer Francois Cousineau and lyricist Luc Plamondon
September 30, 1943 ~ Singer Marilyn McCoo born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as member of the 5th Dimension. Sang lead on One Less Bell To Answer, Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All and If I Could Reach You. Left the band in 1975, along with bandmate and husband Billy Davis Jr, to pursue a recording career as a duo. The duo scored a top 10 hit with You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show) in 1976. McCoo and Davis were also the first to record Saving All My Love For You, later a huge hit for Whitney Houston
September 30, 1942 ~ Singer Frankie Lymon, full name Frankin Joseph Lymon, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Fronted teenage doo-wop outfit Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, best known for their 1956 smash hit Why Do Fools Fall In Love. Other hits included I Want You To Be My Girl, I Promise To Remember, Who Can Explain, Out In The Cold Again, The ABC's Of Love, I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent. Lymon left the band in 1957, after which both the band's and Lymon's solo appeal quickly faded ~ Lymon passed away in 1968
September 30, 1940 ~ Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff, commonly known as pop, rock, country drummer Dewey Martin, born in Chesterville, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Buffalo Springfield, known best for their Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit For What It's Worth. Has previously sessioned for artists such as Carl Perkins, the Everly Brothers, Patsy Cline, Charlie Rich, Faron Young, Roy Orbison. Also worked with Sir Raleigh & the Coupons, Holy Mackerel, the Standells, the Modern Folk Quartet, and the Dillards ~ Midkiff passed away in 2009
September 30, 1940 ~ James Yancey Jones, commonly known as Chicago blues, electric blues singer Tail Dragger Jones, born in Altheimer, Arkansas, USA ~ Given his nickname “tail dragger” by mentor and major influence Howlin' Wolf for regularly showing up late. Also influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson I, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon. Backup singer for artists such as Willie Kent, Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell, Kansas City Red, Little Mack Simmons, Big Leon Brooks, Eddie Shaw, and Bob Corritore. Recorded a number of solo albums, starting with Crawlin' Kingsnake in 1996. Convicted of second-degree murder of another blues musician, shooting and killing Boston Blackie in 1993, claiming self-defense and serving 17 months ~ Jones passed away in 2023
September 30, 1935 ~ Singer Johnny Mathis, full name John Royce Mathis, born in Gilmer, Texas, USA ~ Cites Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby as influences. Often described as a romantic singer, yet draws from a wide array of genres including traditional pop, easy listening, Latin, soul, show tunes, soft rock, blues and country. Over 70 albums to his name, of which many reached Gold or Platinum certification. Known for songs such as Chances Are, Gina and Too Much Too Little Too Late, the latter a duet with Deniece Williams
September 30, 1935 ~ Arzell Hill, commonly known as blues, soul singer ZZ Hill born in Naples, Texas, USA ~ Active since the mid 1960s, encouraged by Otis Redding. Influenced by Sam Cooke, BB King, Bobby Blue Bland. Known for songs such as Don't Make Me Pay For His Mistakes, Ain't Nothing You Can Do, Love Is So Good When You're Stealing It and Cheating In The Next Room ~ Hill passed away in 1984September 30, 1934 ~ Jürgen Udo Bockelmann, commonly known as pop, schlager singer, songwriter Udo Jürgens, born in Klagenfurt, Austria ~ Composed some 1,000 songs. Sold over 100 million records. Won the 1966 Eurovision Songfestival representing Austria with the song Merci Chérie ~ Bockelmann passed away in 2014
September 30, 1933 ~ Emily Drinkard, commonly known as singer Cissy Houston, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of gospel group the Drinkard Singers, with whom she had started singing as early as at age 5. Member of the Sweet Inspirations alongside Dee Dee Warwick, which at times also included Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, and Doris Troy. The vocal group would not only be successful in their own right, but also became an in-demand backing unit for the likes of Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, the Drifters, Dusty Springfield, Van Morrison, and Elvis Presley. Houston has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo singer, notably the eponymous Cissy Houston sophomore album released in 1977, and has earned Grammy Awards for the 1990s gospel albums Face To Face and He Leadeth Me. Over the course of her lengthy career, Houston has appeared on over an estimated 600 recordings including on albums by Aretha Franklin (Lady Soul), Betty Harris, James Cotton, Roberta Flack (Quiet Fire), Bette Midler, Jackie DeShannon, Tim Hardin, Don McLean, Herbie Mann, the J Geils Band, Chaka Khan, Carly Simon, Luther Vandross (Never Too Much), Diana Ross, Teddy Pendergrass, and Houston's daughter Whitney Houston ~ Drinkard passed away in 2024September 30, 1927 ~ Jazz saxophonist Carmen Leggio born in Tarrytown, New York, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, noted specifically for Carmen Leggio Quartet released in 2007. Closely associated with Maynard Ferguson from the late 1950s through the early 1960s, notably present on the acclaimed A Message From Birdland album released in 1960. Leggio has also appeared on albums by Jake Hanna, Eddie Bert, Bill Crow, Woody Herman, and Donnie O'Brien. Leggio was self-taught on clarinet, imitating Artie Shaw on the radio, and switched to tenor saxophone at age 14. Leggio's choice for a career in music was initially frowned upon by his father, as Leggio would later comment: “I quit high school, because I knew I was meant to be a musician. But my father was so angry that he didn't speak to me for years. On his deathbed, he admitted I was right to leave school” ~ Leggio passed away in 2009