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 7, 1968 ~ Rock band Led Zeppelin kick off their debut tour at the Gladsaxe Teen Club, Gladsaxe, Denmark ~ The band play a little over a dozen dates across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, on their debut tour running a little over two weeks. Left as the sole remaining member with rights to the name the Yardbirds and contractual obligations for a series of concerts, the band was billed as the Yardbirds or the New Yardbirds. Page would later comment: “We realized we were working under false pretences, the thing had gone quickly beyond where the Yardbirds left off. We all agreed there was no point in retaining ‘ the New Yardbirds’ tag so when we got back from Scandinavia we decided to change the name of the band. It was a fresh beginning for us all.”
September 7, 1967 ~ Drummer, keyboardist Chris Frazier, full name Christopher Ridgeway Frazier, born in Bethesda, Maryland, USA ~ Worked with Steve Vai, Eddie Money, Whitesnake (including on their 2010 album Good To Be Bad), Doug Aldrich, Edgar Winter, Tak Matsumoto Group, Jack Blades, Eric Martin, Foreigner, and Tribe After Tribe
September 7, 1967 ~ Jazz cornetist Rex Stewart, full name Rex William Stewart Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the early 1920s. Best known for his association with Duke Ellington, working with Ellington's orchestra for a little over a decade starting in 1934. Other notable collaborations include Willie Lewis, Elmer Snowden, Horace Henderson, Fess Williams, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, and the Chocolate Dandies ~ Stewart was born in 1907
September 7, 1966 ~ Shoegaze, pop rock drummer Chris Acland, full name Christopher John Dyke Acland, born in Lancaster, UK ~ Co-founding member of Lush, considered one of the earliest as well as one of the top shoegaze bands of the 1990s. Their third and final album, Lovelife released in 1996, would become their best known and spawn the UK top 30 hits Single Girl, Ladykillers, and 500 (Shake Baby Shake). Singer, guitarist Emma Anderson had written the latter about the Fiat 500 car model, as she had just passed her driver's exam during the writing of the album. Following Acland's death of suicide at age 30, the band disbanded ~ Acland passed away in 1996
September 7, 1966 ~ Vocal duo Simon & Garfunkel record Hazy Shade Of Winter at Columbia 52nd Street Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Paul Simon. Produced by Simon, Art Garfunkel, and Bob Johnston. Initially released as a stand-alone single, paired with For Emily (Whenever I May Find Her) on the flip side, it would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. The track would later be included on Bookends album, released in 1968. A 1987 cover version by the Bangles, recorded for the Less Than Zero soundtrack, would surpass the original, peaking at No.2
September 7, 1965 ~ Angela Burlacu, commonly known as o6peratic soprano Angela Gheorghiu, born in Adjud, Romania ~ Active since the early 1990s. Married to tenor Robert Alagna from 1996 to 2013. Widely regarded as one of opera finest voices. Has worked with major orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, La Scala, and the Vienna State Opera
September 7, 1965 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Ron Blake born in Virgin Islands ~ Worked with Roy Hargrove, Bobby Broom, David Byrne, Marc Cary, Joey DeFrancesco, Cucu Diamantes, Denise Donatelli, Kat Edmonson, Art Farmer, Tia Fuller, Benny Golson, Morgan James, Sean Jones, Christian McBride, Terell Stafford, Dianne Reeves, Katy Perry, Pharez Whitted, Vanessa Williams, and Gerald Wilson
September 7, 1965 ~ Dong Hwa Chung, commonly known as DJ, guitarist Towa Tei, born in Yokohama, Japan ~ Best known as member of Deee-lite, notably for his contrbitions to the 1990 hit single Groove Is In The Heart. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Future Listening in 1994. Has collaborated with artists such as Joi Cardwell, Bebel Gilberto, MC Kinky, Hiroshi Takano, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono, Toshihiko Mori, Satoshi Tomiie, Yuichi Oki, Maki Nomiya, Verbal, and Mademoiselle YuliaSeptember 7, 1963 ~ Punk rock, surf rock bassist, guitarist, singer Brent Liles, full name Brent Harold Liles, born ~ Member of Social Distortion from 1981 through 1984. Member of Agent Orange from 1988 through 1992. Retired from music by the mid 1990s running a nursing home since. Died after a traffic accident, hit by a truck while cycling ~ Liles passed away in 2007
September 7, 1963 ~ Nicholas Caruana, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Nicky Bomba, born ~ Fronts the Melbourne Ska Orchestra and funk, reggae outfit Bomba. Also worked with Hey Gringo, the John Butler Trio and Truth. Brother of Michael Caruana, brother of Mama Kin singer Danielle Caruana, the latter married to John Butler since 1999
September 7, 1961 ~ Saxophonist LeRoi Moore, full name LeRoi Holloway Moore, born in Dunn, North Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums prior to his death at age 46 following an all-terrain vehicle accident. Arranged a considerable amount of the band's material, and notably co-wrote the early singles Too Much and Stay (Wasting Time). Moore is also especially acclaimed for the Code Magenta side project, combining improvised jazz grooves with spoken-word poetry on the 1995 eponymous Code Magenta album, and has collaborated with John d'Earth, the Secrets, and Samantha Farrell ~ Moore passed away in 2008
September 7, 1960 ~ Pop rock, alternative rock, jam rock bassist, saxophonist, clarinetist Brad Houser, full name John Bradley Houser, born ~ Co-founding member of the New Bohemians, fronted by singer Edie Brickell. Present on the band's acclaimed and best known album Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars released in 1988. Also co-founded Critters Buggin with Mike Dillon, Skerik, and Bohemians bandmate Matt Chamberlain. In-demand collaborator, has also worked with Patrice Pike, Steve Wedemeyer, Zydeco Blanco, the Mingtones, and Aimee Bobruk ~ Houser passed away in 2023
September 7, 1958 ~ Jazz pianist Bruce Barth born in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Started playing piano at age 5. As a sideman Barth recorded with Randy Johnston, Steve Wilson, and with Terell Stafford. As a leader Barth has been releasing records since the early 1990s, backed by musicians such as Steve Wilson, Lewis Nash, Robert Hurst, Sam Newsome, Pat O'Leary, and Adam CruzSeptember 7, 1957 ~ Bassist, composer Anders Jormin born in Jököping, Sweden ~ Known especially for his collaborations with Bobo Stenson, Charles Lloyd, and Tomasz Stańko. Has also worked with Elvin Jones, Don Cherry, Lee Konitz, Joe Henderson, Paul Motian, Rita Marcotulli, Norma Winstone, Mike Mainieri, Mats Gustafsson, Albert Mangelsdorff, Dino Saluzzi, Marilyn Crispell, and Kenny Wheeler
September 7, 1957 ~ Singer, dancer Jermaine Stewart, full name William Jermaine Stewart, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his 1986 recording We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off, a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Started out as a dancer on Soul Train show where he befriended Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. All three of them auditioned for Shalamar as backup singers. Stewart lost out but would join the band as a dancer. Sang backup on Culture Club's Miss Me Blind ~ Stewart passed away in 1997
September 7, 1956 ~ Songwriter Diane Warren, full name Diane Eve Warren, born in Van Nuys, California, USA ~ Renowned songwriter. Scored her first hit with Laura Branigan's Solitaire, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1983. Warren would go on to write or co-write, and often produce, songs for a wide array of pop, country, rock, R&B artists including Céline Dion (Because You Loved Me), En Vogue, Whitney Houston, Belinda Carlisle, Britney Spears, DeBarge (Rhythm Of The Night), Marcia Hines, Christina Aguilera (I Turn To You), Beyoncé, TLC, Aaliyah (The One I Gave My Heart To), Elton John, Cher (If I Could Turn Back Time), Tina Turner, Bryan Adams, Selena, Air Supply, Xscape (The Arms Of The One Who Loves You), Olivia Newton-John, Barbra Streisand, Chicago (Look Away), Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Milli Vanilli (Blame It On The Rain), Trisha Yearwood, Michael Bolton (Completely), Patti LaBelle, Gloria Estefan and NSYNC (Music Of My Heart), Paloma Faith, Russell Watson, Rod Stewart, Aerosmith (I Don't Want To Miss A Thing), Meat Loaf, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton (Un-break My Heart), LeAnn Rimes, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, and numerous others
September 7, 1954 ~ Eric Lynn Wright, commonly known as rapper, producer, label executive Eazy E, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Dubbed “the Godfather of Gangsta Rap”, Wright would rise to fame as founding member of and thriving force behind seminal rap group NWA, as a solo artist, and a savvy business man as founder and label executive running Ruthless Records. NWA are considered the most notorious rap group, and certainly one of the most controversial, noted for their aggressive lyrics, some of which raw social commentary while others are misogynistic or celebrating the violence and hedonism of the criminal life. The group, which also launched the careers of Ice Cube and Dr Dre, are best known for their 1989 Straight Outta Compton sophomore album, in particular the tracks Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself, and the album's title track. Issued as a single, the latter would sell over 2 million copies despite being banned by most networks for its gun-happy imagery. The group, which at times also included MC Ren, Yella, and the Arabian Prince, quickly fell apart due to clashing egos, with a feud continuing between Wright and Dr Dre after the latter left both the group and the label in 1992. Wright has also recorded a solo album, Eazy Duz It released in 1988, and as a label executive was incremental in advancing the careers of the DOC, bandmate MC Ren and perhaps most notably Bone Thugs 'n Harmony. Wright passed away at age 31, mere weeks after publicly announcing he was diagnosed with AIDS. The rise and fall of NWA would be documented in the 2015 Academy Award nominated film Straight Outta Compton, the success of which sparked a resurgance in the band's popularity. In 2016, NWA would be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, introduced by Kendrick Lamar who has stated the rap group “(made) the world pay attention to our realities” ~ Wright passed away in 1995
September 7, 1953 ~ Benjamin Montmorency Tench III, commonly known as keyboardist Benmont Tench, born in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ Longtime and key member of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, notably present on seminal albums such as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Damn The Torpedoes, and Hard Promises. Besides his work with Tom Petty, Tench has been an in-demand sideman present on hundreds of albums including by the likes of Stevie Nicks, Dwight Twilley, Lone Justice, Bob Dylan (Empire Burlesque), Eurythmics (Be Yourself Tonight), Rosanne Cash, Ry Cooder, the Jeff Healey Band, U2 (Rattle & Hum), Amy Grant (Lead Me On), Warren Zevon, Syd Straw (Surprise), Elvis Costello, Roy Orbison, the Indigo Girls (Nomads Indians Saints), Carlene Carter, the Replacements, Dramarama, John Prine, the Tragically Hip, Bonnie Raitt (Luck Of The Draw), Dan Baird, Roger McGuinn, Ringo Starr (Time Takes Time), Lucinda Williams, Joe Cocker, Delbert McClinton, the Jayhawks (Hollywood Town Hall), Peter Himmelman, Cracker, Mary Chapin Carpenter (Come On Come On), Mick Jagger, Steve Young (Switchblades Of Love), Robin Zander, Kelly Willis, Murray Attaway, Willie Nelson (Across The Borderline), the Rolling Stones, Alanis Morissette (Jagged Little Pill), Robben Ford, Sheryl Crow (The Globe Sessions), Eric Andersen, the Goo Goo Dolls (Dizzy Up The Girl), Beth Hart, Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, Rodney Crowell (The Houston Kid), Travis Tritt, Kimmie Rhodes (Love Me Like A Song), Shannon McNally, Krishna Das, Fiona Apple, Kathleen Edwards, the Dixie Chicks, and New Found Glory. Tench was also a member of supergroup the Scrolls, which also included members of Nickel Creek, and Toad The Wet Sprocket, and Elvis Costello's backing unit the Imposters. Tench has occassionally recorded as a solo artist, starting with his You Should Be So Lucky debut album released in 2014. Jimmy Iovine, former producer of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, has been known to comment: “If you want a track to sound better, you just put Benmont's part higher in the mix”
September 7, 1953 ~ Jazz organist, pianist Dan Wall, full name Daniel Lee Wall Jr, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, particularly noted for his 1981 album Song For The Night which featured backing from saxophonist Steve Grossman, bassist Mike Richmond, and drummer Jimmy Madison. Wall started playing semi-professionally while still in his teens, leading a combo which regularly performed at the Carousel Club in his native Atlanta, Georgia. Wall would go on to study at the Berklee College of Music, Boston, on a scholarship from Down Beat, and become an in-demand sideman and collaborator most noted for his associations with Karl Ratzer, Ike Isaacs, Maxine Sullivan, Eddie Gomez, Joe Lovano, Kenny Wheeler, Eddie Harris, Al Cohn, Jerry Bergonzi (Lost In The Shuffle), Ernie Krivda, and Buddy DeFranco. Wall is especially noted as a member of John Abercrombie's early 1990s trio, which also included drummer Adam Nussbaum, highly acclaimed for the albums While We Were Young and Speak Of The Devil. Wall is also well known as a professor at the Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, from 2001 until his retirement in 2025. Upon hearing of his passing, close friend and fellow Oberlin College professor Bobby Ferrazza stated: “He was a humble, generous, warm person. He was a musician so special that he inspired almost everyone who heard him play. All of these attributes changed lives for the better for so many of us who had the privilege to know him, students and colleagues alike. We called each other ‘brother’ and I feel a great loss. All we can do is try to carry forward all the beautiful life and music lessons that he taught all of us” ~ Wall passed away in 2026
September 7, 1951 ~ Singer Chrissie Hynde, full name Christine Ellen Hynde, born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Frontwoman, lead singer, guitarist of the Pretenders, known for hits such as Brass In Pocket, I Go To Sleep, Don't Get Me Wrong, and Back On The Chain Gang. Has a daughter with the Kinks singer Ray Davies. Has a daughter with the Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr. Has collaborated with Frank Sinatra (Luck Be A Lady), U2 (Pride (In The Name Of Love)), UB40 (I Got You Babe), and Cher, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton (Can Build A Bridge)
September 7, 1950 ~ Mark Klingman, commonly known as producer, pianist, songwriter Moogy Klingman born in Great Neck, New York, USA ~ Joined Jimmy James & the Blue Flames at age 16, which also included Jimi Hendrix and Randy California. Founding member of Utopia, best known for also including Todd Rundgren. Played on ten Rundgren solo albums. Member of Glitterhouse. Longtime collaborator of Bette Midler, starting with producing the 1976 Midler/Bob Dylan duet Buckets Of Rain and staying on as musical director, replacing Barry Manilow. Released a number of solo albums with its songs covered by Johnny Winter, Carly Simon, James Cotton, Thelma Houston, Eric Clapton, Barry Manilow and Guns 'n Roses. Has also worked with Lou Reed, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Jeff Beck, Keith Emerson, Mitch Mitchell, Harvey Mandel, and Linda Ronstadt ~ Klingman passed away in 2011
September 7, 1948 ~ Mandolinist, fiddler Charles O'Connor born in Middlesbrough, UK ~ Best known as a member of Horslips, initially commercially unsuccessful but over time regarded as one of the defining bands of the Celtic rock genre, playing concertina, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and sharing lead vocals with Barry Devlin and Johnny Fean
September 7, 1948 ~ Dennis Tomich, commonly known as garage rock, proto-punk drummer Dennis Thompson or Dennis Machine Gun Thompson, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Elvin Jones, Keith Moon, and Mitch Mitchell. Last surviving member of pioneering proto-punk outfit MC5, one of the rawest and most outspoken bands in American rock. They are especially acclaimed for their 1969 Kick Out The Jams debut album. Thompson's fast and hard drumming, earning him the nickname “Machine Gun”, was an essential element of the band's sound, and proved influential on punk and metal. The MC5 had been nominated for inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame six times, and was set to be inducted at a ceremony in October 2024. Upon Thompson's death at age 75, his son Chris McNulty told Detroit News: “He was a true, free-spirited rock and roller up until the very last day” ~ Tomich passed away in 2024September 7, 1948 ~ Folk, blues, jazz, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Erik Moll born in Wisconsin, USA ~ American-born Norwegian singer emerged from the Bergen scene in the 1960s. Formed Hole In The Wall with Rune Walle. Featured in the original cast of the Norwegian production of Hair in 1970. Has also recorded as a solo artist as well as with Bolingo, Erik Hokkanen, and the Texanos
September 7, 1947 ~ Gloria Fowles, commonly known as singer Gloria Gaynor born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for the powerful belter I Will Survive, a 1978 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit which has become one of the most beloved, enduring and timeless songs of perseverance and survival and an anthem of female empowerment. Hardly a one-hit wonder, Gaynor has been active since the mid 1960s as a singer with jazz, R&B outfit the Soul Satisfiers and has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist since the mid 1970s. Well-known songs include Never Can Say Goodbye, Let Me Know (I Have A Right), and I Am What I Am