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.
December 14, 1984 ~ Post-hardcore, pop punk, emo, hip-hop drummer, rapper Mike Fuentes, full name Michael Christopher Fuentes, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Best known as drummer of Pierce The Veil, which also included his brother singer Vic Fuentes. Member of supergroup Isles & Glaciers. Fuentes has also notably worked with Before Today and Underminded, and was voted “Most Likely To Become Famous” in high school
December 14, 1982 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Bob Seger releases Shame On The Moon, lead single off his The Distance album ~ Penned and first recorded by Rodney Crowell for his 1981 eponymous Rodney Crowell album. Covered by Bob Seger the following year, it would become one of Seger's biggest hits, spending four weeks at No.2 Billboard Hot 100. Seger later revealed in an interview with Creem: “We cut it in like two hours, and everyone decided it was the miracle track. But then we had to decide whether to use it or not because The Distance was going to be a real rock album. I purposely didn't write any medium-tempo songs for this one because I wanted it to be hard rocking with a few ballads for pacing. But we figured we'd throw it on and see what happened. The next thing we know, the Capitol guys are saying, ‘That's the single!’ Fine! Whatever it takes! So thank you, Rodney. It's a great song, and I'm beholden to the lad for writing it”
December 14, 1981 ~ Country, country pop singer Kenny Rogers releases Through The Years, lifted off his Share Your Love album ~ One of the most famous songs about marital fidelity, Through The Years written by Steve Dorff and Marty Panzer was first offered to Barry Manilow, Mac Davis, and Glen Campbell, who all passed on it, before Lionel Richie brought it to the attention of Kenny Rogers. Co-writer Dorff would later recall: “Richie had heard the song and loved it and played it for his people and that's how it happened. I got a phone call from Gene Page, that great arranger, who called me and said, ‘Congratulations! We just cut your song with Kenny Rogers, and it sounds amazing.’” Through The Years would reach No.5 Billboard Country and No.13 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
December 14, 1980 ~ Francisco Javier Bautiste Jr, commonly known as Latin pop, R&B, pop singer, songwriter Frankie J born in Tijuana, Mexico ~ Freestyled under the moniker Frankie Boy in the late 1990s. Joined Kumbia Kings in 1999, a group known for merging cumbia, hip-hop and R&B. Would leave the group in 2003, choosing to pursue a solo career settling on the moniker Frankie J starting with his What's A Man To Do album. Has recorded both in Spanish and English. Best known for his 2003 single I Don't Wanna Try and his 2005 single Obsession (No Es Amor) featuring Baby Bash, respectively reaching top 20 and top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100December 14, 1978 ~ Edgar Antonio Galindo ibarra, commonly known as pop singer Anthony Galindo, born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Best known as a member of Menudo from 1995 through 2000, present on the 1996 Tiempo De Amar album. Also worked with the spin-off group MDO ~ Galindo passed away in 2020
December 14, 1975 ~ Jazz, pop, world music singer, songwriter, producer Joe Barbieri born in Naples, Italy ~ Released his Gli Amori Della Vita Mia debut album, produced by Pino Daniele, in 1993. Started as pop singer yet over time transgressed to a more sophisticated style drawing from world music, jazz and cantautori. Dedicated two albums to his heroes, 2013's Chet Lives as a tribute to singer, trumpeter Chet Baker and 2019's Dear Billie in honor of Billie Holiday. Has duetted with artists such as Jaques Morelenbaum, Paolo Fresu, Luz Casal, Hamilton de Holanda, Stacey Kent, Jorge Drexler, Gianmaria Testa, Fabrizio Bosso, Chiara Civello and Omara PortuondoDecember 14, 1974 ~ Jazz drummer Nate Smith born in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA ~ Initially influenced by rock and funk, took a shining to jazz after discovering Art Blakey. Leader and sideman. First gained attention backing Dave Holland. Also closely associated with Chris Potter, starting on Potter's 2006 Underground album. Has also worked with Robin Eubanks, José James, Patricia Barber, Randy Brecker, Scott Colley, Takuya Kuroda, Karel Ruzicka, Paul Simon, Fearless Flyers, and Brittany Howard
December 14, 1974 ~ In its 11th week on the charts, Fairytale by the Pointer Sisters peaks at No.13 Billboard Hot 100 ~ A remarkable stylistic shift for the siblings, then still a quartet, the country-tinged Fairytale is based on co-writer Anita Pointer's romance with a radio DJ who failed to mention he was married. Initially, Fairytale was issued as a B-side, but after being promoted to country radio, the heartbreak breakup song would become the bigger hit. Bonnie Pointer later played down the idea of a country song by the Pointer Sisters being a novelty: “People think because we're always trying something different we're not sincere. Like country music. For us, it's no joke. Our folks came from Arkansas and we grew up singing country songs. It's part of us.” The song won the siblings a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. Following the single's success, the Pointer Sisters recorded several more tracks for a planned country album, but the project was never finished
December 14, 1973 ~ Singer Barbra Streisand records All In Love Is Fair at United Records Studios, Los Angeles, California ~ Written and first recorded by Stevie Wonder for his Innervisions album, released earlier the same year. Barbra Streisand's cover, issued as a single off her The Way We Were album, would be critically compared to Wonder's original, some even stating her version was “more interesting” than the original, yet it stalled at No.63 Billboard Hot 100. Wonder's original version was not issued as a single in his native America. Over the years, the song would be covered by over a hundred more artists, including notably by Cleo Laine, Shirley Bassey, and Brook Benton
December 14, 1970 ~ Singer, keyboardist, bassist, arranger, director, songwriter Albin de la Simone born in Amiens, France ~ Session musician and music director for a wide array of artists since the 1990s, has worked with Miossec, Vanessa Paradis, Keren Ann, Alain Souchon, Raphael Haroche, Mathiey Boogaerts, Jean-Louis Aubert, and Salif Kreita. Has recorded a number of solo albums, starting with his eponymous Albin de la Simone released in 2003. Acclaimed for the albums Révélation Scène and Meilleur Album De Chansons, released respectively in 2014 and 2018December 14, 1970 ~ Singer, songwriter Anna Maria Jopek born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Represented Poland on the 1997 edition of Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 11th place in the finals with Ale Jestern. Has collaborated with Pat Metheny, Marek Grechuta, Jeremi Przybora, and Makoto Ozone
December 14, 1970 ~ Classical pianist Nicholas Angelich, full name Nicholas Michael Angelich, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Started learning the piano from his mother, a piano teacher, at age 5. Gave his first public performance, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concerto No.21 K-467, two years later. Noted for his recordings of Johannes Brahms trios with violinist Renaud Capuçon and cellist Gautier Capuçon. Has also worked with conducturs such as Myung-whun Chung and David Robertson, and with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic ~ Angelich passed away in 2022December 14, 1968 ~ Roger McBride, commonly known as rapper, MC, producer King T, born in Compton, California, USA ~ One of Compton's earliest rappers. Debuted in 1988 with the Act A Fool album, containing the title track, Payback's A Mutha and The Coolest, all considered classics. Worked with DJ Pooh, the Alkoholiks, Xzibit, Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Ant Banks, Kurupt, and Cypress Hill
December 14, 1965 ~ Alex Shumway, commonly known as punk, hard rock, grunge drummer, guitarist, singer Alex Vincent, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Member of Green River, though commercially unsuccessful considered a pioneer of grunge. Vincent co-founded the band with Mark Arm, Steve Turner and notably Jeff Ament of future Pearl Jam-fame. After the band's disbandement Vincent has worked with Ex's With Benefits and Thee Deception
December 14, 1965 ~ Vocal duo Simon & Garfunkel record Homeward Bound ~ Written by Paul Simon. Produced by Bob Johnston. Released as a single in early 1966, featuring Leaves That Are Green on the flip side. Included on the UK edition of the The Sounds Of Silence album and on the US edition of the Parsley Sage Rosemary And Thyme album
December 14, 1965 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet, novelist Vinicio Capossela born in Hannover, West Germany ~ Protégé of Francesco Guccini. Drew critical comparison to Tom Waits. Draws from tango, gypsy music and traditional Italian folk music, especially from his family's native Campania region. Known for his poetic lyrics inspired on world themes, mythical tales and literature. Transcribed several non-Italian songs to Italian, for instance songs orignally by Bob Dylan, Soviet poet, singer Vladimir Vysotsky, and Greek rebetiko singer Markós Vamvakaris. Perhaps best known for his 2006 Ovunque Proteggi albumDecember 14, 1964 ~ Rock, pop, synth-pop, power pop singer, guitarist, pianist Hiroshi Takano born in Mishima, Japan ~ Actively recording since the late 1980s. Best known for the albums Cue released in 1990 and its follow-up Awakening the following year, both produced by Todd Rundgren. Has also guested on recordings by Deee-lite-keyboardist Towa Tei and the Yellow Magic Orchestra-co-founder Ryuichi Sakamoto
December 14, 1963 ~ Jazz singer, guitarist, composer Dalia Faitelson born in Negev Desert, Israel ~ Active since the mid 1990s. Draws from jazz, Balkan and Middle East influences. Best known for her 2001 Diamond Of The Day. Has collaborated with Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, Lelo Nika, Adam Nussbaum, Chris Cheek, Marilyn Mazur, and Manolo Badrena
December 14, 1963 ~ Ruth Lee Jones, commonly known as singer, pianist Dinah Washington, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Popular 1950s jazz singer, drew from blues, R&B, traditional pop. Debuted in 1944 with Evil Gal Blues. Also known for hits such as Ain't Misbehavin', Am I Asking Too Much, Baby Get Lost, I Wanna Be Loved, Cold Cold Heart, What A Difference A Day Makes, the Brook Benton duet Baby You've Got What It Takes, and September In The Rain. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Clifford Brown, Clark Terry, Cannonball Adderley, and Ben Webster ~ Jones was born in 1924
December 14, 1962 ~ Dirk Felsenheimer, commonly known as drummer, guitarist, singer Bela B, born in West Berlin, West Germany ~ Best known as longtime drummer for Die Ärzte, one of Germany's longest-running and most successful punk rock bands, with whom he has recorded over a dozen albums since the mid 1980s. The band is known for German top 10 hits such as Schrei Nach Liebe, Ein Song Namens Schunder, Schwein Namens Manner, Wie Es Geht, Manchmal Haben Frauen, Unrockbar, Junge, and True Romance. Outside of the band, Felsenheimer has also recorded several albums as a solo artist starting with Bingo in 2006 which spawned the German top 20 hits Tag Mit Schutzumschlag and 1 2 3
December 14, 1961 ~ R&B group the Miracles release What's So Good About Goodbye, lifted off their I'll Try Something New album ~ While only a modest hit at the time, reaching No.35 on the Billboard Hot 100, What's So Good About Goodbye and in particular Marv Tarplin's guitar licks would prove to be influential as it inspired Ask Me Why, a track recorded by the Beatles for the flip side of their sophomore single Please Please Me. The B-side of the Miracles single featured I've Been Good To You, which influenced another track by the Beatles, namely Sexy Sadie recorded in 1968. The British band have acknowledged American black music, ranging from Chuck Berry to everything Motown, as a major influence and especially early on in their career have covered several blues and R&B tracks. Motown owner Berry Gordy Jr would give the Beatles a reduced rate on the rights as it was a big deal for him to have the most popular British band cover Motown originals. Well known Motown songs covered by the British quartet include Barrett Strong's Money (That's What I Want), the Marvelettes' Please Mr Postman, and the Miracles' You've Really Got A Hold On Me
December 14, 1959 ~ Carl Jeffrey Snare, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal, pop rock singer CJ Snare, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Firehouse, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with their eponymous Firehouse debut album released in 1990. The band is best known for the singles Don't Treat Me Bad, Love Of A Lifetime, and When I Look Into Your Eyes, the latter two both reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Snare had been diagnosed with cancer and had taken a hiatus from the band in 2023, but was expected to make a full recovery and return to the band for a series of shows in 2024. Upon his death, the band issued a statement describing Snare as “arguably one of the best vocal talents of a generation, touring the world with Firehouse non stop the past 34 years“, also adding “Reach for the sky, CJ!” referencing their 1992 song Reach For The Sky ~ Snare passed away in 2024
December 14, 1958 ~ Rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Mike Scott born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Co-founding and sole constant member, lead singer of the Waterboys, known for songs such as The Whole Of The Moon, Fisherman's Blues, The Return Of Pan and Glastonbury Song. Has released two solo albums, 1995's Bring 'Em All In and 1997's Still Burning, which despite critical acclaim and backing from renowned musicians such as Jim Keltner, Pino Palladino and Icicle Works singer Ian McNabb sold rather poorly
December 14, 1958 ~ Peter Richard Stacy, commonly known as Celtic rock, folk, punk singer, tin whistler, songwriter Spider Stacy, born in Eastbourne, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Pogues, credited with coming up with the bandname. The band is best known for their first three albums, Red Roses For Me, Rum Sodomy & The Lash and If I Should Fall From Grace With God. The singles The Irish Rover with the Dubliners and Fairytale Of New York featuring Kirsty MacColl both reached the UK top 10
December 14, 1955 ~ Trombonist, cornetist, arranger Dan Barrett born in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the early 1970s. Reportedly played Ory's Creole Trombone at Kid Ory's funeral in 1973. Co-led a quintet with Howard Alden. Frequently collaborated with Randy Sandke. Has also worked with Benny Goodman, Leon Redbone, the Widespread Depression Jazz Orchestra, Graeme Bell, Buck Clayton, Jim Cullum Jr, Kenny Davern, Peter Ecklund, Rebecca Kilgore, John Sheridan, Terry Waldo, and Bob Wilber