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.
February 28, 1947 ~ Singer Alex Taylor, full name Alexander Robert Taylor, born ~ Brother of more famous singer, songwriter James Taylor. Known best for his 1971 With Friends And Neighbors album with backing from his brother James, Willie Bridges, King Curtis, Ronnie Cuber, and Paul Hornsby. James's song Sweet Baby James is about Alex's son James ~ Taylor passed away in 1993
February 28, 1946 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, bassist Don Ciccone, full name Donald Joseph Ciccone, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Founding member of the Critters, known for songs such as Younger Girl and Mr Dieingly Sad. Member of the Four Seasons in the 1970s, present on December 1963 (Oh What A Night) and Rhapsody. Subsequently a member of the Shondells through 1987 ~ Ciccone passed away in 2016
February 28, 1946 ~ Avant-garde jazz guitarist Pierre Dørge born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Leader and sideman. Leads the New Jungle Orchestra, merging jazz with African music. Has also worked with John Tchicai, Johnny Dyani, Marilyn Mazur, Khan Jamal, David Murray, Don Cherry, Walt Dickerson, Doudou Gouirand, Butch Morris, and with his wife pianist Irene Becker
February 28, 1943 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Barbara Acklin, full name Barbara Jean Acklin, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Backing singer for Fontella Bass, Etta James, and Koko Taylor. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Stoned Out Of My Mind, Toby, Too Good To Be Forgotten and Have You Seen Her for the Chi-lites, Whispers (Gettin' Louder) for Jackie Wilson, and Two Little Kids for Peaches & Herb. As a recording artist, Acklin duetted with Gene Chandler on Show Me The Way To Go and From The Teacher To The Preacher, and scored several hits as a solo singer including Love Makes A Woman, Just Ain't No Love, Raindrops, and Am I The Same Girl. The latter would be covered by Dusty Springfield and as an instrumental, renamed to Soulful Strut, by Young-Holt Unlimited ~ Acklin passed away in 1998
February 28, 1943 ~ Pop singer, songwriter, producer, label executive Peter Shelley, full name Peter Alexander Southworth, born in London, UK ~ Active as plugger and talent scout since the mid 1960s. Responsible for signing Amen Corner, Ten Years After, and Giles Giles & Fripp to Decca Records, the latter later evolving into King Crimson. Co-founded Magnet Records in the early 1970s, for whom he developed the persona of Alvin Stardust and signed acts such as Guys & Dolls and Chris Rea. As a singer Shelley is best known for the mid 1970s UK hits Gee Baby and Love Me Love My Dog ~ Southworth passed away in 2023
February 28, 1942 ~ Guitarist, sitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Brian Jones, full name Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones, born in Cheltenham, UK ~ Co-founding member and original leader of the Rolling Stones, pushed to the back by manager Andrew Loog Oldham steered the band away from blues and more towards rock & roll. Best known as a slide guitarist as evidenced on songs such as I Wanna Be Your Man, I'm A King Bee, I'm Movin' On and No Expectations yet played several other instruments including sitar (Street Fighting Man, Paint It Black), organ (Let's Spend The Night Together), dulcimer, mellotron, marimba (Under My Thumb, Out Of Time), and saxophone (Citadel), and numerous other instruments. Fired by the band in 1969 as Jones's substance abuse became a problem and replaced by Mick Taylor. Jones passed away a month later, found dead in his swimming pool at age 27 ~ Jones passed away in 1969February 28, 1942 ~ Singer, bandleader, actor Judd Hamilton born in Republic, Washington, USA ~ Session musician, A&R executive, producer, songwriter, arranger closely associated with the Dolton, United Artists and RCA-Victor labels. Known for his contributions to the development of Surf music through his work with artists such as the Avantis and the Ventures as well as pop and rock with acts like the T-Bones which consisted mostly of in-demand session musicians in varying line-ups at times including guitarist Tommy Tedesco and drummer Hal Blaine. Hamilton also worked as a TV and film producer and writer. As a solo artist he is best known for Rules, Mixed-Up Guy, Whatever Happened To July and Don't Be Afraid Of The World
February 28, 1941 ~ Ramon Bautista Ortega, commonly known as singer, actor Palito Ortega, born in Lules, Argentina ~ Considered an icon of Argentinian music ushering in a new wave, la nueva ola, of popular Argentinian music in the 1960s. Briefly a member of the Lyons taking over for lead singer Peter Rock, but leaving within months to pursue a solo career. Over two dozen albums to his name, starred in numerous movies. Known for songs such as Corazon Contente, Poptitos and perhaps his biggest hit Yo Tengo Fé. Active in Argentinian politics, serving as Governor and Senator, from 1991 to 1999
February 28, 1940 ~ Joseph Alfred Souter, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Joe South born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known as songwriter responsible for songs such as Games People Play, Down In The Boondocks, Yo Yo, Hush, and Rose Garden. In-demand session musician including on songs such as Tommy Roe's Sheila and Aretha Franklin's Chain Of Fools, and albums such as Bob Dylan's Blonde On Blonde and Simon & Garfunkel's The Sounds Of Silence. Artists who have recorded South's songs include Billy Joe Royal, the Osmonds, Lynn Anderson, Deep Purple, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn, Gene Vincent, Carol Burnett, Andy Williams, Kitty Wells, Dottie West, Jim Nabors, Arlen Roth, Liz Anderson, the Georgia Satellites, Waylon Jennings, Ike & Tina Turner, Hank Williams Jr, James Taylor, the Tams, and kd Lang ~ Souter passed away in 2012February 28, 1940 ~ Jazz guitarist, banjoist, singer Marty Grosz, full name Martin Oliver Grosz, born in Berlin, Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Bob Wilber. Also worked with Kenny Davern, Dick Sudhalter, Keith Ingham, Soprano Summit, Dick Wellstood, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Charlie Byrd, Wayne Wright, Randy Sandke, Ruby Braff, Jim Cullum Jr, Peter Ecklund, Wild Bill Davison, Jeff Healey, Art Hodes, Terra Hazelton, Jabbo Smith, and Maxine Sullivan
February 28, 1939 ~ Free jazz saxophonist, pianist, bassist, clarinetist, percussionist Charles Gayle born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ After decades of obscurity rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s, starting with the albums Always Born, Homeless and Spirits Before, three albums recorded in a single week. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader. Sideman on recordings by Cecil Taylor (Always A Pleasure), Henry Rollins, the Blue Humans, and William Parker ~ Gayle passed away in 2023February 28, 1938 ~ Percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader, composer Louie Ramirez born in New York, New York, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Quincy Jones of Salsa”. Staff producer at Fania. Drew from boogaloo, salsa and latin jazz. Co-wrote Johnny Pacheco's El Guiro De Macorina. Worked with Joe Loco, Charlie Palmieri, Joe Cuba, Tito Rodriguez, and Willie Colón ~ Ramirez passed away in 1993
February 28, 1937 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by Jimmy Dorsey and orchestra, records Never In A Million Years ~ Written by Mack Gordon and Harry Revel for the 1937 musical film Wake Up And Live, in which it was sung officially by Jack Haley and dubbed by Buddy Clark. The biggest chart hit however would be Bing Crosby's, backed by Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra, released as a single paired with In A Little Hula Heaven on the B-side
February 28, 1937 ~ Elsa Mazzetti, commonly known as pop singer Cocky Mazzetti, born in Milan, Italy ~ Took her stage name after her poodle named “Cocky”. Member of the Minstrels Of Jazz during the 1950s. As a solo artist, Mazzetti enjoyed popularity through the mid 1960s. Well-known songs include an Italian translation of the Los Machucambos track Pepito, Giovane Giovane, and Nuttata 'E Luna. Later on in her career, Mazzetti gained renewed attention on the oldies circuit including as a member of the group the Oldies and as a recurring guest on several nostalgia-themed music TV shows on RAI ~ Mazzetti passed away in 2024
February 28, 1934 ~ Music manager, producer Giorgio Gomelsky, full name Giorgio Segio Alessando Gomelsky, born in Tiflis, Georgian SSR ~ Owned the the Crawdaddy Club where the Rolling Stones served as house band and was involved with their early management. Hired the Yardbirds as their replacement, becoming their manager and producer through 1966. Founded the 1960s Marmalade Records label, which signed Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll, the Blossom Toes, Graham Gouldman and Kevin Godley. In the 1970s became involved with progressive jazz rock bands including Gong, Henry Cow and Magma ~ Gomelsky passed away in 2016
February 28, 1934 ~ William Correa, commonly known as jazz percussionist Willie Bobo born in New York, New York, USA ~ Played with Mongo Santamaria, George Shearing, Cal Tjader, Carlos Santana, Nat Adderley, Dorothy Ashby, Bob Brookmeyer, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Miles Davis, Victor Feldman, José Feliciano, Benny Golson, Dexter Gordon, Grant Green, Chico Hamilton, Slide Hampton, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris, Bobby Hutcherson, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, Gary McFarland, Buddy Miles, Wes Montgomery, Oliver Nelson, Dave Pike, Tito Puente, Ike Quebec, Terry Reid, Dannie Richmond, Charlie Rouse, AK Salim, Doc Severinsen, Sonny Stitt, Gábor Szabó, Clark Terry, and with Don Wilkersen ~ Correa passed away in 1983February 28, 1932 ~ Jazz double bassist, clarinetist, flutist Donald Garrett, full name Donald Rafael Garrett, born in El Dorado, Arkansas, USA ~ Started on clarinet and saxophone, switched to bass after meeting Wilbur Ware. Married to singer, cellist Kali Fasteau, with whom he formed the Sea Ensemble. Perhaps best known for his work with John Coltrane in the 1960s, including on the acclaimed Selflessness Featuring My Favorite Things album. Garrett has also appeared on albums by Paul Serrano, Rahsaan Roland Kirk (Introducing Roland Kirk), Eddie Harris, Archie Shepp (Three For A Quarter One For A Dime), Dewey Redman, Ira Sullivan, Dexter Gordon, and Joseph Jarman ~ Garrett passed away in 1989
February 28, 1928 ~ Romana Elena Burgues Gonzalez, commonly known as bolero, son singer Elena Burke, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Mother of singer Malena Burke. Member of vocal quartet the Cuarteto D'Aida, along with Moraima Secada, Omara Portuondo and Haydee Portuondo. Embarked on a successful solo career by the early 1950s and became one of Cuba's most beloved singers, praised for her emotional sincerity earning her the nickname “Señora Sentimiento” ~ Burgues passed away in 2002
February 28, 1927 ~ Steel guitarist Don Helms, full name Donald Hugh Helms, born in New Brockton, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as a member of country icon Hank Williams' backing unit the Drifting Cowboys. Appeared on over 100 Williams recordings. Sessioned on numerous other country classics including Patsy Cline's Walkin' After Midnight, Stonewall Jackson's Waterloo, the Louvin Brothers' Cash On The Barrelhead, Lefty Frizzell's The Long Black Veil and Loretta Lynn's Blue Kentucky Girl. Worked with Johnny Cash early on in Cash's career, and collaborated with Hank Williams Jr, the Wilburn Brothers, Teresa Street, Joey Allcorn, and Vince Gill ~ Helms passed away in 2008
February 28, 1925 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Bill Green, full name William Ernest Green, born in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ In-demand session musician active since the mid 1950s. To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for appearing on the Beach Boys landmark album Pet Sounds released in 1966, and on Marvin Gaye's 1973 Let's Get It On album as well as I Want You released in 1976. More jazz-oriented work includes sessions for Buddy Collette, Benny Carter (Aspects), Peggy Lee, Cannonball Adderley, Oliver Nelson (Sound Pieces), Lou Rawls, Blue Mitchell, Sarah Vaughan, Gene Ammons, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, and Quincy Jones ~ Green passed away in 1996February 28, 1917 ~ Pianist, organist, harpsichordist, composer, conductor George Malcolm, full name George John Malcolm, born in London, UK ~ Introduced the harpsichord to new audiences, noted for his concerts with Thurston Dart, Denis Vaughn and Eileen Joyce. Worked with the Pro Arte Orchestra, Geoffrey Parsons, and Simon Preston. As a conductor, Malcolm was most closely associated with the English Chamber Orchestra and the Northern Sinfonia ~ Malcolm passed away in 1997
February 28, 1916 ~ Jazz violinist, vibraphonist, singer Svend Asmussen born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Known as “the Fiddling Viking,” Asmussen played with artists including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Stéphane Grappelli. Early on in his career Asmussen worked the cruise ships supporting artists such as Josephine Baker and Fats Waller. Asmussen also recorded and played with Alice Babs, Ulrik Neumann, Lionel Hampton, Ray Nance, Toots Thielemans, Putte Wickman, and Stuff Smith ~ Asmussen passed away in 2017
February 28, 1903 ~ Lester Anthony Minnelli, commonly known as stage director, film director Vincente Minnelli, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ To musical audiences known for directing several classic movie musicals. Both 1951's An American In Paris and 1958's Gigi would win an Academy Award for Best Picture, the latter also winning Minnelli the award for Best Director. Also notably directed Meet Me In St Louis starring Judy Garland, released in 1944 and MGM's most successful film musical of the 1940s. Minnelli and Garland would be married from 1945 until 1951, their daughter is singer Liza Minnelli. In addition to directing some of the best known musicals of his day, Minnelli has also made many comedies and melodramas ~ Minnelli passed away in 1986
February 28, 1882 ~ Opera singer Geraldine Farrar born in Melrose, Maine, USA ~ Enjoyed a devoted fanbase especially among young women, lovingly dubbed “Gerry-flappers”. Praised for the intimate timbre of her voice and remarkable acting ability. Worked with the Berlin Hofoper, the Monte Carlo Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and other major orchestras. Had a seven-year love affair with the married conductor Arturo Toscanini who abruptly resigned from the NY Met in 1915 following Farrar's ultimatum to leave his wife ~ Farrar passed away in 1967