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.
January 1, 1984 ~ Alexis Andrew Nicholas Koerner, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist Alexis Korner, passed away in London, UK ~ Founding father of British blues. Founded Blues Incorporated, a loose-knit group which at times included Charlie Watts, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Long John Baldry, Graham Bond, Danny Thompson, Dick Heckstall-Smith, and Cyril Davies. Formed the trio Free At Last, playing with Hughie Flint and Binky McKenzie. Formed CCS, employing both blues, blues-rock musicians and jazz players including Art Themen, Mel Collins, Lol Coxhill, Dick Morrisey, John Surman, and Mike Zwerin ~ Koerner was born in 1928
January 1, 1979 ~ Bree Joanna Alice Robinson, commonly known as punk rock, alternative rock, garage rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Brody Dalle, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founding member of the Distillers, recording three albums with the band before disbanding in 2006. Subsequently founded Spinnerette, basically a vehicle for her solo career with backing from the Distillers guitarist Tony Bevilacqua, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons, and the Queens Of The Stone Age bassist Alain Johannes. Spinnerette released one eponymous album, before Dalle dropped the moniker for her official solo debut album, Diploid Love, in 2014. Dalle was married to Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong from 1997 through 2000, and to the Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme from 2005 through 2019, and has three children with the latter
January 1, 1979 ~ Saxophonist, singer Zane Musa born in Arleta, California, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his 2005 Introducing Zane Musa album. As a sideman present on recordings by Jon Bare, Joe Firstman (The War Of Women), Phil Ranelin (Inspiration), Chris Pierce, Dave Tough, Austin Peralta, Oya, Arturo Sandoval, Natasha Agrama, and Gueorgui Linev (Moving On). Musa passed away at age 36, following a fall from a parking structure ~ Musa passed away in 2015
January 1, 1977 ~ Folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Patrick Park born in Morrison, Colorado, USA ~ Recorded his first demo collection in 2000, later released as The Basement Tapes, in the back of a friend's store lacking the money to use a studio. Would released a full-length Loneliness Knows My Name in 2004, aided by producer Dave Trumfio with whom he has continued to work since. Has recorded steadily to moderate commercial succes
January 1, 1975 ~ Arthur Stanley Reid, commonly known as producer, label executive Duke Reid, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Influenced by American jazz, blues and soul and in particular by Fats Domino. Alongside Coxsone Dodd, Reid dominated the Jamaican music scene of the 1960s as founder and producer for his Treasure Isle and Dutchess labels. Though Reid initially disliked ska, he eventually embraced the genre, his 1960s productions epitomizing the peak of the style, his work characterized by symphonic sounds and dense arrangements. Over the course of his career, Reid has produced recordings by some of the most notable ska and rocksteady artists including Stranger Cole, the Techniques, Justin Hinds, Alton Ellis, the Paragons, the Jamaicans, the Melodians, U-Roy, and Dennis Alcapon ~ Reid was born in 1915
January 1, 1973 ~ Walter E Rollins, commonly known as songwriter Jack Rollins, passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for co-writing the Christmas classic Frosty The Snowman with Steve Nelson, first recorded by Gene Autry in 1950, and covered by hundreds of artists including Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, the Ronettes, Brenda Lee, the Jackson 5, and Lynn Anderson. Other songs co-written by Rollins include Peter Cottontail (Mervin Shiner, Jimmy Wakely, Rosemary Clooney), A Prison Without Walls (Eddy Arnold, Little Roy Wiggins), Heart Of A Clown (Wade Ray, Sammi Smith, Willie Nelson), and I Don't Hurt Anymore (Hank Snow, Dinah Washington, Janis Martin) ~ Rollins was born in 1906
January 1, 1971 ~ Saxophonist Chris Potter born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ First gained attention backing trumpeter Red Rodney. Would go on to appear on over 150 records, both as a leader and sideman, workgin with artists such as Pat Metheny, Marian McPartland, Patricia Barber, Kenny Werner, the Mingus Big Band, Paul Motian, Ray Brown, Jim Hall, James Moody, Joe Lovano, Wayne Krantz, Mike Mainieri, Steve Swallow, Steely Dan, Joanne Brackeen, David Binney, Aziza, Susannah McCorkle, John Patitucci, Renee Rosnes, Nguyên Lê, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker
January 1, 1971 ~ Orchestrator, composer, songwriter Joseph J Lilley passed away in North Hollywood, California, USA ~ Best known for his work in various roles in Hollywood musicals, notably for Paramount Studios, since the early 1940s. Notable credits include Variety Girl, Mr Music, The Stooge and serving as musical director for a number of Elvis Presley films notably GI Blues, Blue Hawaii, Girls Girls Girls, and Fun In Acapulco ~ Lilley was born in 1913
January 1, 1971 ~ Evangelos-Phoebus Tassopoulos, mononymously known as laika, pop, dance, rock songwriter Phoebus, born in Athens, Greece ~ In-demand songwriter, especially during the 1990s and 2000s. Closely associated with Despina Vandi and Katy Garbi. Others who recorded his songs include Angela Dimitriou, Elli Kokkinou, Giorgos Mazonakis, Dimitris Kokotas, Thanos Petrelis, Helena Paparizou, Pashalis Terzis, and Vasilis KarrasJanuary 1, 1970 ~ Floyd Holmes, commonly known as country guitarist, harmonica player Salty Holmes, passed away in Elwood, Indiana, USA ~ Virtuoso on the harmonica, specializing in the style known as “talking harp” which imitated the human voice. Formed the Kentucky Ramblers in 1930, who changed their name to the Prairie Ramblers. The band is best known for their featured vocalist Patsy Montana, whom they also backed on songs such as I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart. Through a friendship with Gene Autry Holmes also appeared in several Western movies, including Arizona Days and Saddle Leather Law. Holmes was married to singer Jean Chapel from 1947 through 1956, the couple also regulars on the Grand Ole Opry as Mattie & Salty ~ Holmes was born in 1910
January 1, 1969 ~ Punk rock, alternative rock guitarist, bassist, singer John Reis born in San Diego, California, USA ~ One of the most influential figures on the San Diego punk and indie scene. Co-founding member of Rocket From The Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, the Hot Snakes, and PLOVSIS. Has also worked with the Sultans and the Night Marchers. Founded Swami Records, and served as producer for the likes of Superchunk, the Swingin' Neckbreakers, and the Selby Tiger
January 1, 1968 ~ Swamp-rockers the Golliwogs change their name to Creedence Clearwater Revival, and would go on to score over half a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits ~ The band had recorded close to two dozen singles since the mid 1960s, to little success. After changing their name the band, fronted by John Fogerty, would rise to fame with a number of critically acclaimed albums through the early 1970s, and score over half a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits including Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, and Who'll Stop The Rain
January 1, 1967 ~ Aubrey Wilson Mullican, commonly known as singer, pianist Moon Mullican, passed away in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by blues artists such as Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Leroy Carr, and by country musicians such as Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills. Dubbed “the King of the Hillbilly piano players” and hugely influential on rockabilly and country artists including Jim Reeves, Hank Williams, Bill Haley, Elvis Presley and especially Jerry Lee Lewis. Worked with Leon Selph, the Blue Ridge Playboys (Ain't You Kind Of Sorry), the Texas Wanderers (Truck Driver's Blues, I'll Keep On Loving You), the Sunshine Boys, Jimmie Davis, Black Boy Shine, Floyd Tillman, Ernest Tubb, Red Foley. As a solo artist best known for late 1940s, early 1950s recordings such as The Leaves Mustn't Fall, Hey Shah, You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry, Nine Tenths Of The Tennessee River and I Was Sorta Wonderin' ~ Mullican was born in 1909January 1, 1966 ~ Indie pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Amelia Fletcher born ~ Fronted acts such as Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, Marine Research, Tender Trap, and Catenary Wires. Keyboardist for Sportique. Sang backing vocals on early the Wedding Present recordings as well as on Hefner's 2000 We Love The City album. Guested on recordings by the Pooh Sticks, the 6ths, and the Briliant Corners. Enjoys a parallel career as an economist
January 1, 1964 ~ Pop, surf outfit the Beach Boys record Why Do Fools Fall In Love ~ Written by Frankie Lymon and Morris Levy, originally recorded by Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers in 1955. Produced by Brian Wilson. Used as the flip side of Fun Fun Fun, released the following month. Brian on lead vocals and piano, Al Jardine, Mike Love, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson on harmony vocals. Session musicians would include Leon Russell, Tommy Tedesco, Hal Blaine, and Plas JohnsonJanuary 1, 1963 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer Michael Hanson born ~ Member of Glass Tiger from 1983 through 1988. Present on the band's first two albums, 1986's The Thin Red Line and 1988's Diamond Sun. The albums would contain the band's best known, including the singles Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone, I'm Still Searching and Diamond Sun, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native Canada
January 1, 1962 ~ Pop, rock bands the Beatles and the Tremeloes both audition for Decca Records, the label signing the latter but passing on the former ~ Though the Tremeloes did have some chart success, notably the 1963 UK No.1 Do You Love Me, in hindsight they would pale in comparison to the Beatles, who would go on to become one of the all-time most influential bands. The latter would record over a dozen songs for their audition, but the label rejected them as executives felt “guitar groups are on the way out” and “the Beatles have no future in show business”
January 1, 1962 ~ Trumpeter, producer, engineer Bob Brockmann born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Trumpeter of Brooklyn Funk Essentials. Would go on to work as a producer, engineer for artists such as the Fugees, the Notorious BIG, Craig Mack, Toni Braxton, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Cee Lo Green, Soulive, Brian McKnight, Christina Aguilera (Mi Reflejo), Brandy, Mary J Blige, Faith Hill, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, the Dixie Chicks, and Kirk Franklin (The Nu Nation Project)
January 1, 1961 ~ Allan Mark Whalley, commonly known as guitarist, singer Boff Whalley, born in Bumley, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist of anarcho-punk, folk band Chumbawamba, best known for their 1997 Tubthumping UK top 10 hit. Following his departure in 2012 Whalley has worked with the Commoners ChoirJanuary 1, 1961 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records You Can Depend On Me ~ Written by Charles Carpenter, Louis Dunlap, Earl Hines. Previously recorded by Count Basie, Lester Young, and Nat King Cole. Produced by Owen Bradley. Released as a single the following March, paired with It's Never Too Late on the B-side. Brenda Lee's single would reach No.6 Billboard Hot 100
January 1, 1960 ~ Rock, hard rock, glam metal, progressive rock bassist Allen McKenzie born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Foxx, with whom he recorded the albums Foxx and Stick It Out. Member of Quest, expanding his role to singing, keyboards, and songwriting. Member of Peacetree, with whom he recorded three albums. McKenzie has also toured with Warrant singer Jani Lane, prior to joining Firehouse in 2003
January 1, 1960 ~ Post-punk guitarist, bassist John Waddington born ~ Founded short-lived punk band the Boyfriends at age 17, serving as the band's singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. Rose to fame as a member of the Pop Group, known for the albums Y and For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder. Following the band's initial disbandement joined post-punk outfit Maximum Joy, appearing on the 1982 Station MXJY album. Waddington has also worked with the New Age Steppers, Playgroup, Judy Nylon, Perfume, and Lily Allen ~ Waddington passed away in 2023
January 1, 1959 ~ Singer Vernessa Mitchell, full name Vernessa Ann Mitchell, born in Columbus, Georgia, USA ~ Discovered at age 16 by Berry Gordy Jr. Lead singer of R&B outfit High Inergy, present on the band's first two albums including the hit single You Can't Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On) which reached No.12 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and No.2 Billboard R&B. As a solo artist Mitchell would become known as a gospel and dance singer, releasing her well-received This Is My Story debut album in 1985 and its follow-up Higher Ground two years later. Well known solo songs included Rise And Shine, Trust In The Lord, Stand Up And Be Counted, and You Took My LifeJanuary 1, 1958 ~ David Wayne Carnell, commonly known as hard rock, heavy metal singer, songwriter David Wayne, born in Renton, Washington, USA ~ Influenced by Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford. Lead singer for speed metal, thrash metal outfit the Metal Church from 1982 through 1988, best known for their eponymous 1984 Metal Church debut album. Also formed and fronted Reverend, especially acclaimed for their 1991 Play God album ~ Carnell passed away in 2005
January 1, 1958 ~ Joseph Saddler, commonly known as hip-hop, breakbeat, funk, electro DJ Grandmaster Flash, born in Bridgetown, Barbados ~ Pioneering hip DJ, credited with inventing the cross-fader. Best known for his work with Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, especially Superrappin', The Adventures Of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels Of Steel, Scorpio and their best known 1982's The Message, all widely considered hugely influential classics defining the genre