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 11, 1944 ~ Vaudeville entertainer, musical actor, singer Charles King, full name Charles Joseph King, passed away in London, UK ~ Made his Broadway debut by the late 1900s and would appear in numerous revues and musicals throughout the 1920s before moving on to the big screen. Frequently cast opposite Elizabeth Brice, for example in the musicals A Winsome Widow and Miss 1917. Best remembered for the lead role in the 1929 musical film The Broadway Melody, introducing the song You Were Meant For Me. The film would be the first all-talking film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. Other notable credits include introducing the song Orange Blossom Time in The Hollywood Revue Of 1929 the same year and introducing Happy Days Are Here Again in Chasing Rainbows the following year. Died aged 57 of pneumonia while on tour in England entertaining troops serving in the USO ~ King was born in 1886
January 11, 1942 ~ Saxophonist, actor Clarence Clemons born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Best known as longtime saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band. Scored a 1985 hit, You're A Friend Of Mine, with Jackson Browne. In-demand guest and collaborator also worked with Aretha Franklin, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Alvin Lee, Alan Niven, Lady Gaga, the Grateful Dead, Gary US Bonds, Zucchero, Dan Hartman, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, the Pezband, Ronnie Spector, Scarlet Rivera, Carlene Carter, Janis Ian, Michael Stanley, Joan Armatrading, Greg Lake, Schwarts, Little Steven, the Hawks, Ian Hunter, Steel Breeze, Silver Condor, Twisted Sister, Gloria Estefan, Narada Michael Walden, the Four Tops, Todd Rundgren, Herman Brood, Lisa Stansfield, Joe Cocker, Peter Maffay, Nils Lofgren, Roy Orbison, Jim Carroll, Great White, Luther Vandross, Nick Clemons, the Creation, and Bruce Benson ~ Clemons passed away in 2011January 11, 1940 ~ Singer Sydney Devine born in Bellside, UK ~ Considered by some as Scotland's most enduring entertainer akin to America's Lawrence Welk and Pat Boone and by others as perpetuator of Scottish cultural stereotypes. Active since the late 1950s with a three-decade career highlighted by successes such as I Can't Stop Loving You, Lovesick Blues, A Tear Fell, Forty Shades Of Green, The Tennessee Waltz, and Road To Dundee ~ Devine passed away in 2021
January 11, 1937 ~ Britt Elisabet Lindroth, commonly known as singer, actress Britt Damberg, born in Köping, Sweden ~ Broke through with Nya Fagelsangen which entered the Swedish national selection for the 1959 Eurovision Songfestival but placed third. Has been recording for most of the 1960s. Retired from the music business in the 1970s to pursue a career as a preschool teacher ~ Lindroth passed away in 2019
January 11, 1936 ~ Guitarist, bassist Jody Payne, full name James L Payne, born in Garrard County, Kentucky, USA ~ Husband of singer Sammi Smith, with whom he fathered singer, actor Waylon Payne. Best known for his association with Willie Nelson, backing Nelson on tour and record from 1973 through 2008. Also worked with Charlie Monroe, Merle Haggard, Hank Snow, Leon Russell, Tanya Tucker, and Ray Price ~ Payne passed away in 2013
January 11, 1936 ~ Kathryn Jewel Thorne, commonly known as boogie-woogie pianist Katie Webster, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for backing musicians such as Lightning Slim, Lonesome Sundown, and Otis Redding. Also worked with Garu Wiggins, Chris Rannenberg, Bonnie Raitt, and Robert Cray ~ Thorne passed away in 1999January 11, 1934 ~ Jazz drummer, composer, arranger Egil Johansen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Nicknamed “Bop” for his profiency at playing bebop jazz. Father of singer Jan Johansen. Worked with Einar Stenberg, Egil Monn-Iversen, Kjell Johansen, Rowland Greenberg, Arne Domnérus, Bengt Hallberg, Rune Gustafsson, Georg Riedel, Jan Johansson, Radiojazzgrupen, Rune Ofwerman, Quincy Jones, the Bazz Brothers, Benny Golson, Lee Konitz, Herbie Mann, and Jimmy Witherspoon ~ Johansen passed away in 1998
January 11, 1933 ~ Adèle Maria Hameetman, commonly known as actress, comedienne, singer Adèle Bloemendaal, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actress for stage and TV. As a singer has worked with Piet Römer and Leen Jongewaard, noted for songs such as We Benne Op De Wereld Om Mekaar Te Helpen and Het Zal Je Kind Maar Wezen. As a solo singer best known for the single Als Je Maar Gezond Bent and Hallelujha Kameraden ~ Hameetman passed away in 2017
January 11, 1932 ~ Jazz pianist Janós Gonda born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Leader and sideman active since the early 1960s. Known for a series of Modern Jazz albums throughout the end of the decade. Led the Gonda Sextet in the 1970s, which also included Gábor Balázs and best known for the composition Shaman Song. Also branched out into other musical forms including composing soundtracks, notably 1966's Father, dance compositions and symphonic jazz works such as Australian Concerto ~ Gonda passed away in 2021January 11, 1931 ~ Jazz saxophonist Frank Vicari born ~ In-demand sideman. First gained attention as a member of Maynard Ferguson's big band from 1960 through its disbandement in 1965. Would go on to back Buddy Rich and notably Woody Herman, remaining with the latter until 1970. Has also worked with Steve Gadd, Mike Mainieri, the Brecker Brothers, White Elephant, George Benson, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Billy Eckstine, Tom Waits, John Lennon (Walls And Bridges), Urbie Green, the Manhattan Transfer, Bette Midler, Art Farmer, and James Brown ~ Vicari passed away in 2006
January 11, 1930 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jack Nimitz born in Washington DC, USA ~ Dubbed “the Admiral” and active since the 1950s, initially serving in ensembles led by Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Herbie Mann. Co-founding member of the Charlie Parker tribute band Supersax, remaining with the band for about two decades starting with its inception in the early 1970s. As a session musicians remained in-demand from the 1960s well into the 1990s, appearing on albums by Nat Pierce, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Charles Mingus, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Oliver Nelson, the Monkees, Neil Diamond, Horace Silver, Captain & Tennille, Herbie Hancock, Prince (Parade (Music From The Motion Picture Under The Cherry Moon)), Toni Tennille, and Diane Schuur ~ Nimitz passed away in 2009
January 11, 1930 ~ Songwriter Lulu Mae Hardaway born in Eufala, Alabama, USA ~ Mother of R&B singer, pianist Stevie Wonder and co-writer of a number of her son's best known including I Was Made To Love Her, Signed Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours), You Met Your Match, and I Don't Know Why I Love You ~ Hardaway passed away in 2006January 11, 1928 ~ Calvin Massey, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Cal Massey, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Not to be confused with his namesake cousin pianist Cal Massey. Trumpeter Massey studied under Freddie Webster, and backed artists such as Jay McShann, Jimmy Heath, and Billie Holiday. In the mid 1950s, Massey led an ensemble featuring Jimmy Garrison, McCoy Tyner, and Albert Tootie Heath. As a recording artist, he is highly acclaimed for his 1961 Blues To Coltrane album. However, he is best known as a composer, his songs recorded by the likes of John Coltrane (Bakal), Freddie Hubbard (Assunta), Jackie McLean (Message From Trane), Lee Morgan (These Are Soulful Days), Philly Joe Jones (Fiesta), and Archie Shepp (Cry Of My People) ~ Massey passed away in 1972
January 11, 1927 ~ Jazz saxophonist Wilton Gaynair, also known as Wilton Bogey Gaynair, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Brother of saxophonist Ferdinand Gaynair. Played with local bands in his native Jamaica, including backing visiting musicians such as George Shearing and Carmen McRae, before relocating to Europe, eventually settling in Germany. Recorded three albums as a leader, starting with Blue Bogey released in 1959. Frequently played with the Kurt Edelhagen Radio Orchestra, including at the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich, West Germany. As a session or touring musician, Gaynair has worked with Gil Evans, Shirley Bassey, the Manhattan Transfer, and Bob Brookmeyer. Retired from music in 1983, after suffering a stroke while on-stage ~ Gaynair passed away in 1995January 11, 1926 ~ Saxophonist, songwriter George Weidler, full name George William Weidler, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Second husband of singer Doris Day, the couple were married from 1946 to 1949. Has worked with Freddie Slack, Les Brown, Charlie Barnet, Ike Carpenter, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Stan Kenton, the Metronome All-Stars, Charlie Barnet and with his brothers Warner Weidler and Walter Weidler, both of whom also played saxophone ~ Weidler passed away in 1989
January 11, 1926 ~ Trumpeter, composer, arranger Johnny Cowell born in Tillonsburg, Canada ~ Played with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1952 to 1991. As a solo artist released ten albums. Wrote or co-wrote over 200 songs. Wrote Walk Hand In Hand recorded by Tony Martin, Andy Williams, Ronnie Carroll, Gerry & the Pacemakers, and by Engelbert Humperdinck. Wrote His Girl recorded by the Guess Who. Co-wrote These Are The Young Years recorded by Floyd Cramer ~ Cowell passed away in 2018
January 11, 1924 ~ Big band, traditional pop singer Don Cherry, full name Donald Ross Cherry, born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ Sang with the orchestras of Jan Garber and Victor Young. Following a stint in the US Army during World War IIventured out on his own, recording through the late 1960s. Best known for his 1955 Band Of Gold single, which sold over 1 million copies and reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Other well known songs include Wild Cherry, Ghost Town, and Namely You. Was the first to record the John D Loudermilk-penned Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, later notably covered by the Casinos ~ Cherry passed away in 2018
January 11, 1924 ~ James Isaac More, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Slim Harpo, born in Lobdell, Louisiana, USA ~ Leading exponent of the swamp blues. Influenced by Jimmy Reed. Best known for songs such as I'm A King Bee, Raining In My Heart, Scratch My Back, Shake Your Hips, and I Got Love If You Want It. Slim Harpo's songs would be regularly covered by many of the British Invasion acts early in their career, including the Rolling Stones, the Pretty Things, the Yardbirds, the Kinks, Pink Floyd, and Them ~ Moore passed away in 1970
January 11, 1923 ~ James Johnson, commonly known as jazz drummer, singer Osie Johnson, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, including the acclaimed The Happy Jazz Of Osie Johnson released in 1957. Best known as an in-demand session drummer until his death from kidney failure at age 43. Present on albums by Billy Bauer, Illinois Jacquet (The Kid And The Brute), Milt Hinton, Coleman Hawkins, Manny Albam, Urbie Green, Betty Carter, Freddie Green (Natural Rhythm), Jimmy Raney, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Joe Puma, Pee Wee Russell (Swingin' With Pee Wee), Paul Desmond, Oliver Nelson, Mose Allison (I Don't Worry About A Thing), Wes Montgomery, and Quincy Jones ~ Johnson passed away in 1966January 11, 1915 ~ Harris Copperman, commonly known as dance band, big band saxophonist, clarinetist Harry Lewis, born in London, UK ~ Active since the late 1930s, working with artists such as George Elrick, Jack Harris, and notably Bert Ambrose's orchestra featuring singer Vera Lynn. Would marry Lynn in 1941 and serve as her accompaniest and manager after the war. Lewis is perhaps best remembered for writing This Perfect Day, recorded by Lynn in 1949 ~ Copperman passed away in 1998
January 11, 1911 ~ Western swing singer Tommy Duncan, full name Thomas Elmer Duncan, born in Whitney, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by singers Jimmie Rodgers, Bing Crosby, and Emmett Miller. Co-founding member of the Texas Playboys, the vehicle and backing unit for Bob Wills. Duncan intermittently remained with Wills through the early 1960s, and has also fronted his own bands. As a songwriter, Duncan wrote or co-wrote Bubbles In My Beer, Stay A Little Longer, Take Me Back To Tulsa, and Time Changes Everything, all of which first recorded with Bob Wills and all of which covered by dozens of others. As a singer and songwriter, Duncan would become hugely influental on later singers such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, Merle Haggard, Buddy Holly, Red Steagall, George Strait, Clint Black, Randy Travis, and Garth Brooks. Suffering a heart condition, Duncan was found deceased at age 56 in his hotel room following a performance in Imperial Beach near San Diego, California. As a member of the Texas Playboys, Duncan was posthumously inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999 ~ Duncan passed away in 1967January 11, 1890 ~ Jazz guitarist, banjoist, singer Bud Scott, full name Arthur Bud Scott, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, James Reese Europe, King Oliver, Johnny Dodds, Jimmy Blythe, Erskine Tate, Jelly Roll Morton, Dave Peyton, Ethel Waters, Jimmie Noone, Mutt Carey, Ed Garland, Zutty Singleton, and Buster Wilson ~ Scott passed away in 1949