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 16, 1959 ~ Folk-pop, indie singer, guitarist, songwriter Jill Sobule born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Debuted in 1990 with the album Things Here Are Different, produced by Todd Rundgren. A second album was recorded during the same period, now teaming up with producer Joe Jackson, yet it was never released and the singer was dropped by her label. Sobule would work a number of years as an assistant to a wedding photographer, and land a record deal five years later which led to the eponymous Jill Sobule album which spawned two of her best known singles. I Kissed A Girl, not to be confused with the later Katy Perry single of the same name, became a surprise radio hit, and Supermodel gained traction after it was included on the soundtrack for the teen comedy Clueless. Two subsequent albums, 1997's Happy Town and 2000's Pink Pearl, would earn Sobule wide critical acclaim, earning praise for her soft, plaintive yet bold vocals, subtlety, craftmanship and imaginative melodies, yet Sobule never became a household name. Sobule has also ventured into acting, notably in the 2004 Mind The Gap comedy-drama which also featured several of her songs, has opened for Don Henley, and collaborated with Richard Barone, Lloyd Cole, and Julia Sweeney. Sobule passed away age 66 in a house fire ~ Sobule passed away in 2025
January 16, 1958 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist Wayne Bergeron born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Worked with Maynard Ferguson, David Benoit, Rosemary Clooney, Neil Diamond, Julio Iglesias, Jack Sheldon, Gordon Goodwin, Bill Elliott, Michael Feinstein, Bob Florence, Tom Kubis, John LaBarbera, Frank Macchia, Barry Manilow, John Powell, Chris Walden, Bill Watrous, Robbie Williams, Ryan Adams, Christina Aguilera, Avenged Sevenfold, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole, John Debney, Earth Wind & Fire, Amy Grant, Marvin Hamlisch, INXS, the Mars Volta, Martina McBride, Bette Midler, Buddy Miles, Tito Puente, the Pussycat Dolls, Brian Setzer, Lee Ann Womack, and Neil Young
January 16, 1957 ~ Conductor Arturo Toscanini passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most beloved musicians of the late 19th century, early 20th century. Household name in America, known for popularizing operatic and symphonic repertoire. Worked with La Scala, the New York Philharmonic, and the NBC Symphony Orchestra ~ Toscanini was born in 1867
January 16, 1957 ~ Rock & roll singer, pianist Little Richard records Keep A Knockin' (But You Can't Come In) ~ The origins of the song probably date back to the late 1920s, a well known version titled Keep Knockin' An' You Can't Get In recorded in 1928 by blues singer James Boodle It Wiggins. Variations have also been recorded by Lil Johnson in 1935, Milton Brown in 1936, and Louis Jordan in 1939. Little Richard's version, an uptempo rock & roll song, would reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts. It would be widely regarded as one of the songs that defined rock & roll. Musicians on the original Richard 1957 recording include Wilbert Smith, Grady Gaines, Clifford Burks, and Samuel Parker on saxophones, Nathaniel Douglas on guitar, Olsie Robinson on bass, Charles Connor on drums
January 16, 1956 ~ Andrew McArthur Smith, commonly known as new wave, rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Greedy Smith, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Joined Mental As Anything shortly after its formation in 1976 and remained with the band until his death. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Live It Up, a top 10 hit in the band's native Australia as well as across Europe after its inclusion in the film Crocodile Dundee. Smith has also worked with Greedy's People and with the Space Shuttle Ramblers ~ Smith passed away in 2019January 16, 1955 ~ Guitarist, singer, producer, songwriter David Malachowski, full name David Frank Malachowski, born in Chenectady, New York, USA ~ Worked with Reckless, the Greg Austin Band, Janie Fricke, Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen, Shania Twain, Savoy Brown, Garth Hudson, Phoebe Legere, Mechanical Bull, Genya Ravan, Anthony Rapp, and Daphne Rubin Vega ~ Malachowski passed away in 2022
January 16, 1955 ~ Hard rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Dean Fasano born in Mountainside, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer of the short-lived early 1980s rock band Message, which also included Richie Sambora and Alec John Such. The band disbanded in 1983 with Sambora and Such recruited by Jon Bon Jovi. Fasano would go on to found and front Prophet ~ Fasano passed away in 2009
January 16, 1951 ~ Oswald Hibbert, commonly known as reggae organist, pianist, keyboardist Ossie Hibbert, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Active since the mid 1970s. Member of the Professionals, the Aggrovators, the Revolutionaries. Sessioned for artists such as Johnny Clarke, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy London, Delroy Wilson, Linval Thompson. As a solo artist known for two 1970s albums, 1976's Crueshal Dub and 1978's Satisfaction In Dub. Served as producer for Freddie McKay, Dillinger, Carlene Davis, Pat Kelly, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Errol Dunkley, Peter Hunnigale, the Wailing Souls ~ Hibbert passed away in 2012
January 16, 1950 ~ Hard rock, glam rock, pop rock guitarist, producer Bob Kulick, full name Robert Joel Kulick, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Brother of Kiss guitarist Bruce Kolick. Worked with the Random Blues Band, Hookfoot, Michael Wendroff, Lou Reed, Balance, Meat Loaf, Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, WASP, the Skull, Blackthorne, Murderer's Row, Doro, Tim Ripper Owens, Michael Bolton, Motörhead, Tim Curry, Alice Cooper, Mark Farmer, Janis Ian, Was (Not Was), Kris Hadlock, Spys, and David Glen Eisley ~ Kulick passed away in 2020
January 16, 1950 ~ Kenji Suzuki, commonly known as krautrock, experimental rock singer Damo Suzuki, born in Kobe, Japan ~ Though his tenure with Krautrock pioneers Can was brief, it is generally considered the band's most important period. Busking outside a Hamburg cafe, he was spotted by bassist Holger Czukay and drummer Jaki Liebezeit who invited him to join the band. Suzuki gave his first performance with the band that same day, and would sing lead vocals on the albums Tago Mago, Ege Bamyasi, and Future Days. As a solo artist, Suzuki is most acclaimed for his 1998 Seattle live double album. Suzuki has been cited as an influence by Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Geoff Barrow of Portishead, and the band Spoon, who took their name from a Can song. Pavement's Stephen Malkmus has been quoted as saying: “I played Can's Ege Bamyasi album every night before I went to sleep for about three years.” ~ Suzuki passed away in 2024
January 16, 1949 ~ Bluegrass banjoist Tony Trischka, full name Anthony Cattell Trischka, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the most influential banjoists in progressive bluegrass. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist. Especially acclaimed for the 1992 Solo Banjo Works album, a collaborative effort with Béla Fleck, and for his 2008 Territory solo album. Closely associated with Skyline, Psychograss, and the Wayfaring Strangers. Has also appeared on albums by Country Cooking, David Grisman, Pete Wernick, Hazel Dickens, Peter Rowan, Violent Femmes, Alison Krauss, and Eugene Chadbourne
January 16, 1947 ~ James Pinkard, commonly known as bassist, singer Sandy Pinkard, born in Abbeville, Louisiana, USA ~ Half of Pinkard & Bowden, the other half being Richard Bowden. Pinkard also has written hits for Mel Tillis, Anne Murray, and Vern Gosdin. Played in a Dixieland high school band, together with childhood friend and then future the Eagles singer Don Henley. Pinkard & Bowden has often been compared to Homer & Jethro, who also mixed musical parody and original songs, yet their material was often considered to be profane and they were actually the first country comedy act to have explicit content warning on its albumsJanuary 16, 1946 ~ Michael Wells, commonly known as jazz drummer Spike Wells, born in Turnbridge, UK ~ Influenced by Miles Davis-drummers Tony Williams and Philly Joe Jones, also receiving some tutoring from the latter. Collaborated with Pat Crumly, Brian Priestley, Ron Mathewson, Ray Warleigh, Chris Pyne, Mick Pyne, Tubby Hayes, Humphrey Lyttelton, Stan Getz, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Art Farmer, Johnny Griffin, James Moody, Alan Barnes, Ian Maher, John Horler, and Gwilym Simcock
January 16, 1944 ~ R&B singer Katherine Anderson, full name Katherine Elaine Anderson, born ~ Co-founding and constant member of the Marvelettes, one of the seminal 1960s girl groups known for the hits Please Mr Postman, Playboy, and Don't Mess With Bill, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Beechwood 4-5789, Someday Someway, Strange I Know, As Long As He's Mine, Too Many Fish In The Sea, The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, When You're Young And In Love, and My Baby Must Be A Magician would all reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 Anderson retired from music ~ Anderson passed away in 2023January 16, 1944 ~ Patrinell Wright, commonly known as choir leader, singer, pastor Pat Wright, born in Carthage, Texas, USA ~ Led the Total Experience Gospel Choir from its inception in 1973 until its disbandement in 2018. The choir has toured extensively throughout well over a dozen countries, and performed at the funeral of Jimi Hendrix, as well as for presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama ~ Wright passed away in 2022
January 16, 1943 ~ Avant-garde jazz, chamber music, classical, pop double bassist Gavin Bryars, full name Richard Gavin Bryars, born in Goole, UK ~ First gained attention as bassist of jazz, free improvisation outfit the Joseph Holbrooke Trio alongside guitarist Derek Bailey and drummer Tony Oxley. Founding member of the Portsmouth Sinfonia. As a composer best known for his 1969 composition The Sinking Of The Titanic, and When Harry Met Addie, a tribute to singer Adelaide Hall and saxophonist Harry Carney premiered in 1999. Has also written operas, string quartets, vocal and choral music
January 16, 1943 ~ Country, country-pop pianist, singer, songwriter Ronnie Milsap, full name Ronnie Lee Milsap, born in Robbinsville, North Carolina, USA ~ One of the most popular performers in country, crossover country during the 1970s and 1980s. Relocated to Nashville at the urging of Charley Pride, who encouraged him to change course and focus on country. Broke through with the 1973 single I Hate You, reaching the top 10 of the country charts. Known for songs such as Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends, It Was Almost Like A Song, What A Difference You've Made In My Life, Only One Love In My Life, Smoky Mountain Rain, (There's) No Gettin' Over Me, I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World, Any Day Now, He Got You and Don't You Know How Much I Love You, all of which would top Billboard's country charts
January 16, 1942 ~ Barbara Lynn Ozen, commonly known as electric blues, R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Barbara Lynn born in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her debut single You'll Lose A Good Thing, co-written by Huey P Meaux, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1962 later covered by Aretha Franklin as well as by country singer Freddy Fender. Another of Lynn's songs, 1964's Oh Baby We've Got A Good Thing Goin', would be covered by the Rolling Stones on their 1965 The Rolling Stones Now album
January 16, 1941 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion, rock drummer Aldo Romano born in Belluno, Italy ~ Actively recording as a leader since the late 1970s. Worked with Don Cherry, Steve Lacy, Dexter Gordon, Michel Petrucciani, Gordon Beck, Paolo Damiani, Michel Graillier, Rolf Kühn, Joachim Kühn, Enrico Rava, and Louis SclavisJanuary 16, 1941 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Mike Waterson born in Hull, UK ~ Best known as member of family outfit the Watersons, which also included his sisters Lal Waterson and Norma Waterson and brother-in-law Martin Carthy. Also worked with Albion Country Band on the album No Roses. Member of Blue Murder ~ Waterson passed away in 2011
January 16, 1940 ~ Salsa percussionist, bandleader Roberto Roena, full name Roberto Roena Vázquez, born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico ~ Original member of Cortijo & su Combo. Member of El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico. Formed and led El Apollo Sound since 1969, known for songs such as Y Tu Loco Loco, Traicion, Que Se Sepa and Herencia Rumbero and generally considered one of the premier salsa bands in Puerto Rico. Also known for his long-standing association with salsa supergroup the Fania All-Stars ~ Roena passed away in 2021
January 16, 1937 ~ Jacoba Adriana Hollestelle, commonly known as pop singer Conny Vandenbos, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known for songs such as Ik Ben Gelukkig Zonder Jou, Paleis Met De Gouden Muren, Sjakie Van De Hoek and perhaps her best known Een Roosje Mijn Roosje ~ Hollestelle passed away in 2002
January 16, 1934 ~ Surf guitarist, bassist Bob Bogle, full name Robert Lenard Bogle, born near Wagoner, Oklahoma, USA ~ Co-founded surf group the Ventures with Don Wilson. Initially the group's lead guitarist, perhaps most notably on their hit Walk Don't Run, later served as bassist ~ Bogle passed away in 2009January 16, 1934 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Had her breakthrough when she was discovered by Igor Stravinsky. Would go on to sing with the Gelsenkirchen Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the Metropolitan Opera. Horne was married to conductor Henry Lewis from 1960 until 1979
January 16, 1934 ~ Composer, pianist Richard Wernick born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Began his musical studies at age 11 on the piano, and would be introduced to Harvard University professor Irving Fine who took the teen under his wing. Wernick would go on to study with Harold Shapero, Arthur Berger, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and Seymour Lipkin. Wernick himself would later teach at SUNY Buffalo, the University of Chicago, and the University of Philadelphia. As a composer, Wernick is perhaps best known for Visions Of Terror And Wonder, which earned him a Pullitzer Prize for Music in 1977. Wernick has described his style as one that attempts to find common ground with an audience: “My expectation is that I'm not writing down to an audience, but I'm not trying to write above their heads. I'm not writing to an audience which is illiterate and I'm not writing to an audience which is technically educated in music, but I do write for an audience that I assume has experience in listening to music and is willing to at least meet me halfway. So I'll go halfway to meet them” ~ Wernick passed away in 2025