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.
July 22, 1968 ~ Trumpeter Miles Davis releases Miles In The Sky, the last album with a line-up known as Davis's second great quintet ~ The album's title a nod to the Beatles 1967 song Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Miles In The Sky was the last in a series starting with 1965's ESP recorded entirely with a line-up known as Miles Davis' second great quintet, featuring saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Tony Williams, before entering his electric period, starting with the acclaimed transitional Filles de Kilimanjaro album released by the end of the year
July 22, 1965 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock, power metal singer Russ North born in Benchill, UK ~ Member of Tredegar, present on the band's eponymous Tredegar album. When bassist Andy Wood joined Cloven Hoof in 1986, North soon followed. North recorded two albums with the band, Dominator and A Sultan's Random before the band folded in 1990. North has since worked with Monza, and notably auditioned for the vacant spot of lead singer in Iron Maiden following the departure of Bruce Dickinson in 1993, but lost out to Blaze Bayley ~ North passed away in 2025
July 22, 1964 ~ Drummer Will Calhoun born in New York, New York, USA ~ Drummer for Living Colour, with whom he recorded half a dozen albums. The band is best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 single Cult Of Personality of their 1988 Vivid debut album. Calhoun has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Housework released in 1995, was a co-founding member of drum and bass trio Jungle Funk, and is an in-demand sideman for a wide array of artists including BB King, Nona Hendryx, Caron Wheeler, Marcus Miller, the Syndicate Of Soul, Zachary Breaux, Wayne Shorter (High Life), Mos Def, and Bernard Fowler
July 22, 1962 ~ Engineer, producer Steve Albini born in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Hugely influential and in-demand engineer and producer, having worked on over an estimated 1,000 albums since the 1980s. In his mid-teens a schoolmate introduced him to the music of the Ramones, and Albini credits his music career to hearing their first album. Albini has produced and engineered albums for artists such as Urge Overkill, the Pixies (Surfer Rosa), the Jesus Lizard, the Breeders, the Volcano Suns, Jon Spencer, PJ Harvey (Rid Of Me), Pigface, Nirvana (In Utero), Brise-Glace, Palace, Bush, Veruca Salt, the Bollweevils, Robbie Fulks, Mogwai, Leftöver Crack, the Sadies, and Jarvis Cocker. Although primarily known as a producer and engineer, Albini has also played guitar, bass, and drums in several bands, including Big Black, Rapeman, Flour, and Shellac ~ Albini passed away in 2024
July 22, 1961 ~ Singer Keith Sweat born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the earliest stars in the new jack swing genre. Released his Make It Last Forever debut album in 1987. Would regularly reach the higher echelons of the charts through the end of the century. Known for songs such as I Want Her, Make You Sweat, I'll Give My Love To You, Twisted featuring Kut Klose & Pretty Russ, Nobody featuring Athena Cage, Come And Get With Me featuring Snoop Dogg. Member of R&B supergroup LSG alongside Johnny Gill and Eddie Levert, known for their 1997 hit My Body. Served as producer for Men At Large, Dru Hill, the Isley Brothers, Immature, the O'Jays, and for Chantay SavageJuly 22, 1960 ~ Heavy metal, progressive metal guitarist, keyboardist, singer Jon Oliva, full name John Nicholas Oliva, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Keyboardist, lead singer of Savatage, which he co-founded with his brother Criss Oliva. Also worked with Doctor Butcher, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Seven Witches, Chris Caffery, Avantasia, Neverland, Elvenking, Circle II Circle, and Dawn Of Destiny
July 22, 1959 ~ Keyboardist Paul Antonelli born in Brighton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Rose to fame with the 1980s bands Red Zone and its successor Animotion, the latter known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Obsession and Room To Move. Has subsequently worked with Radio Werewolf and as composer, musical director for film and TV, notably on The Beautiful Prince feature film and soap operas such as General Hospital, Santa Barbara, and All My Children
July 22, 1955 ~ Jazz guitarist Joshua Breakstone born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA ~ Bop-based guitarist, influenced by Charlie Parker and Lee Morgan, studied with Sal Salvador. Toured and first recorded with Glen Hall. As a leader, Breakstone recorded well over a dozen album since the early 1980s, usually in smaller ensembles such as trios or quartets, working with sidemen such as Barry Harris, Kenny Barron, Tommy Flanagan, Earl Sauls, and Keith Copeland. Noted specifically for the albums Self-Portrait In Swing and Evening Star. To pop audiences, Breakstone is perhaps best known for his jazz renditions of songs originally by the Ventures, the Shadows, and notably two albums of songs by the Beatles. Breakstone also co-wrote Shadow, recorded by British R&B, pop singer Alexandra Burke in 2018
July 22, 1955 ~ Jazz saxophonist Rich Perry born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Some two dozen albums to his name as a leader starting in the early 1990s, noted especially for To Start Again and Rhapsody, the latter a collaborative effort with pianist Harold Danko. Active since the mid 1970s, notably as a touring member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra and subsequently with Thad Jones and Mel Lewis. Considered an superb tenor saxophonist, Perry has also appeared on albums by David Lahm, Marianne Faithfull (Strange Weather), Fred Hersch, Maria Schneider (Evanescence), David Leonhardt, Stefan Karlsson (Below Zero), Nora York, Paul Bley, George Mraz, Jon Burr, Joe Henderson, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, John Fedchock (On The Edge), Ron McClure, Andy Laverne, and Rufus Reid
July 22, 1954 ~ Guitarist Al di Meola, full name Albert di Meola, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Noted for his mastery, di Meola draws from jazz fusion, flamenco, blues, rock, and Mediteranean music, later also venturing into world fusion. Cites jazz guitarists such as George Benson and Kenny Burrell, as well as country guitarists Clarence White and Doc Watson, as major influences. First gained attention in the mid 1970s as member of Return To Forever, with whom he recorded the albums Where Have I Known You Before, No Mystery, and Romantic Warrior. After the band disbanded, di Meola embarked on a solo career with over two dozen albums since. Especially his 1970s, early 1980s albums, including Elegant Gypsy, Casino, and Splendido Hotel, would prove hugely influential and are considered some of the finest jazz fusion recordings of the era. Di Meola has also notably collaborated with guitarists John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia, culminating in the trio's acclaimed Friday Night In San Francisco album, and has guested on albums by Stomu Yamashta, Chick Corea, Paul Simon (Hearts And Bones), Stanley Jordan, David Broza, and Luciano PavarottiJuly 22, 1954 ~ Free jazz trombonist Johannes Bauer born in Halle, West Germany ~ Brother of trombonist Conny Bauer, with whom he also worked. Also worked with Manfred Schulze, Uwe Kropinski, Helmut Sachse, Jon Rose, Peter Holliinger, Dietmar Diesnen, Thomas Lehn, Ken Vandermark, and Peter Brötzmann ~ Bauer passed away in 2016
July 22, 1951 ~ Rock, country guitarist, ukulele player Richard Bennett born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Closely associated with Neil Diamond, backing Diamond on stage for over 15 years. Plays the lead guitar on Let Your Love Flow, a 1975 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for the Bellamy Brothers. Member of Rodney Crowell's road band the Notorious Cherry Bombs. Co-produced Steve Earle's Guitar Town debut album and its follow-up Exit 0. Co-wrote Earle's Copperhead Road. An in-demand session guitarist, Bennett has appeared on albums by Mark Knopfler, Billy Joel (Piano Man), Barbra Streisand, the Four Tops, Alex Harvey, Chuck Jackson, T-Bone Walker, Lobo, Ringo Starr, Flashback, Helen Reddy, Rosanne Cash, George Strait, Nicolette Larson, Lyle Lovett (Lyle Lovett & his Large Band), Alabama, Joan Baez, Hal Ketchum, Vince Gill (Pocket Full Of Gold), Matraca Berg, Emmylou Harris (Wrecking Ball), Allison Moorer, Trisha Yearwood, Miranda Lambert, and Sheryl Crow
July 22, 1947 ~ Rock, folk rock, soft rock, pop rock singer, drummer, songwriter Don Henley, full name Donald Hugh Henley, born in Gilmer, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Eagles. Sang lead on some of the band's best known including Witchy Woman, Desperado, The Best Of My Love, One Of These Nights, Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane, The Long Run and Get Over It. After the band folded, Henley embarked on a solo career, noted most for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Dirty Laundry, The Boys Of Summer, All She Wants To Do Is Dance, Who Owns This Place and The End Of InnocenceJuly 22, 1944 ~ Pop rock, art rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Rick Davies born in Swindon, UK ~ Sole constant member of Supertramp. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best known including Rudy, Bloody Well Right, Crime Of The Century, Goodbye Stranger, Just Another Nervous Wreck, Cannonball and I'm Beggin' You ~ Davies passed away in 2025
July 22, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor Bobby Sherman, full name Robert Cabot Sherman Jr, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Got his start in music when he was cast in the ABC rock and roll variety show Shindig in the mid 1960s and the squeaky clean shaggy-haired singer and actor quickly became one of the era's most endearing teen idols. Sherman would record well over a dozen albums through the mid 1970s, and regularly reached the charts with over half a dozen of his singles reaching gold status. The singles Little Woman, La La La (If I Had You), Easy Come Easy Go, and Julie Do Ya Love Me would all reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. During his heyday, Sherman appeared in numerous TV shows including Here Comes The Bride, Honey West, The Monkees, The Partridge Family, and several musical variety shows, and at some point was the most popular entertainer on ABC, receiving more fanmail than any other performer. Sherman retired from music in the 1970s for a career as a paramedic and a deputy sheriff and trainer with the LAPD, but into the 1990s on occassion would perform on stage, TV, and in films. Upon his passing, Sherman's wife Brigette Poublon Sherman issued a statement which among others read: “He was a man of service. He traded sold-out concerts and magazine covers for the back of an ambulance, becoming an EMT and a trainer with the LAPD. He saved lives. He showed us what real heroism looks like; quiet, selfless, and deeply human” ~ Sherman passed away in 2025July 22, 1943 ~ Rock, new wave guitarist, keyboardist, saxophonist, songwriter Hans Wärmling, full name Hans Axel Wärmling, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Early member of the Stranglers. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Wasted, My Young Dreams and Strange Little Girl, the latter later notably covered by Tori Amos. Left the band in 1975, replaced by Dave Greenfield ~ Wärmling passed away in 1995
July 22, 1940 ~ Singer, bandleader, songwriter George Clinton, full name George Edward Clinton, born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA ~ Along with James Brown and Sly Stone considered one of the most important and influential pioneers in funk music. Active since the 1950s leading bands such as the Parliaments, Parliament, Funkadelic and P-Funk. Known for songs such as Maggot Brain, Up For The Down Stroke, Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker), Mothership Connection (Star Child), Funkentelechy and One Nation Under A GrooveJuly 22, 1940 ~ Thomas Wayne Perkins, commonly known as singer Thomas Wayne, born in Batesville, Mississippi, USA ~ Brother of Johnny Cash guitarist Luther Perkins. Released a number of singles starting in 1958, including This Time which would later be a hit for Troy Shondell. Best known for his sole Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, 1959's Tragedy produced by Elvis Presley guitarist Scotty Moore reaching the No.5 spot, released under the moniker Thomas Wayne with the DeLons. Perkins has also worked as a sound engineer before passing away at age 31 in a car crash ~ Perkins passed away in 1971
July 22, 1937 ~ R&B singer Chuck Jackson born in Winston-Salem, South Carolina, USA ~ Scored a string of 1960s Billboard R&B hits including I Don't Want To Cry, I Wake Up Crying, Tell Him I'm Not Home, Beg Me, and his signature song and biggest hit Any Day Now. The latter, an original hit for Jackson in 1962, was one of the first successes for songwriter Burt Bacharach co-written with Bob Hilliard, covered by over 50 artists including Tom Jones, Carla Thomas, Percy Sledge, Elvis Presley, and James Brown. Previously Jackson had sung with the Del Vikings, singing lead on the 1957 Willette single ~ Jackson passed away in 2023
July 22, 1936 ~ Jazz pianist, organist Don Patterson born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Influenced by Erroll Garner and Jimmy Smith. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, especially noted for the mid 1960s albums Holiday Soul and The Exciting New Organ Of Don Patterson, the latter featuring Booker Ervin. Regularly collaborated with Sonny Stitt, including on the highly acclaimed Soul People album. Other notable collaborations include Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eric Kloss, and Lou Donaldson. His struggles with substance addiction would seriously hinder his career in the 1970s, yet Patterson continued to record from time to time ~ Patterson passed away in 1988July 22, 1934 ~ Herman Cook, commonly known as hard bop tenor saxophonist Junior Cook born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with Horace Silver. Also worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, George Coleman, Louis Hayes, Bill Hardman, McCoy Tyner, Clifford Jordan, Kenny Burrell, Cedar Walton, Louis Hayes, Larry Gales, and Bertha Hope ~ Cook passed away in 1992
July 22, 1933 ~ Actress, blues, jazz singer Bertice Reading born in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ First gained attention portraying blues singer Bessie Smith in the 1955 all-black revue The Jazz Train with performances in Paris and London. Earned a Tony Award for her role as nurse in the 1957 Broadway production of Requiem For A Nun ~ Reading passed away in 1991July 22, 1930 ~ Bassist, guitarist Ray Pohlman, full name Merlyn Ray Pohlman, born in Baker Township, Iowa, USA ~ Musical director for the Shindogs, the house band for the TV show Shindig. In-demand session musician present on hundreds of 1950s and 1960s recordings, including songs such as Bring It On Home To Me by Sam Cooke, Be My Baby by the Ronettes, and Help Me Rhonda, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows by the Beach Boys ~ Pohlman passed away in 1990
July 22, 1928 ~ William Thomas Betts, commonly known as jazz, R&B double bassist Keter Betts, born in Port Chester, New York, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Charlie Byrd, notably on the Stan Getz & Byrd album Jazz Samba, and with Ella Fitzgerald. Also worked with Earl Bostic, Dinah Washington, Bobby Timmons, Roberta Flack, Johnny Hartman, Kenny Burrell, Herbie Mann, Billy Eckstine, Clifford Brown, Tommy Flanagan, Etta Jones, Junior Mance, Louie Bellson, and Red Holloway ~ Betts passed away in 2005
July 22, 1924 ~ Saxophonist Bill Perkins, William Reese Perkins, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Revered West Coast, cool jazz saxophonist. Worked with Woody Herman, Jerry Wald, Stan Kenton, Art Pepper, Bud Shank, Al Cohn, Richie Kamuca, Art Pepper, Frank Strazzeri, Shorty Rogers, Pepper Adams, Pete Candoli, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Chet Baker, Louie Bellson, Nat King Cole (on the quintessential 1965 L-O-V-E album), Clifford Coultier, Clare Fischer, Dizzy Gillespie, Barney Kessel, John Lewis, Carmen McRae, Conte Candoli, André Previn, Lalo Schifrin, Gerald Wilson, and two decades with the Tonight Show Band starting in 1970 ~ Perkins passed away in 2003
July 22, 1924 ~ Singer Margaret Whiting, full name Margaret Eleanor Whiting, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Popular 1940s, 1950s pop, country singer known for recordings such as That Old Black Magic, It Might As Well Be Spring, All Through The Day, A Tree In The Meadow, and Wheel Of Hurt. Daughter of songwriter, composer Richard Whiting, sister of actress, singer Barbara Whiting. Worked with Freddie Slack, Billy Butterfield, Paul Weston, Jimmy Wakely, Johnny Mercer, Bob Hope, Buddy Bregman, Frank Devol, Russell Garcia, Johnny Mandel, Billy May, Marty Paich, Nelson Riddle, and Pete Rugolo ~ Whiting passed away in 2011