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 6, 1980 ~ Rapper Joell Ortiz, full name Joell Christopher Ortiz, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, The Brick (Bodega Chronicles), in 2007 and has recorded steadily since. Has collaborated with Showbiz, the Alchemist, Domingo, Lil' Fame, Big Daddy Kane, Styles P, Big Noyd, Akon, Ras Kass, Pharoahe Monch, BoB, Joe Budden, Crooked I, Maino, Slaughterhouse, Illmind, and Apollo Brown
July 6, 1979 ~ Singer, songwriter Nic Cester, full name Nichola John Cester, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Frontman of Australian 1990s. 2000s rock band Jet, which also includes his brother Chris Cester, known for songs such as Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Look What You've Done, Cold Hard Bitch and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. Also co-founded supergroup the Wrights and worked with Muse and the Jaded Hearts Club
July 6, 1979 ~ Songwriter, producer, singer Van McCoy, full name Van Allen Clinton McCoy, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1975 disco hit The Hustle. Mostly active behind the scenes, producing and writing songs for artists such as Gladys Knight (Giving Up), the Stylistics, Betty Everett (Getting Mighty Crowded), Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Peaches & Herb, Sandi Sheldon, Jackie Wilson (I Get The Sweetest Feeling), Lesley Gore, Stacy Lattisaw, Presidents, Chris Bartley, Ruby & the Romantics (When You're Young And In Love), and Melba Moore ~ McCoy was born in 1940
July 6, 1975 ~ Curtis James Jackson III, commonly known as rapper, producer 50 Cent, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Former crack dealer, at age 12, escaped the ghetto to become one of raps'best-selling artists. Discovered by Eminem who, along with Dr Dre released his break-out album 2003's Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. Known for songs such as In Da Club, Candy Shop, and Ayo Technology. De facto leads G-Unit which also included Tony Yayo and the Game. Has collaborated with Onyx, Lil' Kim, Mobb Deep, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Olivia, Ciara, Shawty Lo, Mase, and 2 ChainzJuly 6, 1973 ~ Orchestral conductor, composer Otto Klemperer, full name Otto Nossan Klemperer, passed away in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Regarded as one of the premier conductors of his day. Of Jewish descent fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Has Worked with the Strasbourg Opera, the Cologne Opera, the Kroll Opera and the Los Angeles Philharmonic ~ Klemperer was born in 1885
July 6, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Banks, full name Paul Adrian Banks, born in York, UK ~ Lead guitarist of Shed Seven from 1993 through 1999. Co-wrote several of the band's bestr-known including Chasing Rainbows, Going For Gold and She Left Me On Friday, Has also worked with the Rising, and Albion
July 6, 1971 ~ Trumpeter, singer Louis Armstrong passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Among the most influential figures in jazz. Known for songs such as What A Wonderful World, Ain't Misbehaving, You Rascal You, Stomping At The Savoy, About Time, and Hello Dolly. Worked with King Oliver, the Creole Jazz Band, Kid Ory, Fletcher Henderson, Clarence Williams, Sidney Bechet, Alberta Hunter, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Johnny Dodds, Erskine Tate, Lil' Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Jack Teagarden, Earl Hines, Barney Bigard, Edmond Hall, Trummy Young, Arvell Shaw, Billy Kyle, Marty Napoleon, Big Sid Catlett, Cozy Cole, Tyree Glenn, Barrett Deems, Mort Herbert, Joe Darensbourg, Eddie Shu, and Danny Barcelona ~ Armstrong was born in 1901July 6, 1970 ~ Metal, hard rock singer David Readman born in Burnley, UK ~ Best known as member of hard rock band Pink Cream 69 and of progressive metal band Adagio. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of the Voodoo Circle, Room Experience, Almanac, Tank, Pendulum Of Fortune, Misha Calvin, DC Cooper, Silent Force, Missa Mercuria, Place Vendome, Thomas Zwijssen, and Luca Turilli
July 6, 1970 ~ Jason Richard Hunter, commonly known as rapper Inspectah Deck, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Co-wrote several of the band's well known tracks such as CREAM, Protect Ya Neck, Da Mystery Of Chessboxin' and Triumph. Appeared on several of his bandmates' solo albums, notably Method Man's Tical, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Linx and Ghostface Killah's Ironman. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1999's Uncontrolled Substance, and collaborated with Tupac Shakur, Czarface, Big Pun, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Kool G Rap, and Sheek LouchJuly 6, 1970 ~ Christian rock singer, guitarist Martin Smith, full naem Martin James Smith, born in Woodford, UK ~ Frontman of Christian rock band Delirious, known for songs such as Deeper, Promise, See The Star and History Maker. Would resume his solo career after the band disbanded in 2009. Has collaborated with Amy Grant, Hillsong, André Valadão, Stu G, Matt Redman, Michael W Smith, Jars Of Clay, and Israel Houghton
July 6, 1970 ~ Roger Marcel Cicero Ciceu, commonly known as jazz and pop singer Roger Cicero, born in Berlin, West Germany ~ Son of jazz pianist Eugen Cicero, with whom he also worked. Opened for Helen Vita at age 11. Debuted on TV aged 16 teaming up with the RIAS Tanzorkester under the direction of Horst Jankowski. Also worked with de Jazzkantine, Soulounge, and Julia Hülsmann. Represented Germany at 2007's edition of Eurovision Songfestival, ranking 19th with the song Frauen Regiern Die Welt ~ Ciceu passed away in 2016
July 6, 1969 ~ Andrea Meyer, commonly known as singer, actress, model, writer Andrea Haugen, born in Hanover, Germany ~ Influenced by the Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush and Gregorian chants. Formerly married to black metal guitarist Samoth, with whom she had one daughter. Recorded under numerous monikers, most notably Nebelhexë in the 2000s. Guested on Cradle Of Filth's 1994 The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh and Satyricon's Nemesis Divina. Also known as a poet and author, writing horror and satire film script, non-fiction and social commentary published in alternative magazines and tabloids. Shot and killed alongside four others in a random spree killing ~ Meyer passed away in 2021
July 6, 1967 ~ Heather Allison Frith, commonly known as alternative rock, indie rock, folk rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Heather Nova, born in Bermuda ~ Sister of reggae singer Mishka. Praised for her dreamy melodies and esoteric vocals, reminiscent of her childhood idol Kate Bush. Debuted in 1993 with the critically acclaimed Glow Stars album and broke through with her sophomore Oyster album the following year. Best known for songs such as Walk This World, London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do) and I'm No Angel. Nova has recorded consistently since, and remains popular across continental Europe where she enjoys a devoted fanbase
July 6, 1965 ~ Jazz saxophonist Yuri Honing born in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Active since the mid 1990s with some dozen albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, usually in smaller ensembles such as trios or quartets. Especially acclaimed for the 2001 Seven album, featuring pianist Paul Bley, double bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Paul Motian. Also noted for the 1998 collaborative Playing album with avant-garde, free jazz icon Misha Mengelberg and the 2000 Lively album with Mengelberg and cellist Ernst Reijseger. Other notable associations include Michiel Borstlap, Tony Overwater, Rima Khcheich, and Erik Bosgraaf
July 6, 1964 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion trumpeter, flugelhornist Ken Watters, full name Kenneth Waters, born ~ Influenced by Tim Hagans and Woody Shaw. Brother of trombonist Harry Watters, with whom he has collaborated on several albums starting with Brothers released in 1999. Also specifically noted for the 2010 collaborative Riyel album with Andre Atkins and Yves Abel. An in-demand sideman, particularly on the New York jazz scene, Watters has also appeared on albums by Tabou Combo, Spoonful James, Clarence Carter, Sophia Darcell, Natalie Cole, Danny Brooks, Bonnie Bramlett, and Willie HightowerJuly 6, 1963 ~ Stuart David Garrard, commonly known as alternative rock, Christian rock guitarist, singer Stu G, born ~ Lead guitarist of Delirious, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Come Like You Promise, Metamorphis and Majesty (Here I Am). Has also recorded as a solo artist as well as with Treasure Park and One Sonic Society
July 6, 1961 ~ Pop, pop rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Rick Price, full name Rick Allan Price, born in Brisbane, Australia ~ Released his Heaven Knows debut album in 1992 . Known for songs such as Not A Day Goes By and River Of Love. Has collaborated with Tina Arena, Tommy Emmanuel, Mitch Grainger, Jack Jones, and Regina Velasquez. As a producer known for his work with Girlfriend and with Dami Im
July 6, 1961 ~ Double bassist Scott LaFaro, full name Rocco Scott LaFaro, passed away in Seneca, New York, USA ~ Despite a relatively short career, cut short by a traffic accident at age 25, one of most influential jazz bassists on par with Charlie Haden and Charles Mingus. Praised for his countermelodic style of accompaniment and his practically unmatched virtuosity. Best known for his association with pianist Bill Evans, including on the highly acclaimed Sunday At The Village Vanguard album recorded live less than two weeks before his death. Has also appeared on albums by Hampton Hawes (For Real), Buddy DeFranco, Victor Feldman (Latinsville), Tony Scott, Booker Little, and Ornette Coleman (Free Jazz) ~ LaFaro was born in 1936
July 6, 1956 ~ Country, pop, rock, gypsy jazz guitarist John Jorgenson, full name John Richard Jorgenson, born in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Member of the Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters. Best known as guitarist, yet plays several instruments including mandolin, piano, upright bass, clarinet, saxophone. Well over half a dozen albums as a solo artistIn-demand collaborator, has worked with Tommy Emmanuel, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Barbra Streisand, Roy Orbison, Patty Loveless, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Chesney, Rodney Crowell, Chad Brock, Lisa Brokop, Brooks & Dunn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Peter Frampton, Amy Grant, Highway 101, Elton John, Chris LeDoux, LeAnn Rimes, JD Souther, Trisha Yearwood, and Chely Wright
July 6, 1955 ~ Smooth jazz, jazz fusion, pop trumpeter, singer, producer, songwriter Rick Braun born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Chet Baker, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Alpert. Co-wrote REO Speedwagon's Here With Me. In-demand session musician, worked with Crowded House, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner. Actively recording as a solo artist since the early 1990s. Best known for his 2001 Kisses In The Rain and 2007 R 'n R albums
July 6, 1953 ~ Folk, country folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Nanci Griffith, full name Nanci Caroline Griffith born in Seguin, Texas, USA ~ Actively recording since the late 1970s. Best known for a number of 1990s albums, notably 1993's Other Voices Other Rooms and 1994's Flyer. First to record From A Distance, later popularized by Bette Midler. Similarly, Griffith wrote or co-wrote and first recorded songs later hits for others such as Love At The Five And Dime which was covered by Kathy Mattea and Outbound Plane which would later be one of Suzy Bogguss' biggest hits ~ Griffith passed away in 2021July 6, 1952 ~ Bassist John Bazz born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Along with Phil Alvin the only constant member of roots rock, rock & roll band the Blasters known for songs such as Dark Knight, So Long Baby Goodbye and Long White Cadillac. Has also collaborated with artists such as Charlie Musselwhite, Marc Ford, Mike Eldred, Top Jimmy, Ryan Bingham, and Lynwood Slim
July 6, 1950 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Jeff Williams, full name Jeffrey Lawrence Williams, born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Marc Copland, Lee Konitz, Stan Getz, the Lookout Farm, Richie Beirach, Interplay, the Circadian Rhythms, Left Handed Compliment, Dave Liebman, Paul Bley, and Point Blank
July 6, 1949 ~ Drummer Michael Shrieve born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as member of Santana from 1969 through 1974 appearing on a number of the band's best known albums including the 1970 Abraxas breakthrough album. Has also drummed with Automatic Man, Go, Pat Travers, Klaus Schulze, Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve, Steve Roach, and Revolution Void
July 6, 1949 ~ Pop, R&B singer Phyllis Hyman, full name Phyllis Linda Hyman, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known for songs such as You Know How To Love Me, Living All Alone, Don't Wanna Change The World. Nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the early 1980s Broadway-production of Sophisticated Ladies, a musical based on the music of Duke Ellington ~ Hyman passed away in 1995