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.
March 31, 1946 ~ Guitarist, percussionist, singer Al Nichol born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ Original member of the Turtles, known for a string of mid- to late 1960s recordings including the Billboard top 10 hits Happy Together, She'd Rather Be With Me and Elenore
March 31, 1945 ~ Folk singer Heather Wood, full name Arielle Heather Wood, born in Attercliffe, UK ~ Member of the Young Tradition alongside Peter Bellamy and Royston Wood, no relation. The trio recorded three albums through the late 1960s, The Young Tradition, So Cheerfully Round, and Galleries, and unlike other British folk outfits of the era are known for their traditional material and stripped down sound. The group would split in 1969 over artistic differences, with Bellamy wanting to pursue pure traditional music. Heather and Royston continued to work together, the duo especially known for their aptly titled 1977 No Relation album ~ Wood passed away in 2024
March 31, 1944 ~ Soul, gospel singer Alfons Wielingen born in Paramaribo, Suriname ~ Rooted in church choirs from an early age. Influenced by American soul singers such as Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson. Member of Dutch-Surinam group the Ebony and subsequently the Needles, touring Europa with the latter. Member of the Stanvaste Singer. Co-founded the Resurrection Singers
March 31, 1944 ~ Jean-Jacques Pascal, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Pascal Danel, born in Paris, France ~ When injuries from a fall ended his career as a tightrope walker, Pascal turned to songwriting. After a handful of moderate hits, Pascal would break through with La Plage Aux Romantiques in 1965, which reached No.1 in his native France, followed by Kilimandjaro the following year. The latter would be an international hit, recorded by Pascal in about half a dozen languages and remains popular to this day, regarded as one of the most endearing French standards of the era. Pascal went on to record over a dozen albums through the 1980s. Well known songs include Comme Une Enfant, Mamina, Je Suis Un Avonturier, Le Petit Prince N'Est Pas Mort, and Rotterdam. Pascal's son, Jean-Pierre Danel, would follow in his father's footsteps and become a professional guitarist and singer ~ Pascal passed away in 2024
March 31, 1944 ~ Rodney Bainbridge, commonly known as singer Rod Allen born in Leicester, UK ~ Fronted harmony beat group the Fortunes from its inception in 1961 until his death, scoring hits with songs such as You've Got Your Troubles, Here It Comes Again, Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, and Storm In A Teacup. Following Allen's death the band would employ singer Eddie Mooney, formerly of the Dakotas, as their new lead vocalist ~ Allen passed away in 2008
March 31, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Al Goodman born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Landed a job with record producer Sylvia Robinson's All Platinum Records studio. Robinson discovered Goodman's voice while he was singing to himself and teamed him up with Billy Brown and John Morgan forming a revamped line-up of the Moments. They would go on to make records such as All I Have and Sexy Mama. Also worked with Vipers, Carvettes, and was one third of Ray Goodman & Brown ~ Goodman passed away in 2010
March 31, 1942 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist Hugh McCracken, full name Hugh Carmine McCracken, born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for his guitar parts on Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, Eric Carmen's All By Myself, and Steely Dan's Hey Nineteen. Member of Mike Mainieri's experimental jazz-rock unit White Elephant. Member of Insect Trust. Member of Fuse One. An in-demand session musician from the 1960s onward, McCracken has appeared on numerous albums by the Left Banke, the Monkees (Pisces Aquarius Capricorn & Jones Ltd), Jimmy Rushing, Gordon Lightfoot (Did She Mention My Name), Janis Ian, Aretha Franklin (Spirit In The Dark), Gene McDaniels, Bert Sommer, John Lennon (Imagine), Roberta Flack, Barbra Streisand, Pure Prairie League, James Brown, Donny Hathaway (Extension Of A Man), Danny O'Keefe (Breezy Stories), Hall & Oates, Bob James, Paul Simon, Nancy Wilson, Henry Gross (Release), Randy Crawford, Ashford & Simpson, Billy Joel (The Stranger), David Ruffin, Nils Lofgren, Carole Bayer Sager, Garland Jeffreys, Dr John (City Lights), Loudon Wainwright III, Foreigner, Donald Fagen (The Nightfly), Michael Franks, Carly Simon, and Shawn Colvin ~ McCracken passed away in 2013March 31, 1940 ~ Violinist Achille Rivarde, full name Serge Achille Rivarde, passed away in London, UK ~ Principal violinist with the Orchestra Lamoureux from 1885 through 1891. Premiered Eduoard Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole in the UK in 1895. Professor at the Royal College Of Music in London from 1899 through 1936. Authored The Violin And Its Technique As A Means To The Interpretation Of Music ~ Rivarde was born in 1865
March 31, 1940 ~ Operatic tenor, conductor John Stewart, full name John Harger Stewart, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Debuted in the mid 1960s with the Santa Fe Opera. Closely associated with the New York City Opera, and the Frankfurt Opera. Has also worked with the Metropolitan Opera, the Washington National Opera, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Grand Theatre de Geneve, the Philadelphia Lyric Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, and the San Diego Opera
March 31, 1935 ~ Trumpeter, singer, songwriter, label executive Herb Alpert born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded A&M Records with partner Jerry Moss. As a solo artist known for hits such as This Guy's In Love With You and Rise. Closely associated with the Tijuana Brass, which also featured guitarist John Pisano, pianist Lou Pagani, drummer Nick Ceroli, bassist Pat Senatore, trumpeter Tonni Kalash, and trombonist Bob Edmondson. As a songwriter had his work recorded by Gato Barbieri (Behind The Rain), Sam Butera (Bim Bam), Jan & Dean (Baby Talk), and by Sam Cooke (Wonderful World)March 31, 1935 ~ Actor, singer Richard Chamberlain, full name George Richard Chamberlain, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Became a teen idol for playing the title role in 1960s TV series Dr Kildare. Scored a Billboard Hot 100 No.10 hit in 1962 with the show's Theme From Dr Kildare (Three Stars Will Shine Tonight) and would record on occasion throughout the 1970s. Chamberlain was also the first to record They Long To Be Close To You, penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, which fizzled yet at the turn of the 1970s became a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit and signature song for the Carpenters. Despite some success as a singer, Chamberlain would become best known as an actor, at times referred to as “the King of Miniseries”, noted specifically for leading roles in Dr Kildare, Shogun, and Thorn Birds. Over the course of his career, Chamberlain has appeared in over two dozen feature films, numerous TV series, and several stage plays including in the musical theatre ~ Chamberlain passed away in 2025
March 31, 1934 ~ Singer, songwriter John D Loudermilk born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter whose songs have been recorded by George Hamilton IV (A Rose And A Baby Ruth, Abilene), Eddie Cochran (Sitting In The Balcony), Boots Randolph, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and the Willis Brothers (Big Daddy's Alabama Bound), Connie Francis (He's My Dreamboat), Jerry Lee Lewis, Anne Murray, Sammy Davis Jr, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, Gram Parsons and Vern Gosdin (Break My Mind), Johnny Tillotson and Ernest Ashworth (Talk Back Trembling Lips), Brenda Lee (Weep No More My Baby), Sue Thompson (Norman. Paper Tiger, Sad Movies Make Me Cry), Skeeter Davis, Sandy Posey and Tracey Ullman (Sun Glasses), Marvin Rainwater, Don Fardon and Paul Revere & the Raiders (The Lament Of The Cherokee Indian Reservation), the Everly Brothers (Ebony Eyes), the Nashville Teens, the Blues Magoos, the Jefferson Airplane and Rare Earth (Tobacco Road), the Casinos and Eddy Arnold (Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye), and Mose Allison (You Call It Jogging (I Call It Running Around)) ~ Loudermilk passed away in 2016March 31, 1934 ~ Singer, actress Shirley Jones, full name Shirley Mae Jones, born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Starred in a number of 1950s, 1960s musicals including Carousel and The Music Man. Best known as the widowed mother of five in situation-comedy TV show the Partridge Family
March 31, 1933 ~ Singer, bassist Anita Carter born in Maces Spring, Virginia, USA ~ Daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter. Member of sibling act the Carter Sisters alongside Helen Carter and June Carter. As a solo artist Anita scored hits with Down The Trail Of Aching Tears with Hank Snow, Blue Bird Island, and I Got You with Waylon Jennings. Recorded the first version of Love's Ring Of Fire in 1962, later made famous by Johnny Cash who added horns and recorded it as Ring Of Fire ~ Carter passed away in 1999March 31, 1929 ~ Singer, arranger Gene Puerling, full name Eugene Thomas Puerling, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Founded and led both the Hi-Lo's and the Singers Unlimited. Known for his innovative use of harmony vocals, influencing numerous artists including Take 6, the King's Singers, the Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer, GLAD, the Free Design and the Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson ~ Puerling passed away in 2008
March 31, 1928 ~ Jazz clarinetist Archie Semple, full name Archibald Stuart Nisbet Semple, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Brother of trumpeter John Semple, with whom he frequently worked. Influenced by Edmond Hall and Pee Wee Russell. Considered one of the finest clarinetists of his day, praised for his rich and quirky imagination. Perhaps best known for his association with Alex Welsh from the mid 1950s through the 1960s. Semple has also played with Freddy Randall, Roy Crimmins, Mick Mulligan, Diz Disley, Nat Gonella, Humphrey Lyttelton, and Acker Bilk. Semple has recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Jazz For Young Lovers released in 1960. Semple passed away at age 36, his health frailed by chronic alcoholism ~ Semple passed away in 1974
March 31, 1928 ~ William Orville Frizzell, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lefty Frizzell, born in Corsicana, Texas, USA ~ Iconic country singer. Hugely popular during the 1950s. Closely associated with Hank Williams. Smoothed out the rough edges of honky-tonk with a softer vocal phrasing without losing the genre's attitude. Influential on George Jones, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, and John Fogerty. Best known for songs such as If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time), I Want To Be With You Always, Always Late (With Your Kisses), Saginaw Michigan, and Give Me More More More (Of Your Kisses) ~ Frizzell passed away in 1975March 31, 1926 ~ Country fiddler Tommy Jackson, full name Thomas Lee Jackson Jr, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ In-demand session musician from the 1940s through the 1970s. Reportedly played on more country records than any other musician. Worked with Red Foley, Jerry Byrd, extensively with Hank Williams including on pivotal recordings such as Lovesick Blues, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Ray Price, George Jones, and Bill Monroe ~ Jackson passed away in 1979
March 31, 1921 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Lowell Fulson born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Pivotal 1940s, 1950s West Coast blues singer, guitarist. Known for songs such as Three O'Clock Blues, Every Day I Have The Blues, Blue Shadows, Lonesome Christmas, Reconsider Baby (covered by Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, and by Joe Bonamassa), Tramp (covered as a duet version by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas), and Sinner's Prayer ~ Fulson passed away in 1999March 31, 1913 ~ Actor, singer, fiddler Art Davis born in Paradise, Texas, USA ~ Accomplished fiddler by age 7. Not to be confused with the jazz bassist Art Davis. Played with Milton Brown, the Light Crust Doughboys, Bill Boyd, backed Gene Autry in movies and on tours. His last film appearance was in the 1949 film Cowboy's Holiday. Davis continued to perform into the 1980s ~ Davis passed away in 1987
March 31, 1911 ~ Swing jazz guitarist Freddie Green, full name Frederick William Green, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with Count Basie, backing Basie from 1937 until his death five decades later. Green recorded two albums as a leader or co-leader, Mr Rhythm in 1955 and Rhythm Willie with Herb Ellis in 1975. Green has also regularly guested on albums by Sarah Vaughan, Buck Clayton, Joe Newman, Al Cohn, Paul Quinichette, and Harry Sweets Edison. Green, a superb accompanist, has been quoted as saying: “You should never hear the guitar by itself. It should be part of the drums so it sounds like the drummer is playing chords, like the snare is in A or the hi-hat in D-minor” ~ Green passed away in 1987
March 31, 1908 ~ Kenneth Norville, commonly known as vibraphonist, composer Red Norvo, born in Beardstown, Illinois, USA ~ One of jazz's early vibraphonists. Leader and sideman. Worked with the Collegians, Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, his wife Mildred Bailey, Billie Holiday, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney, Charles Mingus, and Red Mitchell ~ Norvo passed away in 1999March 31, 1907 ~ Son cubano, guaracha, bolero trumpeter, bandleader, songwriter Félix Chappottín, full name Félix Chappottín Lage, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Considered the founder of the modern Cuban trumpet style due to his innovative approach. Noted for his association with the Sexteto Habanero, Arsenío Rodriguez, and specifically the Conjunto Chappotin, leading the latter ensemble from the 1950s until his death some three decades later ~ Chappottín passed away in 1983
March 31, 1895 ~ Elizabeth Mary Landreaux, commonly known as blues singer Lizzie Miles, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Joe Oliver, Kid Ory, Bunk Johnson, AJ Piron, Manuel Manetta, Freddie Keppard, Charlie Elgar, Herb Morand, Jelly Roll Morton, Paul Barbarin, Bob Scobey, Joe Darensbourg, and Freddie Kohlmann. Half-sister of blues singer Edna Hicks ~ Landreaux passed away in 1963