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 6, 1946 ~ Guitarist David Gilmour, full name David Jon Gilmour, born in Cambridgeshire, UK ~ Best known as longtime member of Pink Floyd, present on pivotal albums such as The Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall. Would take over leadership of the group after Roger Waters' departure in 1985. Discovered Kate Bush and produced her 1978 The Kick Inside debut album. Also worked with artists such as Paul McCartney, Arcadia, Berlin, John Martyn, Grace Jones, Elton John, Eric Clapton, BB King, Seal, Tom Jones, Kirsty MacColl, the Who, Pete Townshend, Supertramp, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Alan Parsons, Peter Cetera, and Bryan FerryMarch 6, 1944 ~ Claire Mary Teresa Rawstron, commonly known as mezzo-soprano, soprano singer Kiri te Kanawa, born in Gisborne, New Zealand ~ Sang opera, traditional pop, recitals, musical theatre. Worked with the Santa Fe Opera, the Opera National De Lyon, the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Vienna State Opera, La Scala, the San Francisco Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera
March 6, 1944 ~ Singer Mary Wilson born in Greenville, Mississippi, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Supremes and staying on until 1977, Wilson was the last original member to leave the group after Barbara Martin in 1962, Florence Ballard in 1967, and Diana Ross in 1970. Wilson sang lead on songs such as Baby Don't Go, Come And Get These Memories, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, A Heart Like Mine, and Early Morning Love, and with the exception of Love Child and Someday We'll Be Together sang backup on all of the group's Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits. Despite issuing only two solo albums a dozen years apart, the eponymous Mary Wilson in 1979 and Walk The Line in 1992, as a solo performer Wilson never attained the same acclaim as former bandmate Diana Ross, yet she would remain a popular concert singer, especially known for her Las Vegas shows. As a member of the Supremes, Wilson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1988 ~ Wilson passed away in 2021
March 6, 1942 ~ Jazz trumpeter Charles Tolliver born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. First gained attention backing Jackie McLean in the mid 1960s. Recorded as a leader since the late 1960s. Has worked with Roy Ayers, Gary Bartz, Booker Ervin, Louis Hayes, Andrew Hill, Oliver Nelson, Max Roach, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, and Gerald Wilson
March 6, 1942 ~ Jazz, bossa nova singer Flora Purim born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Brazilian Jazz” in her native Brazil. Well over two dozen albums to her name since the early 1960s, acclaimed for a string of mid 1970s albums including 500 Miles High and Encounter. Internationally best known as a co-founding member of Chick Corea's pioneering jazz-fusion unit Return To Forever, which also included her husband drummer Airto Moreira. Guested on albums by the likes of Hermeto Pascoal, Duke Pearson, Santana (Welcome), George Duke, Joe Sample, Michael Franks, Azymuth (Flame), and Ivo PerelmanMarch 6, 1941 ~ Singer, keyboardist Don Lewis born ~ Best known for creating an instrument called the LEO, short for Live Electronic Orchestra, which integrated multiple instruments under a single controller and predated the MIDI controller by ten years. As a musician has collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones, Sérgio Mendes, and Michael Jackson. Opened for the Beach Boys on their 1974 tour ~ Lewis passed away in 2022
March 6, 1941 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Peter Brötzmann born in Remscheid, Germany ~ Leading figure in European free jazz, active since the late 1960s. Over 50 albums to his name as a leader. Closely associated with Han Bennink, including in the ensemble the ICP Orchestra. Other collaborations include Cecil Taylor, Keiji Haino, Willem Breuker, Bill Laswell, Mats Gustafsson, Ken Vandermark, Joe McPhee, Paal Nilssen-Love, Steve Swell, Fred Van Hove, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Ginger Baker, Don Cherry, Misha Mengelberg, and Evan Parker ~ Brötzmann passed away in 2023
March 6, 1940 ~ Rockabilly singer, guitarist Billy Adams, full name Willie Murray Adams, born in Redbush, Kentucky, USA ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley. Founded and fronted the Rock-a-teers at age 14. Known for songs such as You Heard Me Knocking, True Love Will Come Your Way, You Gotta Have A Duck Tail and perhaps his best known, the 1957 recording of Rock Pretty Mama which wwould become considered a seminal rockabilly classic by critics. Re-emerged in the early 2000s, the critically acclaimed Legacy album bringing him back in the spotlight ~ Adams passed away in 2019
March 6, 1939 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader Bob Bertles born in Mayfield, Australia ~ Considered a veteran of the Australian jazz scene, with a career spanning nearly seven decades. Perhaps best known for his 1996 Rhythm Of The Heart album. Bertles had been active as a session musician, in pop and rock, was a member of British jazz outfit Nucleus including on albums such as Under The Sun, Snake Hips Etcetera, Alleycat, and Direct Hits, and has regularly collaborated with the Ten Part Invention. Bertles was married to theatre performer Nancye Hayes, whom he met while working on an Australian production of the stage musical Chicago ~ Bertles passed away in 2024March 6, 1939 ~ Rogelia Medina Romero, commonly known as salsa, guaracha, son, guajira singer Canelita Medina, born in La Guaira, Venezuela ~ Mother of singer Trina Medina. Influenced by Celia Cruz. Considered one of the supreme voices in son montuno, with some two dozen albums to her name over a career spanning five decades. Well known songs include Quiéreme, Canto A La Guaira, and Triumphant Night ~ Medina passed away in 2023
March 6, 1939 ~ Jerry Naylor Jackson, commonly known as country, rock & roll singer, guitarist Jerry Naylor, born in Chalk Mountains, Texas, USA ~ Lead singer of post- Buddy Holly rock & roll band the Crickets from 1961 through 1964, present on the 1961 UK top 10 hit Don't Ever Change. As a solo artist best known for his 1974 Billboard Country top 40 hit Is This All There Is To A Honky Tonk ~ Jackson passed away in 2019
March 6, 1937 ~ Steel guitarist, producer Ben Keith born in Fort Riley, Kansas, USA ~ Best known for his work with Neil Young, starting on 1971 LP Harvest, continues to back Young on tour and record since. Keith also worked as a session musician and producer with artists such as Terry Reid, Todd Rundgren, Lonnie Mack, the Band, Blue, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Paul Butterfield, JJ Cale, Linda Ronstadt, Warren Zevon, Ian & Sylvia, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Anne Murray, Ringo Starr, and with Jewel, producing her debut album Pieces Of You in 1995 ~ Keith passed away in 2010March 6, 1937 ~ Composer, conductor Paul Méfano born in Basra, Iraq ~ Founded contemporary classical ensemble the Ensemble 2e2m in 1972, with which he he has premiered more than 500 works by young composers such as Stéphane de Gérando, Thierry Blondeau, Michael Finnissy, Bruce Mather, and Claude Lefebvre, as well as older composers including Morton Feldman and John Cage ~ Méfano passed away in 2020
March 6, 1934 ~ Jazz, R&B trumpeter, bassist Paul Brown born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Perhaps best known for founding the Monday Night Jazz Series in 1967. Held annualy in Hartford, Connecticut, it is recognized as the oldest and longest-runing free festival for jazz in the United States. As a musician started out on trumpet, later switching to bass. Has collaborated with a wide array of artists from jazz and R&B including Mickey Fields, Lloyd Price, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lavern Baker, Clyde McPhatter, the Platters, Fats Domino, George Benson (George Benson Cookbook), and Bobby Hebb ~ Brown passed away in 2016
March 6, 1934 ~ Joe Cecil Simpson, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, mandolinist, keyboardist, songwriter Red Simpson, born in Highley, Arizona, USA ~ Known for his trucking themed songs, notably Roll Truck Roll, Highway Patrol, and Diesel Smoke (Dangerous Curves) during the 1960s. His I'm A Truck released in 1971 reached Billboard Country top 10. Also known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by Merle Haggard, Bobby Durham, and especially Buck Owens, the latter recording over a dozen songs penned by Simpson including Close Up The Honky Tonks ~ Simpson passed away in 2016
March 6, 1930 ~ Conductor, violinist Lorin Maazel, full name Lorin Varencove Maazel, born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Child prodigy praised for his perfect pitch. Has his first conducting lesson at age seven, debuting at age 8 conducting the University of Idaho Orchestra. Would go on to serve as music director for the Cleveland Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic ~ Maazel passed away in 2014
March 6, 1927 ~ Banjoist Doug Dillard born in Salem, Missouri, USA ~ Pioneering country-rock banjoist. Influenced by Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, Don Reno. Founding member of the Ozark Mountain Boys. Member of the Dixie Ramblers, the Dillards, the Folkswingers. Toured Europe as member of the Byrds. Especially praised as a key member of Dillard & Clark, which played an important role in popularizing country rock, and included Gene Clark, Bernie Leadon, Mike Clark, and Byron Berline as band members ~ Dillard passed away in 2012
March 6, 1925 ~ Opal Jean Amburgey, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jean Chapel, born in Neon, Kentucky, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Mattie O'Neil. Member of sibling outfit the Sunshine Sister Band. Married to singer Salty Holmes from 1947 until 1956, the duo working together under the moniker Mattie & Salty. As a solo singer recorded a number of rockabilly singles in the mid 1950s, notably Welcome To The Club. Following her divorce from Holmes she would focus on songwriting, her songs recorded by artists such as Eddy Arnold (Lonely Again), Dean Martin (Lay Some Happiness On Me), and Jerry Wallace (To Get To You) ~ Amburgey passed away in 1995
March 6, 1919 ~ Bernard Weitzner, commonly known as songwriter Bernie Wayne, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Blue Velvet with Lee Morris, first recorded by Tony Bennett in 1951 and covered by numerous artists including Arthur Prysock, the Moonglows, Bobby Vinton, Johnny Tillotson, Brenda Lee, and Don Cherry. Others who recorded his songs include Dinah Shore (Laughing On The Outside), the Orioles, the Fontane Sisters, the Crew Cuts, Nelson Riddle, Johnny Cymbal (Dum Dum Dee Dum), and Nat King Cole ~ Weitzner passed away in 1993
March 6, 1918 ~ Trumpeter Howard McGhee born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ One of the first bebop trumpeter. Influenced Fats Navarro. Leader and sideman. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Andy Kirk, Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, Charlie Parker, Milt Jackson, Illinois Jacquet, Horace Parlan, Kenny Clarke, Benny Bailey, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hartman, Coleman Hawkins, Chubby Jackson, James Moody, André Previn, Mel Tormé, Wardell Gray, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Gerry Mulligan, Eddie Jefferson, Sonny Criss, Slim Gaillard, Gene Ammons, Woody Herman, and Wynonie Harris ~ McGhee passed away in 1987March 6, 1914 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, radio DJ, concert promoter Thurman Ruth born in Newberry County, South Carolina, USA ~ Professionalized gospel, including having gospel singers perform at “sinful” venues to reach a new audience, and teach them to abide by theatrical rules. Forefather of R&B. Co-founded gospel quartet the Selah Jubilee Singers, best known for their pivotal 1941 recording of Just A Closer Walk With Thee. Left the group in 1949 to pursue a more secular musical path. Original member of vocal group the Larks, known for early 1950s songs such as When I Leave These Prison Walls, Eyesight To The Blind and Little Side Car ~ Ruth passed away in 2002
March 6, 1913 ~ Georgina Armour Allan, commonly known as actress, singer Ella Logan, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Made her recording debut in 1930 at age 17 as featured vocalist with Jack Hylton's orchestra on Moanin' Low and Can't We Be Friends. Would relocate to America by the mid 1930s, landing Broadway roles starting with 1934's Calling All Stars, feature in several Hollywood films, and perform in nightclubs. In the 1950s Logan's career would be hampered by the FBI, suspected of having communist ties. There was never any evidence found of these allegations ~ Allan passed away in 1969March 6, 1910 ~ Bandleader, composer, singer, double bassist Arthur Osterwal born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ First appeared in his brother's, Seymour Osterwall, orchestra. Formed his own ensemble in 1944 ~ Osterwall passed away in 1990
March 6, 1910 ~ Floyd Holmes, commonly known as country guitarist, harmonica player Salty Holmes, born in Glasgow, Kentucky, USA ~ Virtuoso on the harmonica, specializing in the style known as “talking harp” which imitated the human voice. Formed the Kentucky Ramblers in 1930, who changed their name to the Prairie Ramblers. The band is best known for their featured vocalist Patsy Montana, whom they also backed on songs such as I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart. Through a friendship with Gene Autry Holmes also appeared in several Western movies, including Arizona Days and Saddle Leather Law. Holmes was married to singer Jean Chapel from 1947 through 1956, the couple also regulars on the Grand Ole Opry as Mattie & Salty ~ Holmes passed away in 1970
March 6, 1909 ~ Songwriter, music promoter Dave Clark born in Jackson, Tennessee, USA ~ Promoter for major African-American record labels from the late 1930s onwards, including for Decca Records, Duke/Peacock, Chess Records, Aladdin, Apollo, United, and Stax. As a songwriter perhaps best remembered for co-writing Why I Sing The Blues, recorded by BB King ~ Clark passed away in 1995