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.
November 3, 1977 ~ Jazz, pop singer Jane Monheit born in Oakdale, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 2000 with the album Never Never Land and has recorded to critical acclaim steadily since. Guested on recordings by David Benoit, Terence Blanchard, Les Brown, Tom Harrell, Harold Mabern, Mark O'Connor, and Frank Vignola. Monheit got married to drummer Rick Montalbano Jr in 2002
November 3, 1974 ~ Louise Elizabeth Nurding, commonly known as singer Louise Redknapp, born in Lewisham, UK ~ Member of R&B girl group the Eternal, known for mid to late 1990s recordings such as Oh Baby I, Power Of A Woman, Don't You Love Me, I Wanna Be The Only One featuring CeCe Winans, Angel Of Mine, and perhaps their best known Stay, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20 in 1993
November 3, 1973 ~ Heavy metal, nu metal, alternative metal guitarist Mick Thomson, full name Mickael Gordon Thomson, born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Best known as member of Slipknot, joining the band in 1996 replacing Craig Jones on guitar, the latter switching to sampler. Has guested on recordings by Malevolent Creation and Necrophagia
November 3, 1973 ~ Kirk Jones, commonly known as rapper, producer, actor Sticky Fingaz, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay who signed the band Onyx on the condition that Jones would be in group. The band is best known for their acclaimed 1994 Bacdafucup debut album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 2001's Black Trash (The Autobiography Of Kirk Jones) album. Also known as an actor for film and TV with over 80 acting credits, including several for Spike Lee-directed filmsNovember 3, 1972 ~ Organist, keyboardist Josh Kantor born ~ Perhaps best known as organist for the Boston Red Sox home games at Fenway Park since 2003. Member of Jim's Big Ego, the Split Squad, and the Baseball Project
November 3, 1971 ~ Composer, arranger, vibraphonist, singer Gary McFarland passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Bill Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Johnny Hodges, John Lewis, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Anita O'Day, Gary Burton, Shirley Scott, Zoot Sims, Wendy & Bonnie, Gábor Szabó, Lena Horne, and Steve Kuhn ~ McFarland was born in 1933
November 3, 1969 ~ Progressive rock drummer Jimmy Keegan born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as member of progressive rock outfit Spock's Beard. Also worked with Santana (Primavera), and John WaiteNovember 3, 1969 ~ Roberto Concina, commonly known as DJ, producer Robert Miles, born in Fleurier, Switzerland ~ Best known for his 1995 breakthrough single Children, bringing ambient house into the mainstream. Miles would go on to release five albums, the latest being Thirteen in 2011 ~ Concina passed away in 2017
November 3, 1967 ~ Pop rock outfit the Moody Blues release Nights In White Satin, lifted off their Days Of Future Passed sophomore album ~ The band had scored a UK No.1 hit with the souldful Bessie Banks cover Go Now lifted off their debut album, which still featured lead singer Denny Laine. However, with the departure of Laine and Clint Warwick and the addition of Justin Hayward and John Lodge, who would become the band's primary songwriters, the band ventured into different territory. The band's symphonic-tinged Days Of Future Passed sophomore album was conceived as a concept album, one of rock music's first, and would retrospectively be acknowledged as one of the earliest progressive rock albums. All of the album's songs were based around different times of day, and the Hayward-penned Nights In White Satin was the closing song of the album, first simply titled The Night. The single would reach No.9 in their native UK, and upon its first release bubble under in America. However, a 1972 rerelease would become their biggest American hit, peaking at No.2 Billboard Hot 100 held off the top spot by Johnny Nash's I Can See Clearly Now, and the success of the single sent the reissued album's sale rocketingNovember 3, 1966 ~ Singer Louis Herrey born ~ Alongside older brothers Per Herrey and Louis Herrey, Herrey is best known as a member of sibling outfit Herrey's, known for winning the 1984 Eurovision Songfestival representing their native Sweden with the song Diggi-loo Diggi-ley, which subsequently reached top 10 in several European countries. Runner-ups at the contest would be Ireland's Linda Martin in second place with Terminal 3, and Spain's Bravo in third with Lady Lady. Thew trio would continue to record and tour for a few more years, but were unable to repeat the international success of their 1984 Songfestival winner. With two of the three brothers still in their teens when they won the contest, the siblings may be regarded as one of the earliest European boybands preceding the international boom starting in the early 1990s with acts such as Take That, the Backstreet Boys, New Kids On The Block, and NSYNC scoring numerous hits
November 3, 1962 ~ In its 9th week on the charts, He's A Rebel by the Crystals hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Gene Pitney wrote this song specifically for the Crystals after hearing Uptown, which had been a top 20 hit for the girl group on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. However, producer Phil Spector would actually use another group, the Blossoms, in the studio but credit the song to the Crystals, who were 3,000 miles away when the track was cut. Noted New York radio DJ Murray the K figured out Spector had use another set of singers, yet when he broke the news it did not create a scandal as using ghost singers was a common practice. The future Mrs Ronnie Spector, then Veronica Bennett of the Blossoms, later of the Ronettes, sang lead on He's A Rebel. Bennett and Spector would marry in 1968, their tumultuous marriage ending in divorce some six years later
November 3, 1960 ~ Keyboardist James Prime born in Kilmarnock, UK ~ Prime got his start in music as a session and touring keyboardist in the early 1980s, notably touring America with new wave, post-punk the Altered Images. However, he would rise to fame as co-founding member of Deacon Blue, considered one of the most beloved and longrunning bands to come out of Scotland. Prime was present on all of the band's album from their 1987 Raintown debut album through 2025's The Great Western Road, the latter released just a few months prior to his death at age 64 after a short battle with cancer. The band has scored well over a dozen UK top 40 hits, primarily during the 1980s and early 1990s, of which Real Gone Kid, I'll Never Fall In Love Again, and Twist And Shout all reached top 10. Prime was also an educator, teaching at the University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK. Upon hearing of Prime's passing, former bandmate bassist Ged Grimes stated: “I am so shocked to hear the news of my friend Jim's passing. Not only was Jim a superb musician but his wit and huge personality were legendary” ~ Prime passed away in 2025
November 3, 1960 ~ Pop rock, punk rock, new wave guitarist, keyboardist Matthew Ashman, full name Matthew James Ashman, born in Mill Hill, UK ~ Joined Adam & the Ants in 1978, appearing on the band's debut album Dirk Wears White Sox released in 1979. Would depart the band along with bandmates drummer David Barbarossa and bassist Leigh Gorman to form Bow Wow Wow, complemented with singer Annabella Lwin. The band would become known for the singles Go Wild In The Country and the Strangeloves-cover I Want Candy ~ Ashman passed away in 1995November 3, 1958 ~ Harry Glaser, commonly known as composer Harry Revel, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Composer for stage and film. Collaborated with Mack Gordon, Mort Greene, Paul Francis Webster, Buddy Feyne, and Arnold Horwitt. Revel also notably worked on Broadway shows including Ziegfeld Follies Of 1931, Meet My Sister, and Are You With It ~ Glaser was born in 1905
November 3, 1954 ~ Jazz, rock cellist Melissa Hasin born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ In-demand session musician. Worked with Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Snoop Dogg, Tori Amos, John Tesh, Bradley Joseph, the Kosmos Express, David Benoit, Robert Deeble, Sammy Davis Jr, Smokey Robinson, Frank Sinatra, and Robert Plant
November 3, 1953 ~ Saxophonist Azar Lawrence born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his associations with McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Woody Shaw. Also worked with Raul de Souza, Gerald Hayes, Amaury Tristão, Dom Salvador, Ron Carter, Guilherme Franc, Jean Carn, Ray Straughter, Woody Murray, Clint Houston, Julian Priester, Hadley Caliman, Black Arthur, Joe Bonner, John Heard, Leon Ndugu Chancler, Mtume, Kenneth Nash, Patrice Rushen, Jerry Peter, Michael Stanton, John Rowin, Lee Ritenour, Paul Jackson Jr, 360 Degree Music Experience, Harvey Mason, Gene Harris, Elvin Jones, and Eden Atwood
November 3, 1952 ~ Derek Peter Palmer, commonly known as engineer, bassist, singer Del Palmer, born in Greenwich, UK ~ Best known for his work with Kate Bush, with whom he was also romantically involved for a little over a decade starting in the late 1970s. Played bass on or engineered albums such as Lionheart, Hounds Of Love, The Sensual World, and The Red Shoes. Palmer has also worked with Midge Ure, Roy Harper, Alan Stivell, and Billy Sherwood. Later on in his career, Palmer recorded a handful of albums as a solo artist starting with Leap Of Faith released in 2007 ~ Palmer passed away in 2024
November 3, 1952 ~ Pop, folk singer, songwriter Teresa de Sio born in Naples, Italy ~ First gained attention in the 1970s singing with Eugenio Bennato and Neapolitan folk outfit Musicanova. Active as a solo artist since the early 1980s. Broke through with her eponymous 1982 Teresa De Sio sophomore album and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Well known songs include Voglia 'E Turna, Aumn Aumn, Ario and Animali Italiani. Has worked with Brian Eno, Fabrizio de André, the Police's Stewart Copeland, and Vittorio Cosma
November 3, 1949 ~ Alexander Borisovich Fradkin, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, violinist, percussionist Alexander Gradsky, born in Kopyesk, Soviet Union ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley. Internationally best known for duetting with John Denver on the 1986 song Let Us Begin. Formed Tarakany while still in his early teens, the band's 1963 performance at the Moscow University arguably the first public performance of rock & roll by any Russian act. Lead singer of Slaviane, the band's repertoire consisting of covers of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Founded and fronted Skomorokhi, blending traditional Russian music with western rock influences. Has recorded as a solo artist, and composed soundtracks, the rock operas Stadium and The Master And Margarita, and the rock ballet The Man ~ Fradkin passed away in 2021November 3, 1948 ~ Pop, rock bassist Eddie Chin born ~ Member of skiffle group the Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra. Member of the Tourists, which also included Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart who would later form Eurythmics. Member of Acid Drops
November 3, 1948 ~ Singer, pianist, trumpeter, songwriter Hugh Moffatt born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Brother of singer Katy Moffatt. Married to singer, songwriter Pebe Sebert. Formed the Ratz, teaming up with his wife Pebe, Wade McCurdy, John Dietrich, and Michael Bonagura. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Just In Case (Ronnie Milsap), Rose Of My Heart (Johnny Cash) and Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You (Joe Sun, Brian Collins, Dolly Parton). Co-penned the 2003 opera Corps Of Discovery with Michael Ching as well as several shorter pieces
November 3, 1948 ~ Marie McDonald McLaughlin, commonly known as singer Lulu, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known for hits such as To Sir With Love, the James Bond theme The Man With The Golden Gun, and Boom Bang-a-bang, the latter joint winner of the 1969 Eurovision Songfestival for the UK. McLauglin was married to singer Maurice Gibb from 1969 until 1973
November 3, 1947 ~ Drummer Joe Lala, full name Joseph Antony Lala, born in Ybor City, Florida, USA ~ Co-founded Blues Image in 1966, with whom he recorded three albums. Although the band received warm critical acclaim, they are primarily known for their one major hit Ride Captain Ride, somewhat unjustly earning the band the status of one-hit wonder. The single reached No.4 Billboard Hot 100 and remains a radio staple on both sides of the pond to this day. Other than as a key member of Blues Image, Lala is perhaps most closely associated with Stephen Stills, with whom he worked on several of Stills' solo albums as well as in the groups Crosby Stills & Nash and Manassas. An in-demand drummer throughout his career, Lala has also appeared on albums by Pacific Gas & Electric, Joe Walsh (The Smoker You Drink (The Player You Get)). Rick Roberts, Michael Stanley, Poco (Crazy Eyes), Chicago (Chicago VI), Rick Derringer, Dan Fogelberg, Gene Clark (No Other), Bill Wyman, Joey Stec (Joey Stec), the Bee Gees, Neil Diamond (Beautiful Noise), Rod Stewart (A Night On The Town), Firefall, Mother's Finest, John Mellencamp (John Cougar), the Allman Brothers Band, Graham Nash, and Don Felder ~ Lala passed away in 2018November 3, 1946 ~ Michael Edward Campbell Champion, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Michael Champion, born in Anderson, Indiana, USA ~ Sometimes credited as Mike Campbell, not to be confused with Tom Petty guitarist Mike Campbell. Member of short-lived 1960s band Abstract Reality, known for their Love Burns Like A Fire single. Member of Scorpion alongside Bob Babbitt and Ray Monette. Appears on Meat Loaf's 1971 Stoney & Meatloaf debut album, for which he also co-wrote She Waits By The Window, Kiss Me Again, Lady Be Mine and Jessica White. Active as an actor since the late 1970s, appearing in TV shows such as Matlock and The Flash and films such as Beverly Hills Cop and Total Recall ~ Champion passed away in 2021
November 3, 1945 ~ Percussionist, conga player, songwriter Bobby Lakind, full name Robert Jay Lakind, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Started as lightning roadie for the Doobie Brothers. Sessioned on albums and stage from 1976 onwards, full band member from 1979 up to the band's break-up in 1982 ~ Lakind passed away in 1992