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.
October 18, 1976 ~ Oswald Williams, commonly known as drummer, bandleader Count Ossie, passed away ~ Best known for backing the Folkes Brothers on the Prince Buster-produced Oh Carolina b/w I Met A Man single released in 1959. The recording is regarded by some as arguably the first-ever ska record, in large part due to Ossie's hand drumming. Has also worked with Harry Mudie, Coxsone Dodd, King Stitt, and the Mellow Cats. As a solo artist and bandleader Ossie is known for singles such as African Shuffle, Chubby and Rock A Man Soul and especially for his latter-day three-LP set Grounation released in 1973 ~ Williams was born in 1926October 18, 1975 ~ Singer Bruce Springsteen plays the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood, California ~ As part of his Born To Run Tour, Bruce Springsteen plays the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California. The recording of Thunder Road would be included on the Live 1975-85 live box set
October 18, 1975 ~ Rural blues singer, guitarist KC Douglas passed away in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Influenced by Tommy Johnson. Perhaps best known for his first recording, Mercury Blues released in 1948. The song would later be covered by Steve Miller, David Lindley, Ry Cooder, Dwight Yoakam, Alan Jackson, and by Meat Loaf ~ Douglas was born in 1913October 18, 1973 ~ Rock, pop, indie pop drummer David Keith born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Influenced by Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Rush's Neil Peart, the Police's Stewart Copeland and jazz drummers such as Cozy Powell, Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. Closely associated with Ritchie Blackmore serving in both Rainbow and Blackmore's Night.
October 18, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, heavy metal guitarist Jim Davies, full name James Donald Davies, born in Maldon, UK ~ Best known as member of the Prodigy, notably present on the tracks Firestarter and Breathe, and of Pitchshifter. Founded Victory Pill in 2007. Has been working mostly as a producer and composer for TV and film since the early-2010s
October 18, 1973 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Myron Walden born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Dwayne Burno, Erin McPherson, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Eddie Henderson, Kevin Hays, Stephen Scott, Gregory Hutchinson, Eric Garland, Apex Trio, Brian Blade, the New Jazz Composers Octet, Freddie Hubbard, Dan Faulk, Tom Harrell, Lizz Wright, David Weiss, Ray Barretto, Greg August, Dan McCarthy, Omer Avital, and Darren Barrett
October 18, 1966 ~ Jazz drummer Bill Stewart, full name William Harris Stewart, born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Maceo Parker, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Dr Lonnie Smith, Nicholas Payton, Bill Carrothers, Steve Wilson, Seamus Blake, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, Jim Hall, Franck Amsallem, Peter Bernstein, Scott Colley, Marc Copland, Larry Goldings, Lage Lund, Pat Martino, Jim Rotondi, Jesse van Ruller, Armen Donelian, Ron McClure, Lee Konitz, Fred Wesley, Joe Lovano, Don Grolnick, Tim Hagans, Kevin Hays, Eddie Hinton, Michael Brecker, Curtis Stigers, Nick Brignola, and Steve Kuhn
October 18, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record I Feel Fine at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Produced by George Martin. One of the first pop recordings to use guitar feedback. The guitar riff is said to be inspired by Bobby Parker's 1961 recording of Watch Your Step. Issued as a non-album single the following November, featuring She's A Woman on the flip sideOctober 18, 1964 ~ Bassist Paul Peterson, full name Paul Joseph Peterson, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of the Time, replacing Monte Moir in 1983. Present in the Prince film Purple Rain. Lead singer of the Family. As a solo artist debuted in 1987 with the eponymous Paul Peterson album, spawning the singles Intimacy and Rich Man
October 18, 1964 ~ Indie rock, post-rock singer, guitarist, bassist Sam Prekop born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of Shrimp Boat. After the band folded in 1993 formed the Sea And Cake with bandmate Eric Claridge. Prokop has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with his eponymous Sam Prekop album released in 1999
October 18, 1963 ~ Singer, pianist, composer Sigvart Dagsland born in Stavanger, Norway ~ Married to singer, actress Karoline Krüger, with whom he has also worked on occasion. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Joker released in 1985. Has collaborated with the likes of Iver Kleive, Solveig Slettahjell, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Løgnasleget, and Eivind Sarset
October 18, 1961 ~ Jazz, classical trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, full name Wynton Learson Marsalis, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Jelly Roll Morton, Cootie Williams, Freddie Hubbard. Over 40 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, starting with the eponymous Wynton Marsalis released in 1982. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his Blood On The Fields, a two-and-a-half hour jazz oratorio published in 1997 and the first jazz composition to be awarded the Pullitzer Prize for Music. In-demand collaborator in both jazz and classical music, and as a member of the Marsalis Family in a wide array of genres including pop and rock. Notable collaborations include Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Wayne Shorter, St Louis Symphony, Willie Nelson, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Eastman Wind Ensemble (Carnaval), the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Fuse One
October 18, 1960 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Where The Boys Are ~ Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield as the theme song of the 1960 movie of the same name. Connie Francis sang the song and starred in the film. Released as a single in January 1961 it would be a top 10 hit for Francis on both sides of the Atlantic
October 18, 1957 ~ Singer Precious Wilson born in Spanish Town, Jamaica ~ Backing singer in British disco, R&B group Eruption. As a solo artist scored a handful of modest hits in Europe, especially Germany. Known for songs such as Cry To Me, I Need You and I'll Be Your Friend, the latter reaching the Billboard R&B charts in 1985
October 18, 1956 ~ Edward Sturgis, commonly known as DJ Eddie Cheba, born ~ Fixture on the New York scene during the 1970s. One of the earliest rapping DJ's, considered pivotal to the development of hip hop. Influential on Kurtis Blow, close friend DJ Hollywood, and Def Jam Recordings co-founder Russell Simmons, the latter inspired to pursue a career in music after hearing Cheba perform. The year before his passing, Cheba suffered a series of strokes. Upon hearing of his ailing health, Simmons stated, recalling the hey days: “The absolute facts are as follows. If you couldn't get Hollywood, you got Cheba. If you couldn't get Cheba, you got Lovebug Starski. Again, this is actual facts. If you got all three, the number of tickets would skyrocket and you could pay the bar guarantee. They were the rap stars and the biggest money makers and draws.” ~ Sturgis passed away in 2024October 18, 1956 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll singer Gene Vincent records Red Bluejeans And A Pony Tail at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Under the supervision of producer Ken Nelson, Gene Vincent and his backing unit the Blue Caps record Red Bluejeans And A Pony Tail as well as Important Words, You Better Believe and Five Days Five Days
October 18, 1954 ~ Alkistis Sevasti Attikuzie, commonly known as modern entehno singer Alkistis Protopsalti, born in Alexandria, Egypt ~ Known for songs such as Trava Skandali, O Aggelos Mou and Apelpistika Diathesimi
October 18, 1953 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Anne Hills born in Moradabad, India ~ Well over a dozen albums to her name starting in the late 1970s. Has collaborated with Chris Brubeck, Peter Erskine, Tom Paxton, Bob Gibson, Cindy Mangsen, Priscilla Herdma, and Michael Peter Smith
October 18, 1951 ~ Bassist Nic Potter born in Wiltshires, UK ~ Best known for his work with Van Der Graaf Generator, present on albums such as H To He (Who Am The Only One), The Quiet Zone (The Pleasure Dome), and Vital. Also appeared on over a dozen Peter Hammill albums, starting with the acclaimed Fool's Mate. Has also worked with Magna Carta, Steve Swindells, Duncan Browne, the Pool Sharks, Steve Hyams, Rare Bird, and the Misunderstood ~ Potter passed away in 2013October 18, 1949 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Gary Richrath born in Peoria, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist and songwriter for REO Speedwagon from 1970 through 1989, including on hits such as Keep On Loving You, Keep The Fire Burning, One Lonely Night, and Can't Fight This Feeling. Formed the band Richrath when he left REO, resulting in the album Only The Strong Survive released in 1992 ~ Richrath passed away in 2015
October 18, 1949 ~ Singer Tennessee Ernie Ford records Mule Train ~ Written by Johnny Lange, Hy Heath, Ramblin' Tommy Scott and Fred Glickman. Tennessee Ernie Ford's version, released in November 1949 paired with Anticipation Blues on the flip side, would reach top 10 on the all-genre pop and top the Billboard Country charts. Other notable versions would be recorded by Frankie Laine, Bing Crosby, and Count Prince Miller
October 18, 1947 ~ Laura Nigro, commonly known as singer, pianist Laura Nyro, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Drew from Brill building pop, jazz, R&B, show tunes and rock. Critically acclaimed, especially for her late 1960s albums Eli And The Thirteenth Confession and New York Tendaberry. Had her songs covered by the 5th Dimension (Stoned Soul Picnic), Blood Sweat & Tears (When I Die), Barbra Streisand (Stoney End), the Supremes (Time And Love), and Three Dog Night (Eli's Coming) ~ Nyro passed away in 1997October 18, 1946 ~ Film composer Howard Shore, full name Howard Leslie Shore, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of jazz fusion band Lighthouse. Film composer with over 80 scores to his name, most notably the Academy Award-winning soundtracks of The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
October 18, 1946 ~ Rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist Joe Egan, full name Joseph Egan, born in Paisley, UK ~ Co-founded Stealers Wheel with Gerry Rafferty, the pair also co-writing the band's biggest hit Stuck In The Middle With You which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1973. Subsequently, the band scored two more smaller hits, Everything Will Turn Out Fine and most notably the Egan-penned Billboard Hot 100 top 30 hit Star. The band recorded three albums before disbanding by the mid 1970s over stagnating sales and artistic differences. Egan would release two solo albums through the end of the decade which, though warmly received would sell poorly. His bandmate Rafferty would go on to score a massive hit with Baker Street. Egan retired from music by the 1990s ~ Egan passed away in 2024
October 18, 1946 ~ Jazz pianist Michel Graillier born in Lens, France ~ Classically trained pianist. Drummer for yéyé group les Chaps during his mid-teens. Turned to jazz in the late 1960s, notably working with Aldo Romano and Jean-François Jenny-Clark. Also closely associated with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. Recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Pianos Puzzle released in 1970. Internationally perhaps best known for backing Chet Baker during the 1980s, appearing on about half a dozen of the singer, trumpeter's albums including the acclaimed Mr B and Candy. Graillier has also guested on albums by the likes of Steve Lacy, Steve Grossman, Jacques Thollot, Stephen McCraven, Barney Wilen, Riccardo del Fra, Daniel Humair, Jacques Vidal, François Jeanneau, and Stella Vander ~ Graillier passed away in 2003