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.
September 8, 1947 ~ Benjamin Orzechowski, commonly known as bassist Benjamin Orr born in Lakewood, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as singer, bassist, co-founder of the Cars. Sang lead on Cars-songs such as Just What I Needed, Let's Go, and Drive. Previously a member of the Grasshoppers known for a pair of 1965 singles, Mod Socks and the Orr-penned Pink Champagne & Red Roses. As a solo artist Orr would score a modest hit with Stay The Night in 1987 ~ Orzechowski passed away in 2000
September 8, 1946 ~ Pianist, organist Dean Daughtry, full name William Dean Daughtry, born in Kinston, Alabama, USA ~ Keyboardist for Classics IV after Joe Wilson left, appearing on the 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Spooky. Co-founding and sole constant member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums. The band is best known for the late 1970s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits So In To You and Imaginary Lover. Other well known songs include Doraville, I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, and Do It Or Die ~ Daughtry passed away in 2023September 8, 1946 ~ Folk, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Ronnie Burns, full name Ronald Leslie Burns, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Fronted early 1960s outfit the Flies. Subsequently recorded as a solo artist through the 1970s, notably known for the singles Coalman and Smiley. Teamed up with Russell Morris and former Zoot lead singer Darryl Cotton in the 1990s in the trio Burns Cotton & Morris
September 8, 1945 ~ Cathy Jean Giordano, commonly known as singer Cathy Jean, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Teamed up with the Roommates for their first recording, billed to Cathy Jean & the Roommates. Please Love Me Forever would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. When the single was issued Cathy Jean and the band had never met in person. The group would subsequently chart several other singles, notably Glory Of Love, but would be unable to repeat the success of their debut single and disbanded in 1965
September 8, 1945 ~ Michael William Groucutt, comonly known as bassist, singer Kelly Groucutt, born in Coseley, UK ~ Best known for his association with the Electric Light Orchestra. Joined the band in 1975 replacing Mike de Albuquerque, remained through 1983. First appeared on the Face The Music album. As a singer mostly sang backup and occasionally lead, most notably on the songs Nightrider and The Diary Of Horace Wimp. Released his Kelly solo debut album in 1983, produced by arranger, conductor Louis Clark and bandmates Bev Bevan, Richard Tandy and Mik Kaminski. Has also worked with spin-off band ELO Part II, later renamed to simply the OrchestraSeptember 8, 1944 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Peter Bellamy, full name Peter Franklyn Bellamy, born in Bournemouth, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Young Tradition with Royston Wood and Heather 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. Bellamy has since recorded as a solo artist, his Mainly Norfolk solo debut album released while still with the band, earning critical acclaim and enjoying a small yet devoted fanbase. Bellamy committed suicide at age 46, broke, unable to land gigs, and depressed with the state of his career, yet his death baffled many in the folk community. Bellamy is perhaps best remembered for his 1977 folk ballad opera The Transports, and has been acknowledged as a major influence by the likes of Damien Barber, Oli Steadman, and Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden ~ Bellamy passed away in 1991
September 8, 1942 ~ Engineer, mixer, producer Chuck Plotkin, full name Charles Richard Plotkin, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his work with Bruce Springsteen, including on the albums Nebraska, The River, and Born In The USA. Has also worked on albums by the Floating House Band, Rod Taylor, Andrew Gold, Orleans (Let There Be Music), Harry Chapin, Wendy Waldman, Bob Dylan (Shot Of Love), Bette Midler (No Frills), Harry Chapin, and Sonia Dada (My Secret Life)September 8, 1942 ~ Salvatore Willard Spampinato, commonly known as singer Sal Valentino, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Lead singer of the Beau Brummels, known for songs such as Laugh Laugh and Just A Little. In the early 1970s fronted Stoneground with whom he recorded three albums. Left the music business for the next decade and a half before returning to various Brummels revivals. Valentino released a debut solo album, Come Out Tonight, in 2006
September 8, 1941 ~ Drummer Phillip Wilson born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as founding member of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago and as member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Formed jazz-rock band Full Moon with fellow Butterfield Band member Buzz Feiten, known for their 1972 eponymous Full Moon which is now considered one of the finest early jazz fusion works. Has also jammed with Jimi Hendrix and collaborated with artist such as the Last Poets, Fontella Bass, Olu Dara, Hamiet Bluiett, Julius Hemphill, Sam Lazar, Roscoe Mitchell, David Murray, Anthony Braxton, Carla Bley, Lester Bowie, and Bill Laswell. Wilson would be murdered at age 50 by Marvin Slater. The killer was caught after attention from the America's Most Wanted TV show and would be sentenced to 33 years in prison ~ Wilson passed away in 1992
September 8, 1938 ~ Conductor, pianist, composer Reinbert de Leeuw born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Became a household name in the Netherlands for his renditions of Erik Satie's compositions in the early 1980s, especially Early Piano Works Volume 1 & 2. Closely associated with Louis Andriessen. Founded the Schonberg Ensemble. Internationally renowned conductor, worked with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the New Sinfonietta Amsterdam, ASKO, the Netherland Wind Ensemble, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra ~ De Leeuw passed away in 2020
September 8, 1937 ~ Jazz, classical, rock guitarist, banjoist, violinist Jimmy Stewart born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Playing professionally since age 15. Best known for his association with Gábor Szabó. Released about a dozen albums as a solo artist. In-demand session musician appearing on over an estimated 1200 recordings. Musical director for Lainie Kazan. Arranger for Andy Williams. Has coached artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Juice Newton, Lee RitenourSeptember 8, 1935 ~ Hard bop, jazz saxophonist, flutist James Clay, full name James Earl Clay, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Larance Marable, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, Ornette Coleman, Roosevelt Wardell, Frank Butler, Ray Charles, Lowell Fulson, Don Cherry, Lorraine Geller, David Newman, Nat Adderley, Wynton Kelly, Hank Crawford, Wes Montgomery, Frank Morgan, David Fathead Newman, and Cornell Dupree ~ Clay passed away in 1995
September 8, 1934 ~ David William Kearney, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Guitar Shorty, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Formative influence on a young Jimi Hendrix as well as Buddy Guy. As a solo artist debuted in 1957 with the single Irma Lee b/w You Don't Treat Me Right produced by Willie Dixon and featuring Otis Rush on second guitar. Over the course of his six-decade career Kearney has worked with Ray Charles, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, and Sam Cooke ~ Kearney passed away in 2022September 8, 1934 ~ Composer, conductor Peter Maxwell Davies born in Salford, UK ~ Enfant terrible of the 1960s. Frequently shocked audiences and critics. Prolific composer who wrote in a variety of styles and idioms often combining disparate styles in one piece. Co-founded the Pierrot Players ensemble with Harrison Birtwistle ~ Davies passed away in 2016
September 8, 1932 ~ Jazz, vocal jazz singer Al Bowlly records Love Is The Sweetest Thing at Abbey Road Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Al Bowlly it would be a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, giving singer Bowlly his first American succes. Other early versions of the song would be recorded by Jack Hylton featuring Pat O'Malley, and by Hal Kemp featuring Skinnay Ennis. Over the years it would also be covered by Perry Como, Artie Shaw, Frankie Vaughan, and Dinah Washington
September 8, 1932 ~ Virgini Patterson Hensley, commonly known as singer Patsy Cline born in Gore, Virginia, USA ~ Country superstar with crossover appeal. Viewed as icon on the level of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Helped pave the way for women headliners. Known for songs such as Walkin' After Midnight, I Fall To Pieces, She's Got You, Crazy, and Sweet Dreams. ~ Cline passed away in 1963
September 8, 1930 ~ Jazz saxophonist Walter Benton born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Kenny Clarke, Max Roach, Clifford Brown, Pérez Prado, Quincy Jones, Victor Feldman, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Albert Tootie Heath, Julian Priester, Abbey Lincoln, Eric Dolphy, Slide Hampton, Gerald Wilson, and John Anderson ~ Benton passed away in 2000
September 8, 1927 ~ Songwriter, singer Harlan Howard, full name Harlan Perry Howard, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Although a singer with a distinctive voice, Howard is most revered as a songwriter, responsible for country classics such as Pick Me Up On Your Way Down, Heartaches By The Number, I Fall To Pieces, Everglades, The Key's In The Mailbox, Life Turned Her That Way, and Busted. Had his songs recorded by Ray Price, Guy Mitchell, Patsy Cline, Charlie Rich, the Kingston Trio, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Patty Loveless, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Kitty Wells, Jim Reeves, John Conlee, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Mel Tillis, the Forester Sisters, Brenda Lee, and the Judds ~ Howard passed away in 2002September 8, 1927 ~ Harvey Blackston, commonly known as blues harpist Harmonica Fats, born in Mcdade, Louisiana, USA ~ Cited Sonny Terry as a major influnce. Best known for his early 1960s recordings Tore Up, a cover of a Hank Ballard song, and its follow-up Mama Mama Talk To Your Daughter For Me. Worked with the Houserockers, Johnny Dyer, Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Bobby Darin, Tina Turner, and Etta James ~ Blackston passed away in 2000
September 8, 1927 ~ Charles Wright, commonly known as jazz drummer Specs Wright, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Sideman. has worked with Jimmy Heath, Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Percy Heath, Milt Jackson, Earl Bostic, Kenny Drew, Cannonball Adderley, Art Blakey, Carmen McRae, Hank Mobley, Billy Root, Curtis Fuller, Ray Bryant, Tommy Bryant, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, Betty Carter, Red Garland, and Coleman Hawkins ~ Wright passed away in 1963
September 8, 1923 ~ Jazz double bassist Wilbur Ware born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Recorded with JR Monterose, Toots Thielemans, Tina Brooks, Zoot Sims, Grant Green, Art Blakey, Sonny Clark, Walt Dickerson, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Drew, Matthew Gee, Johnny Griffin, Ernie Henry, Clifford Jordan, Herbie Mann, Blue Mitchell, Thelonious Monk, Cecil Payne, Rita Reys, and Sonny Rollins ~ Ware passed away in 1979September 8, 1921 ~ Flutist, saxophonist Norris Turney born in Wilmington, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Tiny Bradshaw, Billy Eckstine, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, the Savoy Sultans, he Newport All-Stars, Oliver Jackson, Roy Eldridge, Red Richards, Randy Weston, Sam Woodyard, Walter Booker, and Jimmy Cobb ~ Turney passed away in 2001
September 8, 1916 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer René Touzet, full name René Touzet y Monte, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Wrote No Te Importe Saber, which with lyrics by Mitchell Parish was recorded as Let Me Love You Tonight by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and by Dean Martin. Collaborated with Desi Arnaz, Xavier Cugat, Stan Kenton, and Gene Norman ~ Touzet passed away in 2003
September 8, 1896 ~ Music publicist, lyricist, songwriter Howard Dietz born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lyricist best remembered for his three-decade on-and-off songwriting collaboration with composer Arthur Schwartz, starting with the Broadway revue The Little Show in 1929. The pair would go on to write songs such as Something To Remember You By (Libby Holman, Dinah Shore, Jo Stafford), Dancing In The Dark (Jack Barker, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone). New Sun In The Sky (Fred Astaire, Keely Smith), Alone Together (Leo Reisman, Margaret Whiting, Woody Herman), I See Your Face Before Me (Evelyn Laye, Mildred Bailey, Frank Sinatra), and Haunted Heart (John Tyers, Guy Lombardo, Perry Como). Dietz is also known as a publicist, advertising director, and executive with the film production companies Goldwyn Pictures and subsequently MGM, eventually rising to the position of Vice President with the latter serving until his retirement in 1957 ~ Dietz passed away in 1983September 8, 1841 ~ Composer Antonín Dvorák, full name Antonin Leopold Dvorak, born in Nelahozeves, Bohemia ~ One of the first Czech composers to achieve worldwide recognition ~ Dvorák passed away in 1904