2026-10-19 · On this day
October 19 in Rock History: Thundercat (musician), Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Dan Woodgate and 1 more
4 rock stories from October 19: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
1984: Thundercat (musician)
On October 19, 1984: Thundercat, American singer and record producer
Thundercat, born Stephen Lee Bruner in 1984, initially gained recognition as a member of the heavy metal band Suicidal Tendencies. He later shifted his focus to a diverse range of genres, including funk, soul, progressive R&B, psychedelia, and jazz-fusion. This musical evolution led to the release of five solo studio albums, showcasing his versatility as a singer, record producer, songwriter, and bassist.
Thundercat's work with producer Flying Lotus and his contributions to Kendrick Lamar's 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly earned him a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance for the track "These Walls." In 2020, he released his fourth studio album, It Is What It Is, which received a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album.
1965: Big Head Todd and the Monsters
On October 19, 1965: Todd Park Mohr, American rock singer-songwriter and musician
Big Head Todd and the Monsters is a rock band formed in Colorado in 1986 by Todd Park Mohr, Brian Nevin, and Rob Squires. The band's major label debut, Sister Sweetly, was released in 1993 and achieved platinum status in the United States. This marked a significant milestone in the band's career, showcasing their ability to produce high-quality music that resonated with a wide audience.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters have maintained a strong live presence throughout their career, particularly in the Mountain States of the United States.
1960: Dan Woodgate
On October 19, 1960: Dan Woodgate, English musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer
Dan Woodgate, a British musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer, was born in 1960. He rose to prominence in the late 1970s as the drummer for the English ska band Madness, a key figure in the 2 Tone movement. This influential genre combined elements of ska, punk, and reggae to create a unique sound that captivated audiences.
Dan Woodgate continued his career as a member of the Anglo-American alternative rock band Voice of the Beehive in the late 1980s. He also pursued a solo career, releasing the album In Your Mind in 2015, while still a member of Madness.
1948: Patrick Simmons
On October 19, 1948: Patrick Simmons, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Patrick Simmons was born in 1948. He is an American musician and founding member of the rock band The Doobie Brothers. Simmons was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of the band.
Patrick Simmons has been a consistent presence in The Doobie Brothers since their formation. He is the only member to appear on every release by the band, showcasing his dedication and longevity.