Music Makers Encyclopedia: M

Click on a letter to choose an act ("S" for Bruce Springsteen, "B" for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards, short bios for select acts (generally adapted from Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to albums and songs reviewed by the DMDB.

M

Song(s):
Pop Muzik (1979)

M83

Song(s):

Midnight City (2011)

M People

Album(s):
Elegant Slumming (1994)

Yo-Yo Ma

Album(s):
Yo-Yo Ma Premieres Concertos for Violincello and Orchestra (1996)

Ma & the Ramblers

Song(s):
Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes (1952) – see Perry Como

Steve Mac

Record producer, songwriter, and musician born Steve McCutcheon on 1/15/1972 in Chertsey, Surrey, England. Has contributed to 30 #1 songs on the UK Singles Chart.

Kirsty MacColl

Song(s):
They Don’t Know (1979)
Fairytale of New York (1987) – see the Pogues
Fifteen Minutes (1989)
Walking Down Madison (1991)
Soho Square (1994)
He’s on the Beach (1998)

Galt MacDermot

Song(s) by Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni and James Rado:
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (from Hair, 1969) – see Fifth Dimension

Album(s):
Hair (composed with Gerome Ragni and James Rado, musical: 1967, soundtrack: 1979)
Two Gentlemen of Verona (composed with John Guare, musical: 1971)

Ballard MacDonald

Jeanette MacDonald

Song(s):
Indian Love Call (with Nelson Eddy, 1936)

Harry Macdonough

Singer born John Scantlebury MacDonald in Ontario, Canada on 5/30/1871. Died 9/26/1931. Second only to Henry Burr among the great ballad singers of recordings' pioneer pre-1920 era. (tenor – Edison Male Quartette: 1898; Haydn Quartet: 1898-1914; Orpheus Quartet: 1914-1919; Lyric Quartet; Victor Light Opera Co.). Was a top record company executive after World War I.

Song(s):
I Can’t Tell You Why I Love You But I Do (1900)
Tell Me, Pretty Maiden (with Grace Spencer, 1901)
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder (1901)
The Tale of a Bumble Bee (1901)
Sweet Annie Moore (with S.H. Dudley, 1901)
I’ll Be with You When the Roses Bloom Again (1901)
In the Good Old Summertime (1902)
The Mansion of Aching Hearts (1902)
In the Sweet Bye and Bye (with John Bieling, 1903)
Hiawatha (His Song to Minnehaha) (1903)
Blue Bell (1904) – see Haydn Quartet
Dearie (1905)
Will You Love Me in December As You Do in May? (1907) – see Haydn Quartet
My Wild Irish Rose (1907) – see Haydn Quartet
Because You’re You (with Elise Stevenson, 1907)
My Dear (1908)
I Love You So (Merry Widow Waltz) (with Elise Stevenson, 1908)
Shine on, Harvest Moon (with Elise Stevenson as Miss Walton, 1909)
Where the River Shannon Flows (1910)
Every Little Movement (with Lucy Isabelle Marsh, 1910)
In the Valley of Yesterday (1910)
Down by the Old Mill Stream (1911)
There's a Girl in the Heart of Maryland (With a Heart That Belongs to Me) (1913)
It’s Tulip Time in Holland (1915)
They Didn't Believe Me (with Olive Kline, 1915)
The Girl on the Magazine (1916)
Smiles (1918) – see Joseph C. Smith
Till We Meet Again (1919) – see Nicholas Orlando

Ted Macero

Producer for Miles Davis.

George MacFarlane

Song(s):
A Little Bit of Heaven (Shure, They Call It Ireland) (1915)

Shane MacGowan

Member of The Pogues.

Mary MacGregor

Song(s):
Torn Between Two Lovers (1976)

Antonio Machin - see Don Azpiazu

Machine Gun Kelly

Album(s):
Tickets to My Downfall (2020)

Machito

Song(s):
Tanga (1949) – see Charlie Parker
Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite (1951) – see Charlie Parker

Andy Mackay

Art-rock saxophone and oboe player born 7/23/1946 in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England. With Roxy Music (1970-83, 2001-11, 2019, 2022-).

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Duo comprised of rapper Macklemore (born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty on 6/19/1983 in Seattle, WA) and producer, DJ, and musician Ryan Lewis (born 3/25/1988 in Spokane, WA).

Song(s):
Can't Hold Us (with Ryan Dalton, 2011)
Thrift Shop (with Wanz, 2012)
Same Love (with Mary Lambert, 2012)
Downtown (with Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, & Grandmaster Caz, 2015)

Album(s):
The Heist (2012)

Uncle Dave Macon

Country singer born David Harrison Macon on 10/7/1870 in Smartt Station, TN. Died 3/22/1952.

Song(s):
Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy (1924)
Old Dan Tucker (1925)

Andy Madadian

Edward Madden

Johnny Maddox

Frances Maddux

Song(s):
Paradise (1932) – see Leo Reisman

Madison Avenue

Song(s):
Who the Hell Are You? (2000)

Madness

Song(s):
One Step Beyond (1979)
Baggy Trousers (1980)
My Girl (1980)
It Must Be Love (1981)
Our House (1982)
House of Fun (1982)

Album(s):
Our House (musical: 2002)

Madonna

Dance-pop singer and record executive (Maverick Records) born Madonna Louise Ciccone on 8/16/58 in Bay City, Michigan. The best-selling female recording artist of all time. Known as the "Queen of Pop." She moved to New York in the late '70's and performed with the Alvin Ailey dance troupe. Short-lived member of the Breakfast Club in the early '80's. She was known for her boundary-pushing videos, costumes, and overall image. Married to actor Sean Penn (1985-89) and British director Guy Ritchie (2000-08). She was also featured in movies such as Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Dick Tracy (1990), A League of Their Own (1992), and Evita (1996), the latter of which won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

DMDB profile page
DMDB podcast: The Best of Madonna, 1982-2022

Song(s):
Madonna: Top 100 Songs
Holiday (1983)
Borderline (1984)
Like a Virgin (1984)
Material Girl (1984)
Angel (1984)
Into the Groove (1985)
Crazy for You (1985)
Live to Tell (1986)
Papa Don't Preach (1986)
True Blue (1986)
Where's the Party? (1986)
Like a Prayer (1989)
Express Yourself (1989)
Oh Father (1989)
Keep It Together (1989)
Vogue (1990)
Sooner or Later (1990)
Justify My Love (1990)
Secret (1994)
Take a Bow (1994)
Don’t Cry for Me Argentina (from Evita, 1996)
You Must Love Me (1996)
Ray of Light (1998)
Beautiful Stranger (1999)
American Pie (2000)
Music (2000)
Don't Tell Me (2000)
Die Another Day (2002)
Me Against the Music (2003) – see Britney Spears
Hung Up (2005)
Sorry (2005)
4 Minutes (with Justin Timberlake, 2008)

Album(s):
Madonna (1983)
Like a Virgin (1984)
True Blue (1986)
Like a Prayer (1989)
I'm Breathless (soundtrack for Dick Tracy, 1990)
The Immaculate Collection (compilation: 1983-1990, released 1990)
Erotica (1992)
Bedtime Stories (1994)
Something to Remember (compilation: 1984-95, released 1995)
Evita (soundtrack: 1996) – see Andrew Lloyd Webber
Ray of Light (1998)
Music (2000)
GHV2 (compilation: 1992-2000, released 2001)
American Life (2003)
Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005)
Hard Candy (2008)
Celebration (compilation: 1982-2009, released 2009)
MDNA (2012)
Rebel Heart (2015)
Madame X (2019)
Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones (compilation: 1982-2019; released 2022)

Enric Madriguera

Songs(s):
The Carioca (with Patricia Gillmore, 1934)

Mad Season

One-time supergroup formed in 1994 as a side project for several Seattle grunge bands. Layne Staley of Alice in Chains (v), Mike McCready of Pearl Jam (g), John Baker Saunders (b), and Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees (d).

Song(s):
River of Deceit (1995)

Madvillain

Album(s):
Madvillainy (2004)

Magazine

Song(s):
Shot by Both Sides (1978)
A Song from Under the Floorboard (1980)

Magic!

Song(s):
Rude (2013)

Magic Dirt

Song(s):
Bodysnatcher (1995)

Magic Sam

Blues guitarist and singer born Samuel Gene Maghett on 2/14/1937 in Grenada County, Mississippi. Died 12/1/1969.

Song(s):
All Your Love (1957)

Album(s):
West Side Soul (1967)
Black Magic (1968)

Magic Slim

Herb Magidson

The Magnetic Fields

Song(s):
I Don’t Believe in the Sun (1999)

Album(s):
69 Love Songs (1999)

Magnum

Album(s):
On a Storyteller's Night (1985)

Taj Mahal

Blues singer/songwriter and guitarist born Henry Saint Clair Fredericks on 5/17/1942 in Harlem, NY.

Album(s):
Taj Mahal (1968)

Mahavishnu Orchestra

Song(s):
The Inner Mounting Flame (1971)

Album(s):
The Inner Mounting Flame (1971)

Gustav Mahler

Classical composer born 7/7/1860 in Bohemia, Austria. Died 5/18/1911.

Album(s):
Symphony No. 1 in D major (Titan) (1889)
Symphony No. 2 in C minor "Resurrection" (1894)
Symphony No. 3 (1896)
Symphony No. 4 (1892-1900)
Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor (1904)
Symphony No. 6 (1903-04)
Symphony No. 7 (1904-05)
Symphony No. 8 in E Flat major (The Symphony of a Thousand) (1907)
Das Lied Von Der Erde (The Song of the Earth) (1909)
Symphony No. 9 in D major (Farewell) (1909, premiered 1912)
Symphony No. 10 (1910)

Jere Mahoney

Song(s):
When You Were Sweet Sixteen (1900)
A Bird in a Gilded Cage (1900)
For Old Times’ Sake (1901)

Major Lance

Song(s):
The Monkey Time (1963)
Um Um Um Um Um (1964)

Major Lazer

Song(s):
Lean On (with DJ Snake & MØ, 2015)
Cold Water (with Justin Bieber & MØ, 2016)
Let Me Love You (with Justin Bieber, 2016)
Light It Up (with Nyla, 2016)

Miriam Makeba

Song(s):
Pata Pata (1967)

Ryan Malcolm

Song(s):
Something More (2003)

Malcolm X

Song(s):
No Sell Out (with Keith LeBlanc, 1983)

Jesse Malin

Song(s):
Wendy (2002)

Yngwie Malmsteen

Swedish rock guitarist born 6/30/1963.

Richard Maltby, Jr.

Album(s):
Miss Saigon (musical: 1989) – see Claude-Michel Schönberg

Maluma

Song(s):
Vente Pa Ca (2016) – see Ricky Martin
Chantaje (2016) – see Shakira
El Perdedor (2016)
Corazón (with Nego Do Borel, 2017)
Felices los 4 (2017)
Hawaii (with the Weeknd, 2020)

The Mamas & The Papas

Song(s):
California Dreamin' (1966)
Monday, Monday (1966)
Dream a Little Dream of Me (Mama Cass, 1968)

Maná

Henry Mancini

Composer, conductor, and arranger born Enrico Nicola Mancini on 4/16/1924 in Cleveland, OH. Died 6/14/1994.

Song(s):
Peter Gunn (1959)
Moon River (with Audrey Hepburn, 1961)
The Days of Wine and Roses (1963)
The Pink Panther Theme (1964)

Album(s):
The Music from Peter Gunn (TV soundtrack: 1959)
Breakfast at Tiffany's (soundtrack: 1961)

Johnny Mandel

Song(s):
Suicide Is Painless (1970)

Barbara Mandrell

Country singer born 12/25/1948 in Houston, TX.

Song(s):
Sleeping Single in a Double Bed (1978)

Mandrill

Song(s):
Fencewalk (1973)

Måneskin

Song(s):
Beggin’ (2017)

Silvana Mangano (aka "Flo Sandon")

Song(s):
Anna (El Negro Zumbón) (1953)

Chuck Mangione

Song(s):
Feels So Good (1978)

Manhansett Quartette

Song(s):
The Picture Turned to the Wall (1892)
Sally in Our Alley (1892)

Manhattan Harmony Four

Songs(s):
Lift Every Voice (1923)

The Manhattans

R&B vocal group formed in 1962 in Jersey City, NJ. Had 45 chart hits on the Billboard R&B chart.

Song(s):
Follow Your Heart (1966)
Kiss and Say Goodbye (1976)

Manhattan Transfer

Song(s):
Chanson D’Amour (1977)

Manic Street Preachers

Welsh rock group who were one of the buzz bands in the early days of Britpop. Richey James was the singer, lyricist, and rhythm guitarist through the band's first three albums. He went missing in 1995 and is presumed dead. The other three members continued on with Bradfield at the helm, garnering the band even more commercial success than they had before.

Active: 1990- Members: James Dean Bradfield (v/g), Richey James (born Richey Edwards, v/g: 90-95), Nicky Wire (b), Sean Moore (d).

Song(s):
Motorcycle Emptiness (1992)
A Design for Life (1996)
If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next (1998)

Album(s):
The Holy Bible (1994)
Everything Must Go (1996)
This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours (1998)

Barry Manilow

Adult contemporary singer born Barry Alan Pincus on 6/17/1946 in Brooklyn, NY.

Song(s):
Mandy (1974)
I Write the Songs (1975)
Copacabana (At the Copa) (1978)

Album(s):
Manilow Magic – The Best of (compilation, 1979)

Aimee Mann

Song(s):
I Could Hurt You Now (1993)
Save Me (1999)
Deathly (1999)

Barry Mann

Rock songwriter born Barry Imberman on 2/9/1939 in Brooklyn, NY. Often worked with Cynthia Weil, who he married in 1961. They were one of the songwriting teams to work in the legendary Brill Building, known for housing some of pop music history's most famous songwriters and publishers.

Songs written by Barry Mann:
Top 30 Songs
On Broadway (1963) – see the Drifters
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (1964) – see the Righteous Brothers

Manfred Mann

Rock keyboardist born 10/21/1940 who fronted Manfred Mann's Earth Band.

Song(s):
Do Wah Diddy Diddy (1964)
Pretty Flamingo (1966)
The Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo (1968)
Blinded by the Light (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, 1976)

Dick Manning

American songwriter.

Marilyn Manson

Shock-rock singer born Brian Hugh Warner on 1/5/1969 in Canton, OH.

Song(s):
The Beautiful People (1996)
The Dope Show (1998)

Mansun

Song(s):
Wide Open Space (1996)

Mantovani

Conductor, composer, violinist, and pianist born Annunzio Paolo Mantovani on 11/15/1905 in Venice, Italy. Died 3/30/1980.

Song(s):
Cara Mia (with David Whitfield, 1954)

Album(s):
Film Encores (1957)

Richard Manuel

Rock singer and pianist born 4/3/1943 in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Died 3/4/1986. With The Band.

Victor Manuelle

Salsa singer born Víctor Manuel Ruiz Velázquez on 9/27/1968 in Bronx, NY but raised in Puerto Rico.

Armando Manzaner

Phil Manzanera

Art-rock guitarist born Phillip Geoffrey Targett-Adams on 1/31/1951 in London, England. With Roxy Music (1972-83, 2001-11, 2019, 2022-).

Ray Manzarek

Rock keyboardist born Raymond Daniel Manczarek, Jr. on 2/12/1939 in Chicago, IL. Died 5/20/2013. With The Doors.

The Marathons

Song(s):
Peanut Butter (1961)

Marc & the Mambas

Song(s):
If You Go Away (1982)
Black Heart (1983)

Muzzy Marcellino

Song(s):
I'll String Along with You (1934) – see Ted Fio Rito

The Marcels

Doo-wop group.

Song(s):
Blue Moon (1961)

Little Peggy March

Song(s):
I Will Follow Him (1963)

Gugliemo Marconi

Inventor of the radio.

Marcy Playground

Song(s):
Sex and Candy (1997)

Arif Mardin

Record executive born 3/15/1932 in Istanbul, Turkey. Died 6/25/2006. With Atlantic and Manhattan Records. Produced Anita Baker, the Bee Gees, George Benson, David Bowie, Petula Clark, Judy Collins, Phil Collins, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Donny Hathaway, Norah Jones, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, John Prine, Queen, The Rascals, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, and others.

Benny Mardones

Song(s):
Into the Night (1980)

Teena Marie

Song(s):
Square Biz (1981)

Marillion

Progressive rock group formed in Aylesbury, England in 1978. Name adopted from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Active: 1978-. Doug Irvine (b: 78-80), Mick Pointer (d: 78-83), Steve Rothery (g: 79-), Brian Jelliman (k: 79-81), Fish (v: 81-88); Diz Minnett (b: 81-82), Mark Kelly (k: 82-); Pete Trewavas (b: 82-); Ian Mosley (d: 83-); Steve Hogarth (v: 89-). Also added lyricist John Helmer in 1989.

• DMDB profile page
• DMDB podcast: The Best of Marillion – The Fish Era, 1981-1988

Song(s):
Marillion/Fish: Top 100 Songs
Marillion Singles Discography
Script for a Jester's Tear (1983)
Fugazi (1984)
She Chameleon (1984)
Kayleigh (1985)
Childhood's End? (1985)
Bitter Suite (1985)
Blind Curve (1985)
Incommunicado (1987)
Going Under (1987)
Sugar Mice (1987)
Tux On (1987)
Warm Wet Circles (1987)
After Me (1989)
The Party (1991)
A Collection (1991)
Sympathy (1992)
The Hollow Man (1994)
Beautiful (1995)
Estonia (1997)
Most Toys (2007)
Half-Full Jam (2008)

Album(s):
Marillion/Fish: Top 20 Albums
Script for a Jester's Tear (1983)
Fugazi (1984)
Real to Reel (live, 1984)
Misplaced Childhood (1985)
Brief Encounter (EP, 1986)
Clutching at Straws (1987)
Best of Both Worlds: Disc 1 (compilation: 1982-88, released 1997)
B-Sides Themselves (archives: 1982-87, released 1988)
The Thieving Magpie (live: 1982-87, released 1988)
Seasons End (1989)
Holidays in Eden (1991)
Six of One, Half Dozen of the Other (compilation: 1982-92, released 1992)
Brave (1994)
Afraid of Sunlight (1995)
Best of Both Worlds: Disc 2 (compilation: 1989-96, released 1997)
This Strange Engine (1997)
Radiation (1998)
marillion.com (1999)
Anoraknophobia (2001)
Best of (compilation: 1982-2001, released 2003)
Marbles (2004)
Smoke/Mirrors (live, 2006)
Somewhere Else (2007)
Family/Friends (live, 2006)
Early Stages (live box: 1982-1987, released 2008)
Happiness Is the Road (2008)
Less Is More (rerecordings, 2009)
Sounds That Can't Be Made (2012)
A Collection of Recycled Gifts (Christmas, 2014)
Singles Night (live: 2015, released 2016)
F.E.A.R. (Fuck Everyone and Run) (2016)
Crash Course (samplers: 1989-2016, nine editions released from 2001-17)
With Friends from the Orchestra (rerecordings, 2019)
An Hour Before It’s Dark (2022)

Mario

Song(s):
Let Me Love You (2004)

The Marketts

Song(s):
Out of Limits (1963)

Johnny Marks

Best known as the writer of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." See Gene Autry.

Bob Marley (& the Wailers)

DMDB profile page

Reggae singer/songwriter and guitarist born Robert Nesta Marley on 2/6/1945 in Rhoden Hall, Jamaica. Died of brain cancer on 5/11/1981. The Wailers (known first as The Teenagers and later The Wailing Rudeboys) included Peter Tosh (63-74), Bunny "Wailer" Livingstone (63-74), Junior Braithwaite (63-64), Beverly Kelso (63-66), and Cherry Smith (63-64). Later included Aston "Family Man" Barrett (b: 69-), Carlton Barrett (d: 69-), Rita Marley (72-), Marcia Griffiths (72-), Judy Mowatt (72-), Al Anderson (g: 74-). Recorded some 70 tracks for Coxsone Dodd's legendary Studio One (1963-66). Recorded for Danny Sims on the JAD label (1968-70); also worked with Lee "Scratch" Perry and Upsetter Records (1970-71), independent label Tuff Gong (1971), Island Records (1972-81). Married Rita Anderson on 2/10/66. Wounded in an assassination attempt on 12/3/76. Father of David "Ziggy" Marley who formed Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers with siblings Cedelia, Stephen, and Sharon. Also father of Damian, Julian, and Ky-Mani, who all pursued music careers. Son Rohan Marley played football for the University of Miami Hurricanes. In 1990, Marley's birthday was proclaimed a national holiday in Jamaica.

Song(s):
Trench Town Rock (1971)
Stir It Up (1973)
Get Up, Stand Up (1973)
I Shot the Sheriff (1973)
No Woman, No Cry (1974)
Lively Up Yourself (1975)
One Love/People Get Ready (1977)
Redemption Song (1980)
Three Little Birds (1980)

Album(s):
One Love at Studio One (also released as two albums: Simmer Down and The Wailing Wailers) (archives, 1963-66)
The Complete Wailers 1967-1972, Part 1 (Rock to the Rock/Selassie Is the Chapel/Best of the Wailers) (archives box, 1967-70)
Soul Rebels (1970)
African Herbsman/Soul Revolution (1971)
Chances Are (archives, 1967-72)
Catch a Fire (1973)
Burnin' (1973)
Natty Dread (1974)
Live! At the Lyceum (live, 1975)
Rastaman Vibration (1976)
Exodus (1977)
Kaya (1978)
Survival (1979)
Uprising (1980)
Confrontation (1983)
Legend (compilation: 1973-83, released 1984)
Songs of Freedom (box: 1961-83, released 1992)

Maroon 5

Song(s):
She Will Be Loved (2002)
This Love (2002)
Moves Like Jagger (with Christina Aguilera, 2011)
Payphone (with Wiz Khalifa, 2012)
One More Night (2012)
Maps (2014)
Sugar (2014)
Don't Wanna Know (with Kendrick Lamar, 2016)
Girls Like You (with Cardi B, 2017)
What Lovers Do (with SZA, 2017)
Memories (2019)

Album(s):
Songs about Jane (2002)

Johnny Marr

Alternative rock guitarist and songwriter born 10/31/1963. With the Smiths (82-87), The Pretenders (87), The The (88-94), Electronic (89-98), and The Cribs (08-11). Has also released two solo albums (2013-14) and has done session work with Beck, Black Grape, Billy Bragg, Crowded House, Bryan Ferry, Kirsty MacColl, Pet Shop Boys, and Talking Heads. He also produced Modest Mouse (06-09).

Steve Marriott

Rock singer and guitarist born 1/30/1947 in Plashet, Essex, England. Died 4/20/1991. With The Small Faces (1965-68, 1975-78) and Humble Pie.

M/A/R/R/S

Song(s):
Pump Up the Volume (1987)

Bruno Mars

Pop singer born Peter Gene Hernandez on 10/8/1985 in Honolulu, HA.

Song(s):
Nothin’ on You (2010) – see B.o.B.
Just the Way You Are (Amazing) (2010)
Grenade (2010)
The Lazy Song (2010)
Fuck You (co-writer, 2010) – see Cee-Lo Green
Locked Out of Heaven (2012)
When I Was Your Man (2012)
Uptown Funk! (2014) – see Mark Ronson
24K Magic (2016)
That's What I Like (2016)
Finesse (with Cardi B, 2018)
Leave the Door Open (2021) – see Silk Sonic

Album(s):
Doo Wops & Hooligans (2010)
Unorthodox Jukebox (2012)
24K Magic (2016)

Charles Marsh

Song(s):
Throw Him Down, McCloskey (1892)

Lucy Isabelle Marsh

Song(s):
The Glow-Worm (1908)
Every Little Movement (1910) – see Harry Macdonough Jim Marshall

Marshmello

Song(s):
Silence (with Khalid, 2017)
Wolves (2017) – see Selena Gomez
Happier (with Bastille, 2018)
Friends (with Anne-Marie, 2018)

The Mars Volta

Album(s):
De-Loused in te Comatorium (2003)

Wynton Marsalis

Jazz trumpeter and composer born 10/18/1961 in New Orleans, LA.

Song(s):
The Majesty of the Blues (1988)

Martha & the Muffins

Song(s):
Echo Beach (1980)

Martha & the Vandellas

R&B vocal group formed in 1957 in Detroit, MI. Achieved fame in the 1960s at Motown Records. Members included Annette Beard, Rosalind Ashford, Gloria Williams, and Martha Reeves.

Song(s):
Heat Wave (1963)
Come and Get These Memories (1963)
Dancing in the Street (1964)
Nowhere to Run (1965)
Jimmy Mack (1967)

Martika

Song(s):
Love…Thy Will Be Done (1991)

Chris Martin

Lead singer of Coldplay.

Dean Martin

Adult contemporary singer born Dino Paul Crocetti on 6/7/1917 in Steubenville, OH. Died 12/25/1995.

Song(s):
You Belong to Me (1952)
That’s Amore (1953)
Sway (1954)
The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane (1955)
Memories Are Made of This (1955)
Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blue) (1958)
Return to Me (1958)
Everybody Loves Somebody (1964)
Blue Moon (1964)

Dewey Martin

Rock drummer born Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff on 9/30/1940 in Chesterville, Ontario, Canada. With Buffalo Springfield (1966-68).

Freddy Martin

Jazz/big band leader born 12/9/1906 in Cleveland, OH. Died 10/1/1983. Leader of one of the most popular "sweet" bands, his tenor saxophone style led to the nickname "Mr. Silvertone". Pianist Jack Fina was a featured sideman. Merv Griffin was his late-1940s singing star.

Song(s):
April in Paris (with Elmer Feldkamp, 1933)
I Saw Stars (with Elmer Feldkamp, 1934)
Piano Concerto in B Flat (with Jack Fina, 1941)
The Hut-Sut Song (A Swedish Serenade) (with Eddie Stone, 1941)
Symphony (with Clyde Rogers, 1945)
To Each His Own (with Stuart Wade, 1946)
Managua, Nicaragua (with Stuart Wade, 1947)
I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Cocoanuts (1949)
Music! Music! Music! (1950)

George Martin

Pop/rock producer born 1/3/1926 in Highbury, London, England. Died 3/8/2016. Best known for working with the Beatles, but also worked with America, Jeff Beck, Cheap Trick, Little River Band, Paul McCartney, and Kenny Rogers,

Grady Martin

Hugh Martin

American musical theater and film composer (1944's Meet Me in St. Louis, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"), arranger, vocal coach, and playwright born 8/11/1914. Died 3/11/2011.

Song(s) Composed by Martin:
The Trolley Song (1944) – see Judy Garland

Janis Martin

Song(s):
Drugstore Rock ‘n’ Roll (1956)

Mary Martin

Song(s):
My Heart Belongs to Daddy (with Eddy Duchin's Orchestra, 1938)
Do-Re-Mi (from The Sound of Music, 1959)
The Sound of Music (from The Sound of Music, 1959)
Edelweiss (from The Sound of Music, 1959)

Max Martin

Songwriter who often worked with Dr. Luke.

Song(s) with Max Martin Songwriting Credits:
Max Martin: Top 40 Songs
Baby One More Time (1998) – see Britney Spears
I Want It That Way (1999) – see Backstreet Boys
Since U Been Gone (2004) – see Kelly Clarkson
I Kissed a Girl (2008) – see Katy Perry
Hot N Cold (2008) – see Katy Perry
California Gurls (2010) – see Katy Perry
Teenage Dream (2010) – see Katy Perry
Dynamite (2010) – see Taio Cruz
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (2012) – see Taylor Swift
One More Night (2012) – see Maroon 5
Roar (2013) – see Katy Perry
Dark Horse (2013) – see Katy Perry
Shake It Off (2014) – see Taylor Swift
Blank Space (2014) – see Taylor Swift

Ricky Martin

Latin-pop singer born Enrique Martin Morales on 12/24/1971 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Song(s):
María (Un, Dos, Tres) (1996)
The Cup of Life (1998)
Livin’ La Vida Loca (1999)
La Mordidita (with Yotuel, 2015)
Vente a Ca (with Maluma, 2016)

Album(s):
Ricky Martin (1999)

Roberta Martin

Tony Martin

Traditional pop singer born Alvin Morris on 12/25/1913 in San Francisco, CA. Died 7/27/2012.

Song(s):
Tonight We Love (Concerto No. 1, B Flat Minor) (1941)

Cliff Martinez

Rock drummer born 2/5/1954 in the Bronx, NY. With Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Melanie Martinez

Album(s):
Cry Baby (2015)

Narciso Martínez

Song(s):
La Chicharronera (with Santiago Almeida, 1936)

Jerry Martini

R&B saxophonist born 10/1/1942 in Denver, CO. With Sly & the Family Stone.

Ryan Martinie

Al Martino

Adult contemporary singer born Jasper Cini on 10/7/1927 in Philadephia, PA. Died 10/13/2009.

Song(s):
Here in My Heart (1952)

John Martyn

Song(s):
I’d Rather Be the Devil (1973)

The Marvelettes

R&B girl group formed in 1960 in Inkster, Michigan. Comprised of Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Junaita Cowart, Georgia Dobbins, and later Wanda Young. First major success for Motown Records.

Song(s):
Please Mr. Postman (1961)

The Marvelows

Song(s):
I Do (1965)

Johnny Marvin

Song(s):
Breezin' Along with the Breeze (1926)
Me and My Shadow (1927)
Tip Toe Through the Tulips (1929)

Junior Marvin

Doo-wop singer born Donald Hanson Marvin Kerr Richards Jr. on 1/31/1936 in Harrell, AR. Died 5/29/2013. With The Dells.

Groucho Marx

Album(s):
An Evening with Groucho (1972)

Jeff Marx

Album(s):
Avenue Q (musical: 2000) – see Robert Lopez

Richard Marx

Adult contemporary/pop singer/songwriter ("Don't Mean Nothin'", "Right Here Waiting") born 9/16/1963 in Chicago, IL.

Song(s):
Right Here Waiting (1989)
Keep Coming Back (1991)
Hazard (1991)

Album(s):
Repeat Offender (1989)

Mary Mary

Urban contemporary gospel duo from Inglewood, California. Formed in 1998. Consists of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell.

Mura Masa

Song(s):
Deal Wiv It (with Slowthai, 2019)

Pietro Mascagni

Album(s):
Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) (opera: 1890)

Mase

Rap singer/songwriter born Mason Durell Betha in Jacksonville, Florida on 8/27/1975.

Song(s):
Mo Money, Mo Problems (1997) – see the Notorious B.I.G.
Feel So Good (1997)

Hugh Masekela

Song(s):
Grazing in the Grass (1968)

Masked Wolf

Song(s):
Astronaut in the Ocean (2021)

Barbara Mason

Dave Mason

Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born 5/10/1946 in Worcester, England. With Traffic (v/g/b: 1967-68, 1971).

Song(s):
We Just Disagree (1977)

Lowell Mason

Song(s):
Joy to the World (arranged by Mason, 1719) – see George Friedrich Händel
Mary Had a Little Lamb (music: Mason, words: Sarah Josepha Hale, 1830)
Mary Had a Little Lamb (1878) – see Thomas Edison

Nick Mason

Rock drummer and songwriter born Nicholas Berkleley Mason on 1/27/1944 in Edgbaston, Birmingham, England. With Pink Floyd.

Mike Massé

Song(s):
Africa (with Jeff Hall, 2010)

Jules Massenet

Album(s):
Manon (opera: 1884)

Michael Masser

Bobby Massey

R&B musician born 3/9/1942 in Canton, OH. With The O’Jays.

Nick Massi

Bassist and bass singer born Nicholas E. Macioci on 9/19/1927 in Newark, NJ. Died 12/24/2000. With Four Seasons.

Massive Attack

Song(s):
Unfinished Sympathy (1991)
Karmacoma (1994)
Teardrop (1998)

Album(s):
Blue Lines (1991)
Mezzanine (1998)

Frankie Masters

Song(s):
Scatter-Brain (1939)

Masters Apprentices

Song(s):
Undecided (1966)

Reece Mastin

Song(s):
Good Night (2011)
Shout It Out (2012)

Cosimo Matassa

Recording engineer and studio owner (J&M Recording Studio) born Cosimo Vincent Matassa on 4/13/1926 in New Orleans, LA. Died 9/11/2014. Responsible for many R&B and early rock and roll recordings. Has worked with Ray Charles, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Lloyd Price, and Professor Longhair.

Matchbox 20

Song(s):
Push (1996)
3 A.M. (1996)
Bent (2000)
If You're Gone (2000)
Unwell (2002)

Album(s):
Yourself or Someone Like You (1996)
Mad Season (2000)

Cerys Mathews

Member of Catatonia.

Max Mathews

Song(s):
Daisy Bell (A Bicycle Built for Two) (1961)

Mireille Mathieu

Johnny Mathis

Pop balladeer born 9/30/35 in Gilmer, TX. Studied opera from age 13. Track scholarship at the San Francisco State College. Invited to Olympic tryouts; chose singing career instead. Discovered by George Avakian of Columbia Records. To New York City in 1956. Initially recorded as a jazz-styled singer. Columbia A&R executive Mitch Miller switched him to singing pop ballads. One of the top album artists of the rock era – has charted more than 60 albums.

Song(s):
Wonderful! Wonderful! (1956)
The Twelfth of Never (1957)
Chances Are (1957)
It's Not for Me to Say (1957)
Misty (1959)
Maria (1960)
Too Much, Too Little, Too Late (with Deniece Williams, 1978)

Album(s):
Johnny's Greatest Hits (compilation: 1956-58, released 1958)
Heavenly (1959)

Glen Matlock

Punk-rock guitarist and bassist born on 8/27/1956 in Paddington, London, England. With Sex Pistols (1975-77, 1996).

Kathy Mattea

Song(s):
Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses (1988)
Where've You Been (1989)

Dave Matthews Band

Alternative rock group fronted by singer/songwriter born 1/9/1967 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Song(s):
Christmas Song (1993)
Ants Marching (1993)
Crash into Me (1996)
Stay (Wasting Time) (1998)
Everyday (2001)
I Did It (2001)
Where Are You Going? (2002)
Oh (2003)
Funny the Way It Is (2009)
You and Me (2009)

Album(s):
Under the Table and Dreaming (1994)
Crash (1996)
Before These Crowded Streets (1998)
Everyday (2001)
Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King (2009)

Matthews’ Southern Comfort

Song(s):
Woodstock (1970)

Jessica Mauboy

Song(s):
Burn (2009)

Joe B. Mauldin

Early rock bassist born 7/8/1940 in Lubbock, TX. Died 2/7/2015. With Buddy Holly & the Crickets.

Paul Mauriat

Song(s):
Love Is Blue (L’Amour Est Bleu) (1967)

Maurice & Mac

Song(s):
You Left the Water Running (1968)

The Mavericks

Song(s):
Dance the Night Away (1998)

Max Q

Song(s):
Way of the World (1989)

Maxwell

Song(s):
Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) (1996)
Fortunate (1999)
Lake by the Ocean (2016)

Album(s):
Urban Hang Suite (1996)
Black Summer's Night (2009)

Brian May

Rock guitarist/songwriter born 7/19/1947 in Hampton, Middlesex, England. With Queen (1972-1995, 2004-).

John Mayall

Blues guitarist born 11/29/1933 in Macclesfield, Manchester, England. Fronted the Bluesbreakers.

Song(s):
Eric Clapton et al: Top 100 Songs

Album(s):
Eric Clapton et al: Studio Albums Ranked
Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (with Eric Clapton, 1966)

John Mayer

Pop-rock singer/songwriter born 10/16/1977 in Bridgeport, CT.

Song(s):
No Such Thing (2001)
Bigger Than My Body (2003)
Daughters (2004)
Waiting on the World to Change (2006)
Who Says (2009)

Album(s):
Room for Squares (2001)
Heavier Things (2003)
Continuum (2006)

Nathaniel Mayer & the Fabulous Twilights

Song(s):
Village of Love (1962)

Mayfield

– see Tears for Fears

Album(s):
Mayfield (1997)

Curtis Mayfield

R&B singer and guitarist born 6/3/1942 in Chicago, IL. Died 12/26/1999. Fronted The Impressions and recorded as a solo artist.

Song(s):
Move on Up (1970)
Superfly (1972)
Freddie’s Dead (Theme from Superfly) (1972)

Album(s):
Curtis (1970)
Superfly (soundtrack: 1972)

Percy Mayfield

Song(s):
Please Send Me Someone to Love (1950)

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

Mazzy Star

Song(s):
Fade into You (1993)

Prince Nico Mbarga

Song(s):
Sweet Mother (1976)

McAlmont & Butler

Song(s):
Yes (1995)

Nicko McBrain

Rock drummer with Iron Maiden.

Martina McBride

Country singer born Martina Mariea Schiff on 7/29/1966 in Sharon, KS.

Song(s):
Independence Day (1993)

C.W. McCall

Song(s):
Convoy (1975)

Dennis McCarthy

Television and film score composer born 7/3/1945. Best known for work with the Star Trek franchise, but has also worked on Dynasty, V, MacGyver, and Dawson's Creek.

Joseph McCarthy

Jesse McCartney

Song(s):
Leavin' (2008)

Linda McCartney

Musician, photographer, activist, and publisher born 9/24/1941 in New York, New York. Married Paul McCartney in 1969 and worked with him in Wings. Died 4/17/1998 in Tucson, Arizona.

Paul McCartney (& Wings)

Rock singer/songwriter and bassist born James Paul McCartney on 6/18/1942 in Liverpool, England. With the Quarrymen and the Beatles (60-70) before going solo and recording with the Wings (71-79).

DMDB podcast: Paul McCartney – The Best of the Beatles, 1962-1970
DMDB podcast: Paul McCartney – The Best of the Post-Beatles, 1970-2022

Song(s):
Paul McCartney: Top 70 Songs
Maybe I’m Amazed (1970)
Another Day (1971)
Monkberry oon Delight (with Linda McCartney, 1971)
C Moon (with Wings, 1972)
Live and Let Die (with Wings, 1973)
My Love (with Wings, 1973)
Helen Wheels (1973)
Jet (with Wings, 1974)
Band on the Run (with Wings, 1974)
Silly Love Songs (with Wings, 1976)
Mull of Kintyre (with Wings, 1977)
Girls’ School (1977)
With a Little Luck (1978)
Wonderful Christmas Time (1979)
Coming Up (Live at Glasgow) (1980)
Ebony and Ivory (with Stevie Wonder, 1982)
Say, Say, Say (with Michael Jackson, 1983)
Pipes of Peace (1983)
Cut Me Some Slack (with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear; 2013)
Four Five Seconds (2015) – see Rihanna

Album(s):
Band on the Run (1973)
Wings at the Speed of Sound (with Wings, 1976)
Greatest (compilation, 1978)
Give My Regards to Broad Street (soundtrack: 1984)
All the Best! (compilation: 1970-87, released 1987)
Pure McCartney (compilation, 2016)

The DMDB Blog:
John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time: July 6, 1957 (7/6/12)

Ian McLagan

Rock keyboardist born 5/12/1945 in Hounslow, England. Died 12/3/2014. With The Small Faces (1965-69, 1975-78), The Faces (1969-75), and the Rolling Stones (1978-81).

Jim McCarty

Rock drummer born James Stanley McCarty on 7/25/1943 in Walton, Liverpool, England. With Yardbirds (1963-68, 2003) and Box of Frogs (1984-86).

Harry McClintock

Song(s):
Jesse James (1928)

John McCormack

Tenor singer born 6/14/1884 in Athlone, Ireland. Died 9/16/1945.

Song(s):
I'm Falling in Love with Someone (1911)
Mother Machree (1911)
It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary (1915)
Somewhere a Voice Is Calling (1916)
The Sunshine of Your Smile (1916)
Il Mio Tesoro (1916)
The Star-Spangled Banner (1917)
Send Me Away (1917)
All Alone (1925)
Moonlight and Roses Bring Mem’ries of You (1925)

Charlie McCoy

Clyde McCoy

Neal McCoy

Song(s):
Wink (1994)

Paul McCoy

Song(s):
Bring Me to Life (2003) – see Evanescence

Van McCoy

Song(s):
The Hustle (1975)

The McCoys

Song(s):
Hang on Sloopy (1965)

Jimmy McCracklin

George McCrae

Soul singer born 10/19/1944 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Song(s):
Rock Your Baby (1974)

Mike McCready

Rock guitarist born 4/5/1966 in Pensacola, Florida. With Temple of the Dog (90), Pearl Jam (90-), Mad Season (94-95), and The Rockfords.

Song(s):
Masters of War (live, 1992) – see Eddie Vedder

Arnold McCuller

Song(s):
Free Bird (2000)
Try a Little Tenderness (with Paul Giamatti, 2000)

Ellas Otha Bates McDaniel

– see Bo Diddley

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

Rapper born Darryl Matthews McDaniel on 5/31/1964 in Harlem, NY. With Run-D.M.C..

Gene McDaniels

Song(s):
Chip Chip (1969)

Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group

Song(s):
Freight Train (with Nancy Whiskey, 1957)

Bob McDill

Country songwriter born Robert Lee McDill on 4/4/1944 in Beaumont, Texas. Co-wrote 31 #1 country hits.

Hugh McDonald

Rock bassist born 12/28/1950 in Philadelphia, PA. With Bon Jovi (1994-).

Michael McDonald

Rock singer and keyboardist born 2/12/1952. With the Doobie Brothers (1975-82, 1987, 1992, 1995-96, 2019-) and a solo artist.

Song(s):
I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) (1982)
I Gotta Try (1982)
Yah Mo Be There (1983) – see James Ingram
On My Own (1986) – see Patti LaBelle
Sweet Freedom (1986)

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Blues guitarist born 1/12/1906 (some sources say 1904) in Rossville, TN. Died 7/3/1972.

Album(s):
I Do Not Play No Rock and Roll (1969)
Mississippi Delta Blues (year?)

Sollie McElroy

R&B singer born 7/16/1933 in Gulfport, MS. With The Flamingos.

Reba McEntire

Country singer born 3/28/1955 in Chockie, OK. The most successful female country performer of her generation. 20 #1 songs on the Billboard country charts from 1982-1996.

Song(s):
Fancy (1991)

Album(s):
Reba Live (live, 1989)
For My Broken Heart (1991)
Read My Mind (1994)

McFadden & Whitehead

Song(s):
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now (1978)

Brian McFadden

Song(s):
Almost Here (with Delta Goodrem, 2005)
Just Say So (with Kevin Rudolf, 2010)

Bobby McFerrin

Song(s):
Don’t Worry Be Happy (1988)

John McFee

Rock guitartist and violinst born 9/9/1950 in Santa Cruz, CA. With Doobie Brothers (1979-82, 1993-).

The MC5

Song(s):
Kick Out the Jams (1969)
Shakin’ Street (1970)
Sister Anne (1971)

Album(s):
Kick Out the Jams (live, 1968)
Back in the U.S.A. (1970)

Kate & Anna McGarrigle

Song(s):
Heart Like a Wheel (1976)

Gerry McGee

Rock guitarist born 11/17/1937 in Eunice, LA. Died 10/12/2019. With The Ventures.

Brownie McGhee

Blues musician born Walter Brown McGhee on 11/30/1915 in Knoxville, TN. Died 2/23/1996.

Stick McGhee

Song(s):
Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee (1949)

Michael McGill

R&B baritone singer born 2/17/1937 in Chicago, IL. With The Dells.

Maureen McGovern

Song(s):
The Morning After (1973)

Tim McGraw

Country singer born Samuel Timothy McGraw on 5/1/1967 in Delhi, LA. Married to country singer Faith Hill.

Song(s):
I Like It, I Love It (1995)
It's Your Love (with Faith Hill, 1997)
Just to See You Smile (1997)
Please Remember Me (with Patty Loveless, 1999)
Live Like You Were Dying (2004)
Over and Over (2004) – see Nelly
Humble and Kind (2016)

Album(s):
Not a Moment Too Soon (1994)
Everywhere (1997)
A Place in the Sun (1999)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1994-99, released 2000)
Set This Circus Down (2001)
Live Like You Were Dying (2004)
Greatest Hits Vol. 2: Reflected (compilation, 2006)
Number One Hits (2010)

Roger McGuinn

Rock singer and guitarist born James Joseph McGuinn III on 7/13/1942 in Chicago, IL. With the Byrds (1964-73, 1990) and a solo artist.

DMDB profile page

Barry McGuire

Song(s):
Eve of Destruction (1965)

The McGuire Sisters

Song(s):
Sincerely (1954)
Sugartime (1957)

M.C. Hammer

Rap singer born Stanley Kirk Burrell on 3/30/1962 in Oakland, CA.

Song(s):
U Can't Touch This (1990)

Album(s):
Let’s Get It Started (1988)
Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em (1990)

Jimmy McHugh

Song(s) written by McHugh:
I Can't Give You Anything But Love (1928) – see Cliff Edwards
On the Sunny Side of the Street (1930) – see Ted Lewis
I'm in the Mood for Love (1935) – see Little Jack Little

Moses McHunu

Song(s):
Qhwayilahle (Leave Him Alone) (1985)

Hal McIntyre

Song(s):
My Funny Valentine (with Ruth Gaylor, 1945)

Lani McIntyre & His Hawaiians

Song(s):
Sweet Leilani (1937) – see Bing Crosby

Duff McKagan

Rock bassist born Michael Andrew McKagan on 2/5/1964 in Seattle, WA. With Guns N' Roses (1985-97, 2016-) and Velvet Revolver (2003-08).

Al McKay

R&B guitarist born 2/2/1948 in New Orleans, LA. With Earth, Wind & Fire.

Maria McKee

Song(s):
Show Me Heaven (1990)

Loreena McKennitt

Song(s):
The Mummer's Dance (1997)

Bob & Doug McKenzie

Song(s):
The Twelve Days of Christmas (1981)

Scott McKenzie

Song(s):
San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) (1967)

Ron “Pigpen” McKernan

Rock keyboardist born 9/8/1945 in San Bruno, CA. Died 3/8/1973. With Grateful Dead.

Ray McKinley

Song(s):
Put 'Em in a Box, Tie It with a Ribbon (1949)

McKinney's Cotton Pickers

Song(s):
If I Could Be with You One Hour Tonight (with George Thomas, 1930)

Brian McKnight

Song(s):
Anytime (1998)

Rod McKuen

Sarah McLachlan

Alternative rock singer/songwriter born 1/28/1968 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Started Lilith Fair, a festival devoted to spotlighting female performers.

Song(s):
Possession (1993)
Ice Cream (1993)
I Will Remember You (1995)
Building a Mystery (1997)
Angel (1997)
Sweet Surrender (1997)
Adia (1997)
When She Loved Me (from Toy Story 2, 1999)
Fallen (2003)

Album(s):
Touch (1989)
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993)
Surfacing (1997)
Afterglow (2003)

Malcolm McLaren

Music manager for the Sex Pistols born 1/22/1946 in Stoke Newington, London, England. Died 4/8/2010.

Song(s):
Buffalo Gals (1982)

John McLaughlin

Jazz fusion guitarist born 1/4/1942 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. Worked with Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Don McLean

Pop singer/songwriter born 10/2/1945 in New Rochelle, NY.

Song(s):
American Pie (1971)
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) (1971)
Crying (1980)

Album(s):
American Pie (1972)

Grant McLennan

Song(s):
Over Stones for You (1991)

Lillian Shedd McMurry

James McMurtry

Song(s):
We Can't Make It (2005)

Big Jay McNeely

R&B saxophonist born 4/29/1927 in Los Angeles, CA. Died 9/16/2018.

Marian McPartland

Clyde McPhatter

R&B singer born 11/15/1932 in Durham, NC. Died 6/13/1972. Fronted two of the most influential R&B groups of all time – the Dominoes (1950-53) and the Drifters (1953-55). Also had a successful solo career with #1 R&B hits "Treasure of Love" (1956), "Long Lonely Nights" (1957), and "A Lover's Question" (1958).

Song(s):
Without Love There Is Nothing (1957)
A Lover’s Question (1958)

The DMDB Blog:
Clyde McPhatter: An R&B Legend (6/13/2011)

Tate McRae

Song(s):
You Broke Me First (2020)

MC Ren

Rapper born Lorenzo Jerald Patterson on 6/16/1969 in Compton, CA. With N.W.A. (1988-91, 1999-2002, 2015-16).

Jay McShann

American jazz/big band bandleader born 1/12/1916. Died 12/7/2006.

Ralph McTell

Song(s):
Streets of London (1969)

Blind Willie McTell

Blues singer/songwriter and guitarist born William Samuel McTier on 5/5/1898 in Thomas, GA. Died 8/19/1959.

Song(s):
Statesboro Blues (1927)

Christine McVie

Rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born Christine Anne Perfect on 7/12/1943 in Bouth, Lancashire, England. Most noted for work with Fleetwood Mac (70-98, 2014-), but also worked as a solo artist (70, 84, 04). Also recorded an album with Fleetwood Mac bandmate Lindsey Buckingham (2017). Was married to Fleetwood Mac's John McVie from 1968 to 1976. Died 11/30/2022.
DMDB podcast: Remembering Christine McVie, the Songbird

Song(s):
Say You Love Me (1975) – see Fleetwood Mac
Don’t Stop (1977) – see Fleetwood Mac
You Make Loving Fun (1977) – see Fleetwood Mac
Little Lies (1987) – see Fleetwood Mac
Everywhere (1987) – see Fleetwood Mac

Album(s):
Fleetwood Mac (1975) – see Fleetwood Mac
Rumours (1977) – see Fleetwood Mac Tusk (1979) – see Fleetwood Mac
Mirage (1982) – see Fleetwood Mac
Tango in the Night (1987) – see Fleetwood Mac
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1975-88, released 1988) – see Fleetwood Mac
25 Years: The Chain (box: 1967-92, released 1992) – see Fleetwood Mac
Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (2017) – see Lindsey Buckingham

John McVie

Blues/rock bassist born John Graham McVie on 11/26/1945 in Ealing, Middlesex, England. Founding member of Fleetwood Mac (1967-) after working with John Mayall (64-67). Was married to Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie from 1968 to 1976.

David McWilliams

Song(s):
The Days of Pearly Spencer (1967)

Vaughn Meader

Album(s):
The First Family (comedy, 1962)

Meat Loaf

Rock singer born Marvin Lee Aday on 9/27/1947 in Dallas, TX. Died 1/20/2022.
DMDB podcast: The Best of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman

Song(s):
Paradise by the Dashboard Light (1977)
Bat Out of Hell (1977)
I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That) (1993)

Album(s):
Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell (1993)

Meat Puppets

Song(s):
Lake of Fire (1984)

Album(s):
Meat Puppets II (1984)

Lauritz Mechior

Meco

Song(s):
Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band (1977)

Dudley Mecum

Song(s):
42nd Street (with Don Bestor, 1933)

Medicine Head

Song(s):
Rising Sun (1973)

Bill Medley

Bass-baritone rock singer born 9/19/1940 in Los Angeles, CA. Half of the Righteous Brothers duo.

Song(s):
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (1964) – see Righteous Brothers
Unchained Melody (1965) – see Righteous Brothers
I've Had the Time of My Life (1987) – see Jennifer Warnes

Joe Meek

Producer born Robert George Meek on 4/5/1929 in Newent, Gloucestershire, England. Died 2/3/1967. Worked with Ritchie Blackmore and Tom Jones.

Edward Meeker

Song(s):
Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1908)

Meek Mill

Album(s):
Dreams Worth More Than Money (2015)

Megadeth

Song(s):
Peace Sells (1986)
Hangar 18 (1990)
Holy Wars…The Punishment Due (1990)
Symphony of Destruction (1992)

Album(s):
Peace Sells…But Who's Buying? (1986)
Rust in Peace (1990)
Countdown to Extinction (1992)

Megan Thee Stallion

Song(s):
WAP (2020) – see Cardi B
Savage (with Beyoncé, 2020)

Album(s):
Good News (2020)

Brad Mehldau

Jazz pianist.

Zubin Mehta

Indian classical conductor born 4/29/1936.

John Meikle

Randy Meisner

Country-rock singer/songwriter and bassist born Randall Herman Meisner on 3/8/1946 in Scottsbluff, NE. With Poco (1968-69, 1988-91), the Stone Canyon Band (1969-70), and Eagles (1971-77).

The Mekons

Album(s):
Fear and Whiskey (1985)
Rock ‘N’ Roll (1989)

Mel & Kim

Song(s):
Respectable (1987)

Mel & Tim

Song(s):
Starting All Over Again (1972)

George Melachrino

Melanie

Song(s):
Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) (1970)
Brand New Key (1971)
What Have They Done to My Song, Ma (1971)

Melle Mel

Rapper born Melvin Glover on 5/15/1961 in the Bronx, NY. With Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five.

John (Cougar) Mellencamp

Rock singer/songwriter born John J Mellencamp on 10/7/1951 in Seymour, IN.

DMDB profile page
DMDB podcast: John Mellencamp (2003-2023): The 21st Century Woody Guthrie

Song(s):
John Mellencamp: Top 100 Songs
I Need a Lover (1978)
Hurts So Good (1982)
Jack and Diane (1982)
Pink Houses (1983)
Authority Song (1983)
Small Town (1985)
Rain on the Scarecrow (1985)
Paper in Fire (1987)
Jackie Brown (1989)
Wild Night (with Me’Shell Ndegeocello, 1994)
Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First) (1996)
Peaceful World (with India.Arie, 2001)
To Washington (2003)
Rodeo Clown (2007)
Rural Route (2007)
If I Die Sudden (2008)
Easter Eve (2010)
Save Some Time to Dream (2010)
Easy Target (2017)
Wasted Days (with Bruce Springsteen, 2021)

Album(s):
American Fool (1982)
Uh-Huh (1983)
Scarecrow (1985)
The Lonesome Jubilee (1987)
The Best That I Could Do (compilation: 1978-88, released 1997)
Big Daddy (1989)
Whenever We Wanted (1991)
Human Wheels (1993)
Dance Naked (1994)
Mr. Happy Go Lucky (1996)
John Mellencamp (1998)
Cuttin’ Heads (2001)
Trouble No More (2003)
Words & Music: Greatest Hits (compilation: 1978-2004, released 2004)
Freedom’s Road (2007)
Life, Death, Love and Freedom (2008)
On the Rural Route 7609 (box set: 1976-2009, released 2010)
No Better Than This (2010)
Plain Spoken (2014)
Sad Clowns & Hillbillies (2017)
Other People’s Stuff (covers: 1993-2017, released 2018)
Strictly a One-Eyed Jack (2022)

Melissa

Song(s):
Read My Lips (1991)

The Mello-Kings

Song(s):
Tonite Tonite (1957)

The Mellomen

Song(s):
The Ballad of Davy Crocket (from TV show Davy Crockett, 1955)
Zorro (from TV show Zorro, 1957)
The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room (1963)
Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me (1967)

The Melodians

Song(s):
Rivers of Babylon (1970)

Lester Melrose

James Melton

The Mel-Tones

Harold Melvin (& the Bluenotes)

Pop singer born 6/25/1939. Died 3/24/1997.

Song(s):
If You Don’t Know Me By Now (1972)
The Love I Lost (1973)
Wake Up Everybody (1975)
Bad Luck, Part 1 (1975)

The Memphis Boys

Gene Chrisman, Tommy Cogbill, Bobby Emmons, Mike Leech, Bobby Wood, and Reggie Young.

The Memphis Horns

R&B sideman Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love.

Memphis Jug Band

Song(s):
Stealin’ Stealin’ (1928)
K.C. Moan (1929)

Memphis Minnie

Blues singer born Lizzie Douglas on 6/3/1897 in Algiers, LA. Died 8/6/1973.

Song(s):
When the Levee Breaks (with Kansas Joe McCoy, 1929)
Me and My Chauffeur Blues" (1941)

Memphis Slim

Blues pianist born John Len Chatman on 9/3/1915. Died 2/24/1988.

Song(s):
Messin' Around (1948)

Men at Work

Song(s):
Who Can It Be Now? (1981)
Down Under (1981)

Album(s):
Business As Usual (1981)
Cargo (1983)
Two Hearts (1985)

Nate Mendel

Rock bassist born Nathan Gregor Mendel on 12/2/1968 in Richland, WA. With Foo Fighters (1995-).

Felix Mendelssohn

Classical composer and pianist born Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendessohn on 2/3/1809 in Hamburg, Germany. Died 11/4/1847.

Song(s):
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (music: Mendelssohn, words: Charles Wesley; 1855)

Album(s):
Violin Concerto in E minor (composed 1844, premiered 1845)

Sergio Mendes (& Brasil '66)

Brazilian bandleader born 2/11/1941.

Song(s):
Mas Que Nada (1966)

Album(s):
Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (1966)

Shawn Mendes

Song(s):
Stitches (2015)
Treat You Better (2016)
There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back (2016)
Mercy (2016)
In My Blood (2018)
Señorita (with Camila Cabello, 2019)

Rafael Méndez

Lydia Mendoza

Song(s):
Mal Hombre (1934)

Alan Menken

Musical theater composer born 7/22/1949 in New York City, NY.

Album(s):
Little Shop of Horrors (musical: 1979)
Beauty and the Beast (composed with Howard Ashman; soundtrack: 1991, musical: 1994)
Aladdin (composed with Howard Ashman & Tim Rice; soundtrack: 1992)

Gian Carlo Menotti

Mental As Anything

Song(s):
The Nips Are Getting Bigger (1979)

Yehudi Menuhin

American-born British violinist and conductor born 4/22/1916. Died 3/12/1999

Men Without Hats

Song(s):
The Safety Dance (1983)

Idina Menzel

Song(s):
Defying Gravity (with Kristen Chenoweth, from Wicked, 2003)
Let It Go (from Frozen, 2013)
For the First Time in Forever (with Kristen Bell, from Frozen, 2013)

Johnny Mercer

Singer/songwriter born John Herndon Mercer on 11/18/1909 in Savannah, GA. Died 6/25/1976. Wrote lyrics to more than 1500 songs and more popular songs than any other songwriter in history. Worked in the legendary Brill Building, known for housing some of pop music history's most famous songwriters and publishers. Received 19 Academy Award nominations. Also a co-founder of Capitol Records.

Song(s) performed by Mercer:
Ac-Cent-Tchu-ate the Positive (music by Harold Arlen, performed by Mercer with the Pied Pipers, 1945)
Candy (with Jo Stafford & the Pied Pipers, 1945)
On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (with the Pied Pipers, 1945)
Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah (1946)
Personality (1946)
A Gal in Calico (1946)
Baby, It's Cold Outside (with Margaret Whiting, 1949)

Song(s) written by Mercer:
And the Angels Sing (1939) – see Benny Goodman
Blues in the Night (My Mama Done Tol' Me) (1941) – see Woody Herman
That Old Black Magic (1943) – see Glenn Miller
Dream (1945) – see the Pied Pipers
Laura (1945) – see Woody Herman
One for My Baby (and One More for the Road) (1949) – see Frank Sinatra
Moon River (1961) – see Henry Mancini
The Days of Wine and Roses (1963) – see Henry Mancini

Album(s):
St. Louis Woman (musical: 1946) – see Johnny Mercer

Mabel Mercer

Song(s):
Hello Young Lovers (1951)

Jimmy Merchant

Doo-wop singer born 2/10/1940 in New York, NY. With Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers.

Natalie Merchant

Song(s):
Carnival (1995)
Wonder (1995)
Kind and Generous (1998)

Freddie Mercury

Rock singer/songwriter born Farrokh Bulsara on 9/5/1946 in Stone Town, Sultanate of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Died 11/24/1991. With Queen (1972-1991).

Song(s):
Living on My Own (1985)

Benny Meroff

Song(s):
Happy Days Are Here Again (with Dusty Rhodes, 1930)