On This Day
We take you back into classic rock’s history and legacy to note important events that happened on this date as well as celebrate the birthdays of major musical artists and mourn their passing.
Dec 12, 1957: Jerry Lee Lewis Marries Cousin, 13
The U.K. press discovered that the Killer was married to his cousin when he arrived to tour there – a scandal even if their kings had done the same
Read MoreDec 12, 2020: Charley Pride, Country Music Legend, Dies
Country music’s first Black superstar and the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame made his final performance one month before he passed
Read MoreLinda Ronstadt 2016 Tribute Concert Features Henley, Browne
At the LA benefit, Henley acknowledged the debt he owed the great singer: “She recorded ‘Desperado’ and put it on her album and everything was different after that”
Read MoreDecember 11, 1964: Sam Cooke Shot Dead
The gospel turned soul singer was one of the greatest R&B talents of all time. He was shot by the manager of a Los Angeles motel at age 33
Read MoreDec 10, 2021: Michael Nesmith of The Monkees Dies
He and bandmate Micky Dolenz had completed what was billed as the Monkees’ Farewell Tour just weeks earlier
Read MoreDec 10, 2015: Janis Joplin Porsche Sells at Auction
The classic rock legend’s psychedelic convertible was sold by her siblings at auction via Sotheby’s. The singer had bought the car as a present to herself
Read MoreDec 10, 2016: ‘Nervous’ Patti Smith at Bob Dylan Nobel Ceremony
“I apologize… Sorry, I’m so nervous.” The rock poetess performed a challenging Dylan song at the prestigious event, faltering twice
Read MoreDec 10, 1967: Otis Redding Dies in Plane Crash
He was on his way from Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI when his plane crashed into a lake. Back in Memphis, his best song ever awaited his last touches.
Read MoreDec 9, 2019: Roxette Singer Marie Fredriksson Dies
The Swedish duo scored phenomenal worldwide success in the late ’80s and ’90s with the #1 singles, “The Look,” “Joyride,” and many others
Read MoreDec 9, 2003: Ozzy Crashes in ATV Accident
A leisurely ride across his U.K. estate became a health nightmare for the star after it crashed. Result: an 8-day coma and broken bones
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