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.

Remembering Steve Farmer, Amboy Dukes Songwriter-Guitarist

He was perhaps best known as the composer, with Ted Nugent, of the band’s “Journey to the Center of the Mind,” a #16 pop hit in 1968

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April 6, 2016: Merle Haggard Death at 79, on His Birthday

A genuine outlaw throughout his life and career, he was one of the greatest singer-songwriters in the history of country music

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April 6, 2017: Don Rickles Mourned by Hollywood

The insult comic outlived virtually all of his peers. When he died at 90 in his Los Angeles home, his fellow comics and friends mourned him

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April 5, 1998: Drummer Cozy Powell Dies in Car Crash

The drummer who played with Jeff Beck, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Emerson and Lake, and so many others, died on this day. RIP to a master musician

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60 Years Ago: The Beatles Hold Top 5 Chart Spots

No other artist had done it before and none has since. Not only did the Beatles own the top 5, but they had 7 other singles in the Hot 100!

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April 2, 1977: Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ Hits Number One

After years as a highly respected English blues band, they made some changes and went pop. Soon, they owned the top of the chart.

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Apr 2, 2019: Marvin Gaye Stamp Issued on 80th Birthday

The U.S.P.S. called the ”Prince of Soul” “one of the most influential music performers of his generation.” The legend was shot and killed on April 1, 1984

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Apr 1, 2022: C.W. McCall, Who Had a #1 Novelty Hit, ‘Convoy,’ During CB Craze, Dies

Bill Fries, a creative director for a prominent advertising agency, created the character for an award-winning TV ad campaign for a bread company

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40 Years Ago: Marvin Gaye Killed By His Father

Few stories in popular music history are more shocking. On This Day, after numerous arguments, the soul legend’s father shot his own son dead

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Apr 1, 2020: Adam Schlesinger, Award-Winning Songwriter—Obituary

He co-founded Fountains of Wayne, best known for their 2003 song, “Stacy’s Mom.” In recent years, he produced a comeback album for The Monkees

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