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.
May 21, 1971: Marvin Gaye Releases ‘What’s Going On’ LP
This monumental release brought topical songs to Motown and revived the singer’s career. The landmark R&B concept album included two Top 10 singles
Read More
May 21, 1983: David Bowie Hits #1 with ‘Let’s Dance’
The former glam rocker made his mark on the early ’80s new wave dance music scene with the Nile Rodgers-produced track
Read More
May 20, 1967: The Young Rascals’ ‘Groovin’ Hits #1
The blue-eyed soul of New Jersey’s The Young Rascals met the spirit of The Summer of Love in “Groovin'” – the second #1 single by the band.
Read More
May 20, 2021: Roger Hawkins, Drummer in Muscle Shoals’ Swampers, Dies at 75
He kept the backbeat on classic hits by Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Paul Simon, Bob Seger and hundreds of others.
Read More
Happy Birthday, Pete Townshend!
He was the son of musicians, grew up to forge one of the most distinguished careers in classic rock, and thankfully did not die before he got old
Read More
Remember Ken Osmond, the Wise-Cracking ‘Leave it to Beaver’ Star, Who Played ‘Eddie Haskell’?
The actor played the smart-aleck Cleaver family neighbor, Eddie Haskell, on the TV sitcom during its 1957-1963 run. He later had a surprising second career
Read More
May 18, 2017: Rock Stars Mourn Chris Cornell
The music world was shaken with news that Cornell, best known as the frontman of longtime Seattle band, Soundgarden, had died while on tour
Read More
May 18, 1980: Joy Division’s Ian Curtis Dies
Those close to the singer cite a number of factors that may have fed into his decision to take his own life at just 23. Do you know which band the remaining members formed?
Read More
May 17, 1966: Bob Dylan Called ‘Judas’ in Manchester
Less than a year after Dylan had “gone electric” at the Newport Folk Festival, a heckler called him Judas at a concert. See how Dylan responded. The concert is now part of his official Bootleg series
Read More
May 17, 2016: Singer-Songwriter Guy Clark Dies
He was one of the most admired song craftsmen and performers in the country-folk scene with songs covered by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, and more
Read More