December 19
Gospel music lost its patriarch today in 2000 when Roebuck "Pops" Staples died at 85, ending the life of the Staple Singers founder whose guitar work and family harmonies brought spiritual message music to both churches and the civil rights movement for five decades… We remember British blues-rock's fastest guitarist Alvin Lee on his birthday today in 1944, the Ten Years After frontman whose machine-gun speed at Woodstock on "I'm Going Home" made him legendary before his death in 2013 ended a career dedicated to pure guitar virtuosity… Rock and roll's king faced Uncle Sam today in 1957 when Elvis Presley received his draft notice for the US Army, the induction that would take him away from music for two years but ultimately enhance his wholesome image and patriotic appeal… Alternative rock mourned a founding member today in 2000 when 10,000 Maniacs guitarist Robert Buck died of liver failure at 42, ending the life of the musician ...
