July 25

 

Blues-rock lost one of its founding fathers on this day in 2020 when Fleetwood Mac's original leader Peter Green died at 73, ending the life of the guitarist whose early vision shaped one of music's most successful bands…

 

Folk purists were shocked on this day in 1965 when Bob Dylan "went electric" during his headlining set at The Newport Folk Festival, fundamentally changing the course of popular music amid a chorus of boos…

 

Supergroup magic was born today in 1969 when Neil Young joined Crosby, Stills and Nash for their first performance together at The Fillmore in New York, creating one of rock's most celebrated collaborations…

 

The blues lost a pioneering voice on this day in 1984 when Willie Mae 'Big Mama' Thornton died at 58 in Los Angeles from heart and liver complications, silencing the woman who first recorded "Hound Dog" and "Ball and Chain."…

 

The Boss became a father today in 1990 when Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa welcomed baby boy Evan James, adding a new chapter to the rock star's already rich American story…

 

We remember Motown session legend Bennie Benjamin on his birthday today in 1925, the bassist and member of The Funk Brothers whose groove anchored countless classic recordings before his death in 1969…

 

The Yardbirds' rhythmic foundation Jim McCarty was born today in 1943, the drummer whose innovative playing helped launch the careers of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page…

 

New York's nightlife scene mourned today in 1989 when Steve Rubell, co-owner of the legendary Studio 54, died from AIDS-related complications at 45, ending an era of disco decadence…

 

Hard rock reached its apex today in 1980 when AC/DC released 'Back in Black,' the thunderous tribute to late singer Bon Scott that would become one of the best-selling albums of all time.