August 11

 

New wave's sharpest wit Joe Jackson celebrates his 71st birthday today, the British singer-songwriter whose intelligent pop and genre-hopping albums like "Look Sharp!" and "Night and Day" showcased one of music's most restless creative minds…

 

Power pop's master craftsman Eric Carmen was born on this day in 1949, the Raspberries frontman who perfected the art of melodic rock with "Go All the Way" before launching a successful solo career with "All By Myself."…

 

Rock controversy reached a boiling point today in 1966 when John Lennon held a press conference in Chicago to apologize for his "more popular than Jesus" remarks, attempting to calm the firestorm that had led to Beatles record burnings across America…

 

Country met comedy gold today in 1980 when Johnny Cash appeared on The Muppet Show and performed a memorable duet with Miss Piggy, proving the Man in Black's sense of humor could match his legendary gravitas…

 

Television lost a beloved host today in 2006 when Mike Douglas died on his 81st birthday, ending the life of the talk show pioneer born in 1925 who had given countless musicians their first national TV exposure during his long-running daytime program…

 

Hard rock's most theatrical band received their due today in 1999 when Kiss arrived on Hollywood Boulevard to unveil their star on the Walk of Fame, finally getting the recognition that matched their four decades of face-painted spectacle.