August 16

 

The world lost the King of Rock and Roll on this day in 1977 when Elvis Presley was found dead on his Graceland bathroom floor by girlfriend Ginger Alden at just 42, ending the life of the man who changed popular music forever and left millions of fans in mourning…

 

Blues mythology deepened today in 1938 when Robert Johnson died under mysterious circumstances at 27, likely poisoned by a jealous husband, taking with him the Delta blues master whose "crossroads" legend would influence rock music for generations…

 

Soul music's greatest voice was silenced on this date in 2018 when Aretha Franklin, "The Queen of Soul," died at 76, ending the remarkable career of the woman whose powerful vocals and hits like "Respect" made her an icon of empowerment…

 

Beatles history pivoted on this day in 1962 when manager Brian Epstein fired drummer Pete Best from the band, making way for Ringo Starr and completing the Fab Four lineup that would conquer the world just months later…

 

Pop culture royalty united today in 1983 when Paul Simon married actress Carrie Fisher after six years of dating, bringing together the singer-songwriter and Princess Leia in a union that would prove as tempestuous as it was high-profile…

 

Madonna found her first Hollywood leading man on this day in 1985 when she married Sean Penn at a lavish ceremony on David Geffen's California estate, beginning one of the 1980s' most watched celebrity marriages…

 

Bluegrass lost its most adventurous spirit on this day in 2005 when fiddler Vassar Clements died at 77, taking with him the innovative musician who brought his classical training to country, rock, and jazz collaborations…

 

The future Queen of Pop Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone was born today in 1958, destined to become one of the most influential and controversial artists in music history through her boundary-pushing artistry…

 

Country music's new generation found its voice when Emily Robison of the Dixie Chicks was born today in 1972, the multi-instrumentalist who would help the trio become one of country's most successful and outspoken acts…

 

Supergroup lightning struck today in 1969 when Blind Faith released their one and only album, the collaboration between Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech that burned bright and brief in rock history.