August 19

 

Rock's most explosive drummer Ginger Baker was born on this day in 1939, the volatile percussionist whose thunderous playing with Cream and Blind Faith established him as one of music's most talented and unpredictable personalities before his death in 2019…

 

Queen's quiet genius John Deacon celebrates his 74th birthday today, the bass player whose steady foundation and occasional songwriting gems like "Another One Bites the Dust" helped anchor one of rock's most theatrical bands…

 

Television said goodbye to its most manufactured rock stars today in 1968 when the final episode of The Monkees aired on NBC after 58 episodes, ending the show that created a fictional band that became surprisingly real…

 

Country music's power couple united today in 1973 when Rita Coolidge married Kris Kristofferson in Malibu, creating one of Nashville's most celebrated musical partnerships that would produce both beautiful harmonies and eventual heartbreak…

 

Beatle family joy expanded today in 1967 when Ringo Starr and wife Maureen Cox welcomed their second son Jason, adding another member to rock's most famous extended family tree…

 

Late-night music television was born today in 1972 when The Midnight Special debuted on NBC with DJ Wolfman Jack as announcer, creating the weekend showcase that would introduce countless artists to American audiences for over a decade…

 

The dark side of pop success was exposed today in 2016 when Lou Pearlman died in prison while serving a 25-year sentence for fraud, ending the life of the manager who created The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC but exploited his artists financially…

 

We remember the smooth voice of Johnny Nash on his birthday today in 1940, the singer whose "I Can See Clearly Now" became an enduring anthem of optimism before his death in 2020…

 

Deep Purple's golden-throated frontman Ian Gillan celebrates his 80th birthday today, the vocalist whose powerful voice and theatrical presence helped define heavy metal's early sound with classics like "Smoke on the Water."…

 

Counterculture cinema expanded today in 1969 when Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" opened nationwide in theaters, bringing the folk singer's talking blues masterpiece about Vietnam War resistance to the big screen.