August 25

 

New wave's sharpest wit Elvis Costello celebrates his 71^st birthday today, the British singer-songwriter born in 1954 whose intelligent wordplay and genre-hopping curiosity have made him one of rock's most enduring and respected artists…

 

Rock history was acoustically reimagined today in 1994 when Jimmy Page and Robert Plant recorded their MTV Unplugged set at London's Television Centre, stripping down Led Zeppelin classics and creating one of the series' most powerful performances…

 

A superstar was born on American soil today in 1970 when Elton John made his US live debut at the Troubadour in LA, kicking off a 17-date tour that would launch his conquest of American hearts and establish him as rock royalty…

 

The music world lost a versatile genius today in 2000 when Academy Award-winning composer Jack Nitzsche died of a heart attack at 63, silencing the man behind film scores like "An Officer and a Gentleman" and collaborations with Neil Young…

 

Kiss's fire-breathing demon Gene Simmons was born today in 1949, the bass-playing showman whose theatrical presence and business acumen helped make the band one of rock's most successful and enduring acts…

 

Alternative country's thoughtful voice Jeff Tweedy turns 58 today, the Wilco frontman whose introspective songwriting and experimental approach have kept him at the forefront of American indie rock for decades…

 

Heavy metal's operatic voice Rob Halford of Judas Priest celebrates his 74th birthday today, the leather-clad frontman whose powerful vocals and stage presence helped define the look and sound of metal music…

 

Hollywood magic soared today in 1939 with the release of "The Wizard of Oz," featuring Judy Garland's timeless rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" that would become one of cinema's most beloved musical moments…

 

We remember jazz innovator Wayne Shorter on his birthday today in 1933, the saxophonist and composer whose work with Miles Davis and Weather Report helped shape modern jazz before his death in 2023…

 

Classical music's Renaissance man Leonard Bernstein was born today in 1918, the conductor-composer whose work spanning from symphonies to "West Side Story" made classical music accessible to millions before his death in 1990…

 

Rock's most passionate statement was delivered today in 1975 with the release of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run,' the album that transformed the New Jersey rocker into "The Boss" and defined American rock's heartland sound…

 

Arena rock's template was perfected today in 1976 when Boston released their debut album, featuring "More Than a Feeling" and other meticulously crafted anthems that would sell over 20 million copies and influence countless bands.