August 26

 

Jazz royalty continues with Branford Marsalis celebrating his 65^th birthday today, the Grammy-winning saxophonist who has excelled in both straight-ahead jazz and popular music, from leading "The Tonight Show" band to collaborating with Sting…

 

Soul music's greatest voice received postal recognition today in 2005 when a Los Angeles post office near the studio where Ray Charles recorded was renamed in honor of the R&B legend, ensuring his legacy would be remembered in the neighborhood where he created magic…

 

Asbury Park's guitar hero Billy Rush celebrates his 73rd birthday today, the seasoned musician whose fiery playing with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes helped define the Jersey Shore sound alongside his famous neighbors…

 

No Doubt's rhythmic foundation Adrian Young marks his 56th birthday today, the drummer whose solid beats anchored the band's ska-punk evolution and helped propel Gwen Stefani and company to international stardom…

 

Pop music lost a powerful voice today in 2004 when singer Laura Branigan died of a brain aneurysm at 52, silencing the artist whose soaring vocals on hits like "Gloria" and "Self Control" made her an icon of 1980s dance-pop.