August 5

 

Television and rock and roll became forever linked today in 1957 when American Bandstand with Dick Clark first aired on US TV, creating the platform that would introduce countless artists to teenage America for decades to come…

 

Rock's outlaw reputation was reinforced on this day in 1983 when David Crosby was sentenced to five years in a Texas jail for cocaine and firearms offenses, though the Byrds and CSN&Y legend would eventually overcome his demons and return to music…

 

The music world lost a master craftsman today in 1992 when Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro died at just 38, silencing one of the most in-demand session players whose groove anchored countless hit records…

 

Doo-wop lost a pioneering voice today in 2024 when Maurice Williams of Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs passed away at 86, taking with him the man who gave us the timeless "Stay" - rock's shortest number-one hit…

 

Brazilian percussion magic was born on this day in 1941 when Airto Moreira entered the world, the innovative drummer whose polyrhythmic wizardry helped define Weather Report's fusion sound and influenced world music…

 

Rock guitar fire ignited today in 1947 with the birth of Rick Derringer, the axeman who blazed through "Hang On Sloopy" with The McCoys and later became a sought-after producer and session player…

 

Jazz-fusion lost a keyboard master today in 2013 when George Duke died from chronic lymphocytic leukemia at 67, ending the career of the versatile musician who bridged jazz, R&B, and pop with effortless skill…

 

Psychedelic rock was born today in 1967 with the release of Pink Floyd's debut 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,' Syd Barrett's whimsical masterpiece that launched the band's journey into sonic exploration…

 

The Beatles reached their creative peak today in 1966 with the release of 'Revolver,' the groundbreaking album that would later be named the third greatest album of all time in 1997, featuring innovations that still influence musicians today.