September 19

 

Country-rock's visionary pioneer Gram Parsons died under mysterious circumstances on this day in 1973 at just 26 in Joshua Tree, California, ending the brief but influential career of the musician who helped create the Americana sound through his work with The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers…

 

Music and activism united on this day in 1979 when the No Nukes concert took place at Madison Square Garden, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and Bonnie Raitt performing to raise awareness about nuclear power dangers…

 

We remember "The Fifth Beatle" Brian Epstein on his birthday today in 1934, the dapper manager who discovered the Fab Four at Liverpool's Cavern Club and guided them to global superstardom before his tragic death in 1967…

 

The Mamas & The Papas' larger-than-life voice Cass Elliot was born today in 1943, the singer whose powerful vocals and warm personality made her beloved by audiences worldwide before her untimely death in 1974…

 

Disco's architect and funk's master Nile Rodgers was born today in 1952, the guitarist and producer whose infectious grooves with Chic and production work with David Bowie, Madonna, and Daft Punk have made him one of music's most successful hitmakers…

 

Art-rock's experimental spirit Lol Creme of 10cc celebrates his 78th birthday today, the multi-instrumentalist whose creative contributions helped create the band's sophisticated pop confections and later innovative music videos…

 

Atmospheric sound sculptor Daniel Lanois turns 74 today, the Canadian producer whose ambient textures and sonic landscapes have enhanced albums by U2, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young while establishing him as a visionary studio artist…

 

Smooth jazz's saxophone sensation Candy Dulfer celebrates her 56th birthday today, the Dutch musician whose funky playing style and collaborations with Prince and Dave Stewart brought European flair to contemporary jazz-funk…

 

Pop reinvention reached new heights today in 2000 when Madonna released her album 'Music,' featuring the William Orbit-produced title track that marked another successful artistic evolution for the chameleon-like superstar.