September 20

 

Folk music lost one of its most beloved storytellers on this day in 1973 when Jim Croce and five others were killed in a plane crash just outside Natchitoches, Louisiana, ending the career of the singer whose intimate songs like "Time in a Bottle" and "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" had just begun reaching their full audience…

 

Rock's most controversial frontman faced legal consequences today in 1970 when a Miami jury found Jim Morrison guilty on misdemeanor charges of indecent exposure and profanity, stemming from his infamous Coconut Grove concert that had shocked audiences and authorities alike…

 

Styx's rhythmic foundation was born today in 1948 when twin brothers Chuck and John Panozzo entered the world, destined to become the bass and drums duo whose tight interplay would anchor the Chicago band's prog-rock and arena anthems for decades…

 

Rock royalty's next generation arrived today in 1967 when twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson were born, the sons of 1960s teen idol Ricky Nelson who would later find their own success as the duo Nelson in the late 1980s…

 

The former Beatle's agricultural interests made headlines today in 1972 when Paul McCartney was arrested for growing marijuana on his Scottish farm, adding another chapter to his post-Beatles legal troubles and countercultural image…

 

American heartland found its starkest expression today in 1982 with the release of Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska,' the haunting solo acoustic album recorded on a four-track that captured the Boss at his most introspective and politically aware.