September 22

 

American agriculture found its musical champions today in 1985 when the first Farm Aid concert was held in Champaign, Illinois, organized by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp to support struggling family farmers facing foreclosure during the farm crisis…

 

Diva drama erupted today in 1999 when Diana Ross was detained by police at London's Heathrow Airport following an altercation with security staff during a pat-down search, creating an international incident that highlighted celebrity treatment by airport authorities…

 

American songwriting lost its greatest craftsman on this day in 1989 when Irving Berlin died at 101, ending the remarkable life of the composer who gave us "White Christmas," "God Bless America," and countless Broadway and Hollywood classics without ever learning to read music…

 

Pop music's golden age crooner Eddie Fisher died today in 2010, closing the chapter on one of the 1950s' biggest stars whose personal life - including marriages to Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor - often overshadowed his considerable vocal talents…

 

Acoustic intimacy captured rock's biggest star on this night in 1992 when Bruce Springsteen recorded his MTV Unplugged set at Warner Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles, stripping down his anthems to reveal their emotional core in one of the series' most powerful performances…

 

Rock absurdity met political satire today in 1979 when Joe Walsh announced his tongue-in-cheek bid for the U.S. presidency, promising "Free gas for everyone!" and proving that musicians could lampoon the political process with style…

 

Rock's original riot grrrl Joan Jett celebrates her 67th birthday today, the guitarist whose punk attitude and hits like "I Love Rock 'n Roll" broke down barriers for women in rock while maintaining her rebellious edge across five decades…

 

Hard rock's golden-voiced showman David Coverdale was born today in 1949, the singer who evolved from Deep Purple's soulful frontman to Whitesnake's hair metal icon, adapting his powerful vocals to different eras with remarkable success…

 

Roots music reached its artistic peak today in 1969 when The Band released their self-titled second album, featuring classics like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek" that perfectly captured the spirit of Americana before anyone called it that.