September 28

 

Country music lost one of its most literate voices on this day in 2024 when Kris Kristofferson passed away at 88, ending the remarkable life of the Rhodes Scholar who penned classics like "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night" while embodying the outlaw country spirit…

 

Jazz lost its most restless innovator today in 1991 when Miles Davis died of a stroke and pneumonia at 65, silencing the trumpet master whose constant musical evolution from bebop through fusion had kept him at the forefront of American music for five decades…

 

We remember television pioneer Ed Sullivan on his birthday today in 1902, the stone-faced host whose Sunday night variety show became the launching pad for rock and roll's biggest moments, from Elvis's hip-swiveling debut to The Beatles' American invasion…

 

Soul music's most dignified voice Ben E. King was born on this day in 1938, the former Drifters lead singer whose solo masterpiece "Stand by Me" became one of the most enduring anthems of love and loyalty before his death in 2015…

 

Liverpool's rock scene lost an early pioneer today in 1972 when Rory Storm of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes died at 33, taking with him the flamboyant performer who had given Ringo Starr his first professional drumming job before the Beatles called…

 

Jazz piano's modern voice Kenny Kirkland was born on this date in 1955, the versatile keyboardist whose work with Sting and Wynton Marsalis bridged jazz and pop with sophisticated artistry before his untimely death in 1998…

 

Music's darkest legal drama began today in 2004 when producer Phil Spector was charged with the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, beginning the downfall of the man who had created the "Wall of Sound" and shaped 1960s pop music…

 

Musical royalty's next generation was born today in 1967 when Moon Unit Zappa entered the world, Frank Zappa's eldest child who would later lend her voice to her father's satirical "Valley Girl" and carry on the family's artistic legacy…

 

Chicago blues found its queen when Koko Taylor was born on this date in 1935, the powerful vocalist whose growling delivery and commanding stage presence earned her the title "Queen of the Blues" before her death in 2009…

 

Soul music reached its creative summit today in 1976 with the release of Stevie Wonder's 'Songs in the Key of Life,' the double album masterpiece featuring "Sir Duke" and "I Wish" that showcased the artist at his most musically adventurous and socially conscious.