November 12

 

Rock's most uncompromising artist Neil Young celebrates his 80th birthday today, the Canadian singer-songwriter whose six-decade career from Buffalo Springfield through Crazy Horse and solo work has made him music's most vital and unpredictable voice, never afraid to alienate fans in pursuit of his muse…

 

The Jimi Hendrix Experience lost its rhythmic anchor today in 2008 when drummer Mitch Mitchell was found dead in his Portland hotel room at 61, ending the life of the jazz-influenced timekeeper whose explosive playing was essential to Hendrix's sonic explorations…

 

Recording history began on this day in 1931 when Abbey Road Studios opened in London's St. John's Wood, launching the facility that would become the world's most famous recording studio through its association with The Beatles and countless other legendary sessions…

 

Irreverent cinema met pop theology on this date in 1999 when Kevin Smith's fantasy comedy 'Dogma' premiered in theaters featuring Alanis Morissette as God, the Canadian singer's casting perfectly capturing the film's playful approach to religious iconography and sparking protests from religious groups.

 

Pop provocation reached new heights today in 1984 when Madonna released her sophomore album 'Like a Virgin' on Sire Records, the album whose title track and wedding dress MTV performance transformed her from dance-pop upstart into culture war lightning rod and global superstar.