November 22

 

E Street Band's underground man Steven Van Zandt celebrates his 75th birthday today, the guitarist, actor, and underground garage rock champion whose work with Bruce Springsteen and solo activism through "Sun City" have made him one of rock's most multifaceted personalities…

 

We remember Jessie Colin Young of The Youngbloods on his birthday today in 1941, the singer-songwriter whose "Get Together" became a countercultural anthem before his death earlier this year ended a career dedicated to peace, love, and environmental causes…

 

Talking Heads' rhythmic architect Tina Weymouth celebrates her 75th birthday today, the bassist whose melodic foundation and work with side project Tom Tom Club proved she was one of new wave's most innovative and influential musicians…

 

Rock lost one of its most charismatic voices today in 1997 when INXS singer Michael Hutchence was found dead in his Sydney hotel suite at 37, the apparent suicide ending the life of the Australian frontman whose sexuality and stage presence had made him an international star…

 

Folk-rock's most mysterious poet made his marriage official today in 1965 when Bob Dylan wed Sara Lowndes in a secret ceremony during a tour break, beginning the union that would inspire some of his most beautiful love songs before ending in bitter divorce…

 

America's working-class troubadour received the nation's highest civilian honor today in 2016 when Bruce Springsteen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama at the White House, recognizing the Boss's five decades of musical storytelling…

 

The Beatles delivered their most sprawling statement today in 1968 with the release of the double album simply titled 'The Beatles' but forever known as "The White Album," showcasing the band's fragmenting unity while proving their individual talents remained extraordinary…

 

Grunge's most experimental statement arrived on this day in 1994 with Pearl Jam's 'Vitalogy,' the album featuring "Better Man" and unconventional tracks that proved the Seattle band would follow their artistic muse rather than repeat their commercial formula.