December 16

 

Singer-songwriter introspection lost one of its gentlest voices on this day in 2007 when Dan Fogelberg died of prostate cancer at his Maine home at 56, ending the career of the Illinois musician whose "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne" captured life's most tender moments…

 

Texas blues-rock's bearded guru Billy Gibbons celebrates his 76th birthday today, the ZZ Top guitarist born in 1949 whose dirty tone and sunglasses-and-beard image made him one of rock's most distinctive players while the trio's boogie dominated MTV and arenas…

 

Classical music's greatest revolutionary Ludwig van Beethoven was born on this day in 1770, the German composer whose symphonies and sonatas bridged classical and romantic periods while his deafness made his later masterpieces even more miraculous achievements of human will…

 

Pop lost a sweet voice today in 1997 when singer-songwriter Nicolette Larson died from cerebral edema complications at just 45, ending the career of the vocalist whose hit "Lotta Love" and collaborations with Neil Young showcased her warm, effortless delivery…

 

Beatles history nearly changed today in 1960 when 17-year-old George Harrison was deported from Hamburg, Germany for being underage to perform in clubs, temporarily splitting the band until he could return legally and continue honing their skills in the city's rough venues…

 

Pop art met rock commerce today in 1967 with the release of The Who's 'The Who Sell Out,' the concept album mimicking pirate radio broadcasts that proved Pete Townshend could blend irony and sincerity while creating one of the most innovative albums of the psychedelic era.