January 21

 

Beatles romance blossomed today in 1966 when George Harrison married model Patti Boyd at Leatherhead Register Office in Surrey, beginning the union that would inspire "Something" and "Layla" before Eric Clapton's pursuit of her destroyed the friendship and the marriage…

 

Soul music lost one of its most electrifying performers today in 1984 when Jackie Wilson died at 49 after spending eight years in a coma following a 1975 heart attack on stage, the tragic end for "Mr. Excitement" whose influence on James Brown and Michael Jackson outlived him…

 

Folk harmony mourned its eldest voice today in 2017 when Maggie Roche died from breast cancer at 65, ending the life of the Roche Sisters' matriarch whose distinctive vocals and quirky songwriting made the trio one of folk music's most original acts…

 

Elvis's empire lost its controversial architect today in 1997 when Colonel Tom Parker died of a stroke in Las Vegas at 87, ending the life of the Dutch immigrant whose brilliant yet exploitative management made Presley a star while taking 50% and keeping him from touring internationally…

 

Motown protest found its voice when Edwin Starr was born on this day in 1942, the soul singer whose "War" became Vietnam's most powerful anti-war anthem, proving that even Berry Gordy's hit factory could tackle political subjects before Starr's death in 2003…

 

Blues philanthropy made history today in 1982 when B.B. King donated his entire 20,000-record collection to the University of Mississippi's Center for the Study of Southern Culture, the King of Blues ensuring future generations could study the music that shaped him…

 

We remember radio's most howling personality Wolfman Jack on his birthday today in 1938, born Robert Weston Smith, the DJ whose gravelly voice and wild persona made him rock and roll radio's most distinctive character before his death in 1995…

 

We honor folk's gentle giant Richie Havens on his birthday today in 1941, the singer-guitarist whose opening performance at Woodstock with his improvised "Freedom" captured the festival's spirit before his death in 2013 ended five decades of soulful acoustic performances.