January 24

 

We remember rock's darkest wit Warren Zevon on his birthday today in 1947, the singer-songwriter whose macabre humor on "Werewolves of London" and "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner" masked serious literary ambitions before lung cancer claimed him in 2003, his final album facing mortality with characteristic courage…

 

The Allman Brothers Band mourned another founding member today in 2017 when drummer Butch Trucks took his own life at 69, the timekeeper whose dual-drum sound with Jaimoe defined Southern rock ending his life amid depression and personal struggles…

 

Soul's most angelic voice Aaron Neville celebrates his 85th birthday today, the New Orleans tenor whose falsetto on "Tell It Like It Is" and collaborations with Linda Ronstadt showcased one of popular music's most distinctive and pure vocal instruments…

 

Pop's most successful crooner Neil Diamond celebrates his 85th birthday today, the Brooklyn songwriter whose hits from "Sweet Caroline" to "America" made him one of the best-selling artists ever while his earnest delivery inspired both devotion and mockery…

 

We remember comedy's wildest warrior John Belushi on his birthday today in 1949, the Saturday Night Live star who brought the Blues Brothers to life with Dan Aykroyd, proving comedians could play authentic blues-rock before his drug overdose at 33 ended his manic brilliance…

 

British music's most versatile pianist Jools Holland celebrates his 68th birthday today, the Squeeze keyboardist turned BBC presenter whose 'Later... with Jools Holland' has showcased more diverse musical talent than any other television program for three decades.