January 28

 

Charity rock reached its peak today in 1985 when "We Are the World" was recorded at A&M Studios in Hollywood, 45 artists coming together for Ethiopian famine relief in a session that has since raised over $63 million, proving music could change the world…

 

Jefferson Airplane lost its revolutionary guitarist today in 2016 when Paul Kantner died at 74, ending the life of the co-founder whose "Volunteers" and sci-fi lyrics helped define San Francisco's psychedelic sound while his political activism made the band's counterculture credentials authentic…

 

Traffic mourned its rhythmic heart today in 2005 when Jim Capaldi died of stomach cancer at 60, ending the career of the drummer-vocalist whose partnership with Steve Winwood created some of rock's most sophisticated jazz-influenced explorations…

 

Canadian pop's most ethereal voice Sarah McLachlan celebrates her 57th birthday today, the singer-songwriter whose "Angel" and Lilith Fair festival made her the 1990s' most successful female artist while supporting countless women in music…

 

Jefferson Airplane suffered another loss on this day in 2016 when founding vocalist Signe Toly Anderson died at 74, ending the life of the original female singer who left after the band's debut album, her departure making way for Grace Slick's arrival…

 

Punk's most literate guitarist Tom Verlaine passed away after a brief illness on this day in 2023 at 73, ending the life of Television's frontman whose angular playing and poetic lyrics on 'Marquee Moon' influenced generations without achieving commercial success…

 

Lynyrd Skynyrd lost another member today in 2009 when keyboard player Billy Powell died at 56 from a suspected heart attack, the 1977 plane crash survivor's death reminding fans that tragedy continued to haunt Southern rock's greatest band.