February 12

 

Blue-eyed soul's smoothest voice Michael McDonald celebrates his 74th birthday today, the Doobie Brothers keyboardist whose distinctive warble on "What a Fool Believes" and "Takin' It to the Streets" made him one of yacht rock's most successful and parodied vocalists…

 

Progressive rock's most melodic guitarist Steve Hackett was born today in 1950, the Genesis member whose classical influences and tapping technique on albums like 'Selling England by the Pound' helped define the genre before his 1977 departure to pursue ambitious solo work…

 

We remember The Doors' keyboard architect Ray Manzarek on his birthday today in 1939, the classically-trained musician whose baroque organ work provided the bass lines and melodic foundation that allowed Jim Morrison's poetry to soar before his death in 2013…

 

Pop royalty's offspring Chynna Phillips turns 58 today, the daughter of Mamas and Papas members John and Michelle Phillips whose Wilson Phillips harmonies with Carnie and Wendy Wilson made "Hold On" an early 1990s phenomenon proving musical talent ran in families…

 

Television lost its most distinctive announcer today in 2015 when 'Laugh-In' voice Gary Owens died at 80 from diabetes complications, ending the career of the baritone whose self-parodying delivery and hand-cupped-to-ear stance made him an icon of 1960s comedy…

 

Jazz lost its most versatile vocalist on this day in 2017 when Al Jarreau died at 76, ending the career of the seven-time Grammy winner whose scat singing and ability to cross pop, R&B, and jazz boundaries made him one of vocal music's most respected artists…

 

Hollywood tragedy struck on this day in 1976 when actor and singer Sal Mineo was stabbed to death at 37 during a robbery outside his West Hollywood apartment, ending the life of the 'Rebel Without a Cause' star whose career never matched his early promise…

 

Session drumming's most in-demand timekeeper Omar Hakim celebrates his 67th birthday today, the virtuoso whose work with David Bowie, Sting, and countless others showcased his ability to master any genre from pop to fusion with technical precision…

 

Rock and roll lost its most theatrical screamer today in 2000 when Screamin' Jay Hawkins died at 70, ending the career of the voodoo showman whose coffin-emerging performances and "I Put a Spell on You" influenced everyone from Tom Waits to Marilyn Manson.