March 30

Blues-rock's greatest guitarist Eric Clapton celebrates his 81st birthday today, "Slowhand" whose journey from the Yardbirds through Cream to solo stardom proved that traditional blues could be reinvented for each generation while his personal tragedies inspired some of rock's most emotional songs…

 

Music production lost one of its greatest innovators today in 2013 when Phil Ramone died at 79, ending the career of the engineer-producer whose digital recording pioneering and work with Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and countless others earned him 14 Grammys and revolutionized studio technology…

 

Folk's most socially conscious voice Tracy Chapman was born on this day in 1964, the singer-songwriter whose "Fast Car" and powerful acoustic performances proved that simplicity and honesty could create massive commercial success while addressing poverty and injustice…

 

Jazz's most unexpected pop star Norah Jones was born today in 1979, Ravi Shankar's daughter whose sultry vocals on 'Come Away with Me' became an unlikely phenomenon, proving that jazz-tinged adult contemporary could dominate the early 2000s despite her famous father's sitar legacy…

 

Soul lost one of its most understated masters on this day in 2020 when Bill Withers died at 81 from heart complications, ending the career of the singer-songwriter whose "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me" proved that working-class wisdom could create timeless anthems…

 

Pop's most powerful voice Celine Dion was born on this day in 1968, the Quebec singer whose five-octave range and "My Heart Will Go On" made her one of the best-selling artists ever while her Vegas residencies redefined how superstars could extend their careers…

 

Southern rock's wildest frontman Jim "Dandy" Mangrum was born today in 1948, the Black Oak Arkansas vocalist whose shirtless performances and raspy howl on "Jim Dandy" made the band one of the 1970s' most entertaining live acts despite limited commercial success.