December 4
Rock lost one of its most uncompromising visionaries today in 1993 when Frank Zappa succumbed to prostate cancer at 52, ending the life of the composer-satirist whose fearless creativity and opposition to censorship made him one of music's most important and difficult artists… Guitar's most promising voice was silenced today in 1976 when Tommy Bolin died from a heroin overdose at 25 after performing in Miami opening for Jeff Beck, ending the career of the virtuoso who had just joined Deep Purple but never escaped addiction's grip… Country-rock's foundation was laid by Chris Hillman, who celebrates his 81st birthday today, the Byrds bassist and Flying Burrito Brothers co-founder whose bluegrass background helped create the Americana sound that would influence generations of roots rockers… Jersey Shore's soul voice Southside Johnny Lyon turns 77 today, the Asbury Jukes frontman whose horn-driven R&B kept the spirit of classic soul alive while...
