February 15
Pop lost its most elegant voice today in 1965 when Nat King Cole died of lung cancer at 45, ending the career of the smoky-voiced crooner whose "Unforgettable" and groundbreaking success as the first African-American to host a network television show made him a pioneering icon… Chicago blues lost its greatest guitarist today in 1981 when Mike Bloomfield was found dead in his car at 37 from an accidental heroin overdose, ending the life of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Electric Flag founder whose playing had influenced an entire generation… Blues harmonica lost its most innovative voice today in 1968 when Little Walter died at 37 from injuries sustained in a street fight outside a Chicago nightclub, ending the career of the musician who had revolutionized amplified harmonica and influenced every harp player who followed… Motown's hit factory got one of its architects when Brian Holland was born on this day in 1941, the songwriter-producer who with b...
