June 30

 

Pop icon Cher wed Allman Brothers leader Gregg Allman in a whirlwind Las Vegas ceremony on this day in 1975. Despite filing for divorce just nine days later, the tumultuous couple reconciled and remained married for three turbulent years…

 

Country music lost "Mr. Guitar" on this day in 2001 when Chet Atkins passed away in Nashville at age 77. The fingerpicking master and producer helped create the Nashville Sound while mentoring countless musicians throughout his legendary career…

 

The Kinks faced a frightening moment on this day in 2004 when guitarist Dave Davies suffered a stroke that temporarily paralyzed his right side. Remarkably, the rock veteran made a complete recovery and returned to performing…

 

Jazz fusion pioneer Stanley Clarke celebrates his birthday today, born in 1951. The bass virtuoso's innovative playing helped define the genre through his work with Return to Forever and numerous acclaimed solo projects…

 

Entertainment royalty Lena Horne was born on this day in 1917. The groundbreaking performer broke racial barriers in Hollywood while maintaining a successful recording career that spanned jazz, pop, and Broadway standards…

 

Music history intersected with diplomacy on this day in 2006 when President George W. Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi toured Graceland together. The unusual diplomatic visit highlighted Elvis Presley's global cultural impact.