July 4

 

Soul master Bill Withers was born on this day in 1938. The West Virginia coal miner turned songwriter created timeless classics like "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine" with his warm, conversational vocal style and universal themes…

 

Heavy metal's most famous couple tied the knot on this day in 1982 when Ozzy Osbourne married Sharon Arden. The daughter of notorious music manager Don Arden would become her husband's manager and guiding force through decades of chaos and success…

 

Canned Heat's tragic frontman Alan Wilson was born today in 1943. The blues scholar and harmonica virtuoso's encyclopedic knowledge of American folk music fueled the band's authentic sound before his death at 27 cemented his place in rock's cursed club…

 

Music industry mogul Allen Klein passed away on this day in 2009 at age 77 after battling Alzheimer's disease. The controversial manager's business dealings with both The Beatles and Rolling Stones left lasting impacts on how rock bands handle their financial affairs…

 

Pop culture royalty merged on this day in 1999 when Spice Girls' Victoria Adams married soccer superstar David Beckham at Ireland's luxurious Luttrellstown Castle. The lavish ceremony created one of entertainment's most enduring power couples…

 

The music world lost its "Maestro of Love" on this day in 2003 when Barry White died from kidney failure at age 58. His deep, seductive voice and lush orchestral arrangements made him the undisputed king of romantic soul music…

 

Fleetwood Mac's slide guitar wizard Jeremy Spencer celebrates his 77th birthday today. His blues-soaked playing and eccentric personality helped define the band's early sound before his mysterious disappearance and religious conversion…

 

The Babys frontman John Waite was born today in 1954. The English rocker's powerful vocals drove hits like "Isn't It Time" with the band and later his solo smash "Missing You."…

 

Drifters founding member Bill Pinkney died on this day in 2007 at age 83. The bass vocalist's rich voice anchored the legendary R&B group through their classic lineup and helped establish their place in vocal group history.