October 22

 

Hard rock's most powerful guitarist Leslie West was born on this day in 1945, the Mountain frontman whose massive tone and blues-influenced riffs on "Mississippi Queen" helped establish heavy metal's sonic foundation before his death in 2020 ended six decades of thunderous playing…

 

Grunge history began quietly today in 1990 when the band Mookie Blaylock, soon to be renamed Pearl Jam, made their stage debut at Seattle's Off Ramp Cafe, launching the career of the band that would help define 1990s alternative rock alongside Nirvana and Soundgarden…

 

Girl group history was made today in 1966 when The Supremes became the first female group to have a number-one album on the US charts with 'The Supremes A' Go-Go,' proving Diana Ross and company could dominate the album format as completely as they ruled the singles chart…

 

Disney's original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello was born on this day in 1942, the wholesome teen idol who transitioned from the Mickey Mouse Club to beach party movies with Frankie Avalon, defining innocent 1960s pop culture before her death from multiple sclerosis in 2013…

 

Teen pop's middle brother Zac Hanson celebrates his 40th birthday today, the drummer whose youthful energy helped power the trio's 1990s phenomenon "MMMBop" while the band proved their staying power by maintaining an independent career for decades…

 

Heartland rock found its poet today in 1976 with the release of Bob Seger's 'Night Moves,' the breakthrough album featuring the nostalgic title track that established the Detroit rocker as blue-collar America's most authentic voice and launched his arena career…

 

Heavy metal's blueprint was perfected today in 1969 with the US release of Led Zeppelin's second album 'Led Zeppelin II' (UK release October 31), featuring "Whole Lotta Love" and "Ramble On" that cemented the band's status as rock's most powerful force.