October 4

 

Rock lost one of its most powerful voices today in 1970 when Janis Joplin was found dead at Hollywood's Landmark Hotel from an accidental heroin overdose at just 27, joining the tragic "27 Club" and silencing the blues-rock screamer who had redefined what female vocalists could achieve…

 

Timbuk 3's visionary half Barbara K. MacDonald was born today in 1958, the singer-songwriter who partnered with husband Pat McDonald to create the duo's witty, prophetic pop and their signature hit "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades."…

 

Country music mourned its coal miner's daughter on this day in 2022 when Loretta Lynn died at 90, ending the remarkable life of the Kentucky-born songwriter whose honest songs about women's lives and struggles made her a feminist icon and Nashville legend…

 

Badfinger's rhythmic heart stopped today in 2005 when drummer Mike Gibbins died peacefully in his sleep at 56, another tragic chapter for the band that had faced suicide, legal battles, and heartbreak despite creating some of power pop's most enduring songs…

 

Garage rock lost its revolutionary leader today in 2014 when Paul Revere of Paul Revere & the Raiders died at 76, ending the career of the keyboardist showman whose patriotic stage wear and hits like "Kicks" made the band Northwest rock pioneers…

 

Rock met marching band pageantry today in 1980 when Fleetwood Mac joined the USC marching band at halftime of a football game to present them with a platinum album for 'Tusk,' celebrating the experimental album's unconventional use of the Trojan Marching Band…

 

John Lennon's most personal statement was released today in 1974 with 'Walls and Bridges,' the album featuring "#9 Dream" and "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" that captured the former Beatle during his "Lost Weekend" separation from Yoko Ono.