Novembe 3

 

Music lost one of its greatest architects today in 2024 when Quincy Jones passed away at 91, ending a seven-decade career that spanned jazz arranging, film scoring, and producing Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' - making him arguably the most successful and influential producer in popular music history…

 

Singer-songwriter royalty united today in 1972 when James Taylor married Carly Simon in a quiet ceremony at her New York apartment, beginning the 11-year marriage between two of the 1970s' most introspective artists that produced both beautiful collaborations and eventual heartbreak…

 

Rock and roll's wildest piano pounder exploded onto the scene on this day in 1957 when Sun Records released Jerry Lee Lewis's 'Great Balls of Fire,' the incendiary single that showcased The Killer's manic energy and helped establish rock's dangerous reputation…

 

Electronic music lost its founding father today in 1993 when Russian inventor Leon Theremin died at 97, ending the life of the man whose otherworldly electronic instrument became a sci-fi movie staple and influenced generations of synthesizer pioneers…

 

Scottish pop's most exuberant voice Lulu was born on this date in 1948, the belter whose "To Sir with Love" topped American charts and whose theme for "The Man with the Golden Gun" proved her versatility across four decades of entertainment…

 

Skiffle's king Lonnie Donegan died mid-way through a UK tour today in 2002 at 71, ending the life of the musician whose "Rock Island Line" sparked Britain's folk revival and inspired countless future rock stars including The Beatles to pick up guitars…

 

New Romantic royalty was born on this day in 1954 when Stuart Goddard, better known as Adam Ant, entered the world, the theatrical performer whose Native American-influenced look and anthemic post-punk made him one of MTV's first British superstars…

 

Political rage found its musical voice today in 1992 with the release of Rage Against the Machine's self-titled debut, the incendiary album featuring "Killing in the Name" that fused heavy metal riffs with hip-hop rhythms and revolutionary lyrics to create one of the 1990s' most uncompromising statements.