November 17

 

We remember Canadian folk's greatest storyteller Gordon Lightfoot on his birthday today in 1938, the baritone troubadour whose narrative masterpieces like "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and "Sundown" made him one of North America's most respected songwriters before his death in 2023…

 

Tragedy loomed unknowingly today in 1980 with the release of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'Double Fantasy,' the comeback album that would become the former Beatle's final statement when he was murdered just three weeks later outside his Dakota apartment building…

 

Guitar's most passionate love letter arrived today in 1970 with the release of Derek and the Dominos' 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,' Eric Clapton's masterpiece featuring the Duane Allman-assisted title track born from his unrequited love for George Harrison's wife Pattie Boyd…

 

We remember the angelic voice of Jeff Buckley on his birthday today in 1966, the singer-songwriter whose only completed studio album 'Grace' showcased his four-octave range and emotional intensity before his drowning death in 1997 at just 30 ended one of music's most promising careers…

 

Motown soul lost one of its smoothest voices on this day in 2014 when Jimmy Ruffin died at 78, ending the life of the singer whose "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" became a Northern Soul anthem while he remained in the shadow of his more famous brother David…

 

Rock's most accident-prone survivor David Crosby suffered another mishap today in 1990 when a motorcycle accident broke his shoulder, left leg, and ankle, adding to the CSN&Y legend's long list of physical and legal troubles throughout his tumultuous life…

 

Live rock documentation reached new standards on this night in 1970 when Elton John performed in a recording studio for what would become his first live album '17-11-70' (11-17-70 in the U.S.), capturing the pianist at an early peak that proved his songs could electrify in concert…

 

We honor the memory of The Byrds' underrated songwriter Gene Clark on his birthday today in 1944, the founding member whose "Feel a Whole Lot Better" and "Eight Miles High" contributions were essential to folk-rock's creation before his departure and death from a heart attack in 1991…

 

Guitar virtuoso Tommy Bolin showcased his fusion mastery today in 1975 with the release of 'Teaser,' the solo album that displayed his jazz-rock versatility between stints with the James Gang and Deep Purple before his tragic overdose death just a year later.