November 2

 

Family tragedy received its legal conclusion today in 1984 when the Reverend Marvin Gaye Sr. was sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter of his son, soul legend Marvin Gaye, ending a sordid case where the gospel minister shot his famous son during a violent altercation on April 1, 1984…

 

British blues royalty met the monarchy today in 2004 when guitarist Eric Clapton collected his CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) from Buckingham Palace for his services to music, recognizing five decades of guitar mastery from the Yardbirds through his solo career…

 

Progressive rock's keyboard wizard Keith Emerson was born today in 1944, the Emerson, Lake & Palmer founding member whose classical training and showmanship made him one of rock's most flamboyant virtuosos before his tragic suicide in 2016 ended his genre-defining career…

 

Country's most distinctive voice k.d. lang celebrates her 64th birthday today, the Canadian singer whose androgynous image and powerful vocals transcended genre boundaries while her interpretations of classic country proved her artistic depth and emotional range…

 

We remember the Eagles' most essential collaborator J.D. Souther on his birthday today in 1945, the singer-songwriter who co-wrote many of the band's biggest hits while maintaining his own respected solo career until his death in 2024 took one of California rock's finest craftsmen…

 

Psychedelic blues reached its peak today in 1967 with the release of Cream's 'Disraeli Gears,' the album featuring "Sunshine of Your Love" and "Strange Brew" that showcased Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker's explosive power trio chemistry at its most refined…

 

Creedence Clearwater Revival delivered roots rock perfection today in 1969 with the release of 'Willy and the Poor Boys,' their fourth album of the year featuring "Fortunate Son" and "Down on the Corner" that cemented John Fogerty's status as America's most prolific hitmaker…

 

New wave found its most sophisticated voice today in 1978 with the release of The Police's debut album 'Outlandos d'Amour,' introducing Sting's reggae-influenced bass, Stewart Copeland's complex rhythms, and Andy Summers' atmospheric guitar on "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You."…

 

The Police evolved their sound today in 1981 with the release of 'Ghost in the Machine,' the album featuring "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" and "Spirits in the Material World" that brought synthesizers and darker themes to the trio's increasingly sophisticated pop.