April 14

British entertainment lost a versatile voice on this day in 1999 when Anthony Newley died at 67 from cancer, ending the career of the singer-songwriter-actor whose "What Kind of Fool Am I?" showcased his theatrical talents while his tumultuous marriage to Joan Collins kept tabloids entertained…

 

We remember country's most defiant voice Loretta Lynn on her birthday today in 1935, the coal miner's daughter whose "The Pill" and autobiographical songs about marriage, motherhood, and poverty made her country music's most honest female voice before her death in 2022…

 

Hard rock's most virtuosic guitar wizard Ritchie Blackmore celebrates his 81st birthday today, the Deep Purple and Rainbow founder whose classical influences and "Smoke on the Water" riff made him one of heavy metal's most technically accomplished and difficult personalities…

 

Soul lost its most passionate pleader on this day in 2015 when Percy Sledge died at 74, ending the career of the singer whose "When a Man Loves a Woman" became one of music's most heartfelt declarations of devotion despite his never replicating that massive success…

 

Indie rock's most ambitious architect Win Butler turns 46 today, the Arcade Fire frontman whose theatrical grandeur on "Wake Up" and concept albums proved that Canadian indie bands could think as big as arena rockers while maintaining artistic credibility…

 

Swamp pop lost a novelty hit wonder on this day in 2005 when John Fred died at 63, ending the life of the Louisiana singer whose Beatles parody "Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)" became a number one hit despite critics dismissing it as silly garage rock…

 

Hawaiian music mourned its greatest ambassador today in 2007 when Don Ho died at 76 from heart failure, ending the career of the entertainer whose "Tiny Bubbles" and Waikiki shows made him the islands' most famous musical export for five decades.