April 5

Grunge's brightest flame extinguished today in 1994 when Kurt Cobain took his own life at 27 by shotgun in his Seattle home, ending the career of the Nirvana frontman whose suicide note quoted Neil Young's "it's better to burn out than to fade away," leaving a generation devastated…

 

Canned Heat lost its massive frontman today in 1981 when Bob "The Bear" Hite died at 36 from a heart attack backstage before a show, ending the life of the 300-pound blues enthusiast whose encyclopedic record collection and booming vocals had made the band Woodstock favorites…

 

Rock and roll lost its loudest architect today in 2012 when Jim Marshall died at 88 in London, ending the life of the man who invented the Marshall amplifier, the stack that gave Hendrix, Clapton, and countless others the sound that defined electric guitar…

 

We remember Led Zeppelin's legendary manager Peter Grant on his birthday today in 1935, the 6'5" former wrestler whose intimidating presence revolutionized artist representation by demanding 90% of concert revenue, protecting his band fiercely until his death in 1995…

 

Beat poetry lost its most influential voice on this day in 1997 when Allen Ginsberg died at 70, ending the life of the "Howl" poet whose friendship with Bob Dylan and influence on rock lyrics made him as important to counterculture music as any musician…

 

Grunge guitar's most melodic architect Mike McCready was born today in 1965, the Pearl Jam founding member whose soaring solos proved that Seattle rock could embrace classic rock virtuosity while maintaining alternative credibility across three decades…

 

We remember The Hollies' golden voice Allan Clarke on his birthday today in 1942, the British singer whose pure tenor on "Bus Stop" and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" made the band one of the British Invasion's most enduring harmony groups…

 

Hard rock mourned a powerhouse drummer on this day in 1998 when Cozy Powell died at 50 in a car crash, ending the career of the session legend whose work with Rainbow, Whitesnake, and Black Sabbath showcased his thunderous precision…

 

Folk's conscience found her voice today in 1988 with the release of Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut, the album featuring "Fast Car" proving that acoustic guitar, social commentary, and powerful vocals could create massive commercial success in the MTV era.