May 30

Rage Against the Machine's most virtuosic guitarist Tom Morello was born on this day in 1964, the Harvard-educated musician whose innovative effects and social activism proved that progressive politics could coexist with stadium rock while his solo work and Audioslave years showcased his versatility beyond rage…

 

Derek and the Dominoes lost its melodic foundation on this day in 1980 when Carl Radle died at 38 from kidney failure, ending the career of the bassist whose subtle playing had been essential to Eric Clapton's "Layla" while his death from heroin complications proved the drug's grip on 1970s rock…

 

We remember swing music's greatest bandleader Benny Goodman on his birthday today in 1909, the "King of Swing" whose orchestra and clarinet virtuosity defined the big band era while his integration of Black musicians proved that racial barriers could be broken through talent and determination before his death in 1986…

 

British rock lost its greatest hit-maker on this day in 2003 when Mickie Most died at 73 from peritoneal mesothelioma, ending the career of the producer whose work with the Animals, Donovan, and Hot Chocolate made him one of the Invasion's most important architects…

 

The Clash's most swinging drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon celebrates his 71st birthday today, the timekeeper whose reggae-influenced grooves and heroin addiction made him the band's most troubled member despite his essential work on "Rock the Casbah" before Joe Strummer fired him in 1982…

 

Americana lost its most mysterious voice on this day in 2019 when Leon Redbone died at 69, ending the career of the cigar-smoking singer-songwriter whose vaudeville revival and refusal to discuss his background made him one of folk music's most enigmatic figures…

 

The Grateful Dead extended family lost a steady voice on this day in 1996 when John Kahn died at 42 from a heart attack, ending the career of the Jerry Garcia Band and Old and in the Way bassist whose melodic playing and kindness made him one of the Dead community's most respected musicians…

 

Soul's most distinctive voice Cee-Lo Green was born on this day in 1974, the Atlanta singer whose "Fuck You" (recorded as "Forget You") made him an unlikely 2010s phenomenon while his gospel roots and emotional depth proved that attitude and authenticity could create crossover hits…

 

Country-rock's most powerful voice Wynonna Judd was born on this day in 1964, the Judds' co-founder whose solo success and survival of her mother Naomi's suicide proved that family trauma could be transformed into powerful music while her continued performances keep country's greatest duets alive.