Today in music history...50's-70's

May 13, 2023


Ritchie Valens was born Richard Steven Valenzuela May 13, 1941 in Los Angeles. Ritchie first got on stage at 16 in high school. Dropped out in late '58 because he had too many gigs lined up. The plane goes down shortly after take off, February 3, 1959 with Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson near Clear Lake, Iowa. The only surviving footage (there's a bit of home movie footage, and the two appearances on Bandstand were either erased, or lost in a fire) of Ritchie is from the 1959 film "Go, Johnny, Go!" with Chuck Berry introducing him lip-syncing "Ooh My Head"...


Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Morris on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan, then moving with his mom to Detroit when he was four. 25 time Grammy winner, the most for a male solo artist, Beyonce has won 32. His health hasn't been the best lately, but he still records and performs occasionally. So many great clips posted ..."Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" '70


Danny Kirwan was also born in 1950..in London. Danny died in his sleep June 8, 2018 in London. Joined "Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac" in mid '68. He and Peter did not get along at all. Green left in '70, and Danny left the group in '72. Similar to Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd, years of heavy drinking and drug use (especially LSD) and most likely un-diagnosed mental health issues, Danny just faded away by the late 70's. Homeless and alone in London for most of the 80's and 90's...sad, sad story....
"Like It This Way"..'69...damn


Richard Salwitz...aka Magic Dick, was born 1945 in New London, Connecticut. Founding member of The J. Geils Band back to '67. Played with the group until it dissolved in '85. Patented his own harmonica design the "Magic Harmonica". Stills gets up on stage occasionally. "Lookin' for a Love" Rockpalast, Germany '79


Legendary bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn passed in his sleep from heart failure May 13, 2012 in Tokyo while on tour with Steve Cropper. He was born November 24, 1941 in Memphis. Goes back to '66 when he started with The Mar-Keys and then Booker T & the MG's, and then hundreds of recordings at Stax Records and session work with others. Pages of credits..
"B' Movie Box Car Blues".. when he was part of The Blues Brothers Band Winterland '78

May 14, 2023
....five stone cold legends here...


"The King of Bluegrass", Jimmy Martin, passed away May 14, 2005 in Nashville after battling bladder cancer for a couple years. He was born August 10, 1927 in Sneedville, Tennessee. The man goes back to the late 40's when he first started up with Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, and later The Osborne Brothers. Hard drinkin' and taking no bs from the record industry, he still is not a member of the Grand Ol Opry.. "When He Reached Down His Hand For Me"..'71


William Keith Relf was born March 22, 1943 Richmond, England. He died after being electrocuted in his basement at home in London while jamming on the guitar. Terrible story..he died May 12, 1976 (wasn't publicized til May 14). Started singing and playing harmonica years before The Yardbirds, going back to the late 50's. The Yardbirds were done by late '68, Keith went on with solo projects and producing for others. "I'm A Man" late '66 from French TV.. w/ Jeff Beck..😇


Frank passed away May 14, 1998 in Los Angeles after years of heart and breathing problems. Francis Albert Sinatra was born December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. Been there, done that I guess What can ya say??? None cooler...
"I've Got You Under My Skin"...MSG, New York, 1974...


Singer/bassist John Symon Asher Bruce was born May 14 Lanarkshire, Scotland. Liver cancer took Jack October 25, 2014 in Sudbury, England. Received a scholarship right out of high school to study the cello at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music. Cream broke up in '68. Another great where dope just took over Did session work for years with others, and some solo projects.
"Politician" Cream Farewell Concert, RAH London '68..


Riley B. King passed away May 14, 2015 in Las Vegas in his sleep after years of diabetes, high blood pressure, and later on dementia. B.B. was born September 16, 1925 in Berclair, Mississippi. Yea, he's pretty famous..
"I'm A Bluesman" North Sea Jazz Festival, The Netherlands 1987....up there with Frank none cooler..

May 16, 2023


Samuel George Davis Jr. was born December 8, 1925 in New York City. First on stage at three years old with his vaudeville performing father. Four pack a day habit for years caught up with Sammy May 16, 1990 in Beverly Hills. "This Guy's In Love With You"... Germany '69


Darrell Anthony Sweet was a founding member of "Nazareth" back late '68. Darrell was with the group until he passed from heart failure while on tour in New Albany, Indiana April 30, 1999. He was born May 16, 1947 Bournemouth, England, but growing up in Scotland where Nazareth formed. "Love Hurts" '74..vocalist Dan McCafferty just passed Nov. 2022...


Saxophonist Alto Reed was born May 16, 1948 in Detroit as Thomas Neal Cartmell. First started recording and touring with The Silver Bullet Band back in '72/'73. Toured for 42 years with Bob, alongside solo projects. He passed from colon cancer December 30, 2020. Original, unmolested, quality Seger footage is hard to come by..."Old Time Rock and Roll" San Diego '78

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Ronald James Padanova passed away May 16, 2010 in Houston, Texas after battling stomach cancer for several years. He was born July 10, 1942 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Ronnie began his career playing bass back to the late 50's. Ends up being THE voice of Metal 👿
"Rainbow in the Dark" Philadelphia '86...

Replaced Ozzy in '79..recorded the albums "Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules and Dehumanizer" with Sabbath. For some strange coincidence, that list may include two of "Sabbath's" best albums
"Heaven and Hell" '80 w/ Tony, Geezer and Vinny Appice on drums, Bill Ward had just quit the group....13min 🤘🤘

May 17, 2023


Singer/guitarist Malcolm Hale was born May 17, 1941 in Butte, Montana. Lesser known member of "The 27 Club", Malcom died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty space heater October 31, 1968 in Chicago. Malcolm was a founding member of "Spanky and Our Gang" in Chicago '66. His death was pretty much the end of the group. They disbanded late '68.
"Like To Get To Know You" Sullivan '68..Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane celebrates her 80th next month..


Pervis Jackson was a founding member of "The Spinners" back in '54. He was born in New Orleans May 17, 1938. He passed away August 18, 2008 in Detroit. His deep bass voice is highlighted in numerous hits..."Games People Play" '75..


"Yes" original drummer Bill Bruford was born May 17, 1949 Kent, England. He appeared on Yes' first five albums from '69 to '72. Left Yes and played with "King Crimson" for a couple years. And then about a dozen others, never really retiring...
"No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" '69,,written/first recorded by Richie Havens..


Ya need a scorecard for "Iron Maiden" members. Paul Di'Anno was born May 17, 1958 in London. He was the the third(?) lead singer...the first to be on a studio album (he was on their first two Iron Maiden and Killers). Di'Anno was fired for his heavy drug use (he says he quit the group) the group in '81. Still plenty of bad blood going around with all these guys... 🤘
"Iron Maiden" Rainbow Theatre, London '80..


Johnny "Guitar" Watson passed away May 17, 1996 while performing on stage in Japan. He was born February 3, 1935 in Houston, Texas. Began his recording career in the late 50's. When he would be compared to Hendrix, Johnny would get irritated and state.. "I used to play the guitar standing on my hands. I had a 150-foot cord and I could get on top of the auditorium – those things Jimi Hendrix was doing, I started that ****."
With the late great Billy Preston doing "Hoochie Coochie Man" '90...

May 18, 2023


Joseph Vernon "Big Joe" Turner Jr. was born May 18, 1911 in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away from heart failure November 24, 1985 in Inglewood, California. Started singing and tending bar at KC nightclubs at 14 years old. "Shake, Rattle and Roll" was written in '54 and first released in April '54 by Big Joe. Bill Haley's version was released three months after that. Clip from '55..


Albert Hammond was born 1944 in London. On top of his solo career, Albert wrote dozens of hits for other artists. His son, Albert Jr., plays guitar in today's group "The Strokes". "It Never Rains in Southern California" '73...


"Devo" founder and lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh was born 1950 in Akron, Ohio Devo is short for "devolution", as in the devolution of the human race. Mark and early bandmates attended Kent State University shortly after the killings took place. Two of their friends were among those shot that day. Never quite "got it" myself, but they were good at what they did and no way was I gonna post "Whip It". After Devo, Mark went on to compose music for at least 50 films, as recently as 2023's "Cocaine Bear".
"Girl U Want" '80...


George Harvey Strait Sr. was born 1952 in Poteet, Texas. George is maybe the last link to "Classic Country", starting out in the late 70's. 120 million albums sold. 60 number #1 songs. Gotta admit, he is the modern "King of Country". Currently headlining a tour with Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town. "Amarillo By Morning" first written/recorded by Terry Stafford in '73..clip Hee Haw '83..


Arguably the greatest rock keyboardist of all time, Rick Wakeman was born 1949 Middlesex, England. First joined up with "Yes" in 1971. On and off with them for 30+ years. Tons of session work early on, appears on David Bowie's original "Space Oddity". Rick has also released 90 solo albums in just about every genre of music Never did dope, pot, or pills..but years of heavy drinking took it's toll. Nowadays fighting several serious health issues, he continues to release new stuff, as recently as early 2023
"Roundabout"..clip from '72

May 19, 2023


May 19, 1962 Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy. It's a surprise party at Madison Square Garden 10 days before President Kennedy's actual birthday, which was May 29, 1917. Intro by Peter Lawford....Marilyn dies about three months later, August 4.


Joey Ramone is born May 19, 1951 in Queens, New York as Jeffrey Ross Hyman. Joey battled lymphoma the last few years of his life, passing away April 15, 2001 in NYC.
"Sheena is a Punk Rocker" CBGB's '77..


Pete Townshend turns 78 today. He was born in Chiswick, England. Pete and Roger are busy on the road still today.
"Young Man Blues" Isle of Wight Festival, August '70..


AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was born May 19, 1954 Melbourne, Australia. Far from the original drummer, (maybe fifth or sixth(?)), he first started playing with the boys in '75. Then fired in '83, only to return in '94. Pretty sketchy history with ol' Phil...but what do ya expect, it's AC/DC 👿 A few dates lined up later this summer with Brian, Angus, Cliff Williams, Stevie Young (Angus and Malcom's nephew) and Phil. Of course this changes all the time. "Riff Raff" '78..


Joe Michael "Dusty" Hill was born May 19, 1949 in Dallas. Several years of health problems forced Dusty to stop touring in 2021. He passed away July 28, 2021 in Houston. Per his wishes before he died, long time guitar tech Elwood Francis took his spot in the group. Billy Gibbons, Frank Beard and Elwood are touring this summer alongside today's "Skynyrd".
"Waitin' for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago" from Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010...not too many artists out there sounded better 40 years after they began

May 20, 2023


Cherilyn Sarkisian was born May 20, 1946 in El Centro, California. Only artist ever to have had a #1 song in six consecutive decades..'60's-'10's. "Baby Don't Go' '65..


Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb...
Robin Hugh Gibb passed away May 20, 2012 in London from colon cancer and kidney failure. He was born December 22, 1949 with his twin, Maurice, in Douglas, on The Isle of Man. ***Maurice and Lulu were married in '69, but divorced in '73. Maurice passed in 2003. Brother Andy died in 1988. Sir Barry Gibb is still around. "I Started a Joke/First of May" Tom Jones Show '69..


John Robert "Joe" Cocker was born 1944 Sheffield, England. He passed from lung cancer December 22, 2012 in Crawford, Colorado, where he had lived since the mid 80's. "You Are So Beautiful" '80...written/first released in '74 by Billy Preston


Raymond Daniel Manzarek Jr. passed away May 20, 2013 in Rosenheim, Germany while undergoing cancer treatment. He was born February 12, 1939 in Chicago. Ray hits California around '61 to attend UCLA and first meets Jim late '65. Studio footage of "Wild Child" '69 showing that the toughest job Ray probably ever had was trying to keep Jim somewhat focused and in-line..thanks Ray

"Riders on the Storm"..released in June '71, the last song Jim recorded before his death July 3, '71. one of the better edited and pieced together clips here with various footage...

May 21, 2023


Bassist John Dalton joined up with Ray and Dave Davies of "The Kinks" in '69 full time (replacing original bassist Pete Quaife), just before "Lola" hit. Played there until '76. Still busy today producing others and performing. "Lola".. TOTP '70


Gerard Hugh "Leo" Sayer was born May 21, 1948 Sussex, England. Has always called Australia home, where he is touring this summer. "When I Need You" "80.. with the late great Bobby Keys on sax 😇


George and Louis Johnson.."The Brothers Johnson"..
Bassist Louis Johnson passed away May 21, 2015 in Las Vegas from liver failure. He was born April 13, 1955 in Los Angeles. After the brothers broke up in the early 80's, Louis went on to play on numerous hits and albums, including MJ's "Thriller". George is still around..


May 21, 1992 is Johnny Carson's next to last show. His final guest is Bette Midler. The final show May 22 has no guests. She sings to Johnny "One For My Baby (and One More for the Road)" and Robin Williams


Drummer Stan Lynch was born 1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio First meets Tom Petty in Los Angeles in 1976. Tom is there with his group "Mudcrutch". The "Heartbreakers" are formed from these meetings. Stan plays with Tom and The Heartbreakers until 1994 when he and Tom have serious musical and personal disagreements. Stan would go on to produce and write for many others after leaving the group. "A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)" '81...😇

May 23, 2023


General Norman Johnson was born May 23, 1941 Norfolk, Virginia. General (was his true birth name) passed away October 13, 2010 in Atlanta. Founding member, and usual lead singer, of "Chairmen of the Board" going back to '69. Never stopped performing all the way up til he passed in 2010. Some old footage posted, but none of..."Give Me Just a Little More Time" '70..


Dr. Robert Arthur Moog was born May 23, 1934 New York City. He passed away from a brain tumor August 21, 2005 in Asheville, North Carolina. Started making his first synthesizers early 60's as a hobby. Introduced the Moog in 1964, and then the MiniMoog in 1970. He only ever patented one invention, a noise filter of his design. It's tough to speculate how wealthy he could have became had he a little better business savvy and advice. Early player of his gear was "Blondie" with Jimmy Destri at the keys..and a chance to post a hot Debbie Harry clip "Heart of Glass" '78


Rick Fenn played guitar/bass with 10cc off and on from '76 til today, still touring around Europe currently. He was born May 23, Oxford, England. Guessing there is some Moog↑↑↑↑ equipment in here somewhere..."I'm Not In Love"..'77


Bassist Danny Klein was born May 23, 1946 Bronx, New York. He was a founding member of The J. Geils Band back in '67. Was there til the breakup in '85. Several reunions took place until J. Geils passed in 2017. Danny has his own "tribute" band now."Full House"... "One Last Kiss" Germany '79..damn, J. was a great player 😇

"Lookin' for a Love" OGWT '74..originally recorded/released by The Valentinos in '62...

May 24, 2023

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Two Blues greats that often performed together actually passed on May 24, two years apart. Guitarist Elmore James, the "King of Slide Guitar", was born January 27, 1918 Richland, Mississippi. "Elmo" died May 24, 1963 in Chicago from heart failure. Harmonica great Sonny Boy Williamson II died May 24, 1965 in Helena, Arkansas, also from a bad ticker. He was born December 5, 1912 in Mississippi.
Clip is "Dust My Broom" '51(?) with both..originally written/recorded by Robert Johnson in '36


Gene Clark was the original vocalist of "The Byrds" back in '64 til '66. He passed away May 24, 1991 in Sherman Oaks, California. He was born November 17, 1944 Tipton, Missouri. Left the group because he hated touring, and had heavy alcohol and dope problems.
"I'll Feel a Whole Better"..written by Gene.'65...


Rosanne Cash was born May 24, 1955 in Memphis to Johnny and his first wife, Vivian Leberto Cash Distin. Great voice and plenty of good stuff on her own, but gotta post one with Dad. "No Memories Hangin' Round" '84...

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Thomas B. Kin Chong was born May 24, 1938 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Tommy actually played guitar in a couple groups in Canada, (most notably Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers, they sound great btw), prior to meeting Cheech. Hendrix spent a few summers with his grandma in Vancouver, and may or may not have jammed with The Vancouvers Tommy says it was Bobby's "imagination" (Jimi did jam with them in Europe though).............."Me and My Old Lady" from "Things Are Tough All Over" '82..


Robert Allen Zimmerman was born May 24, 1941 Duluth, Minnesota. Love him or hate him, he's an institution. I searched for a good, intelligible track here One of the 600+ songs written by Bob..."Knockin' on Heaven's Door" MTV Unplugged '95..

May 25, 2023


"The Storyteller", Thomas Hall was born May 25, 1936 Tick Ridge, Kentucky. Tom T. took his own life August 20, 2012 at home in Franklin, Tennessee. Wrote 12 #1 songs (Harper Valley PTA), and 26 other top tens. "The Year Clayton Delaney Died" '71...


Mirriam Johnson was born May 25, 1943 in Phoenix. She changed her name to Jessi Colter in '68 and married Waylon in '69. They remained married til Waylon passed in 2002. Still busy writing and performing today, and being the proud mama of Shooter
"I Ain't the One" Hee Haw '72


(l-r) June Millington, Alice DeBuhr, Jean Millington, Nickey Barclay..."Fanny"
Bassist Jean Millington was born May 25, 1949 in the Philippines. Moved with the family and her sister June to California in '61. Maybe not exactly the first all girl rock group...but they kicked ass better than any ever did..broke up in '75. ..."Young and Dumb" '71..🤩


Violinist/vocalist Robby Steinhardt was born May 25, 1950 Chicago. He passed away July 17, 2021 from pancreatitis in a Tampa, Florida hospital. Original member of "Kansas" back in '73. Left the group in '82 to clean himself up. Rejoined in the late 90's.
"Dust in the Wind" Canada Jam '78..


Klaus Meine turns 75 today. He was born in Hanover, Germany. "The Scorpions" got their start in '65 being founded by Rudolf Schenker. Klaus joined up in '69. Klaus and Rudolf are still touring today. Clip is from '73 with the great Uli Jon Roth on lead 🆒
"This Is My Song" German TV '73...

May 26, 2023


(l-r) Walter Williams, William Powell, Eddie Levert..."The O'Jays"
Original member, William Powell was born January 20, 1942 in Canton, Ohio He lost a battle with cancer, May 26, 1977 in Canton. The O'Jays began working around the Canton/Cleveland area early 60's. Signed a record deal in Philadelphia '72, when "Back Stabbers" and "Love Train" went big.
"For The Love of Money" '73....


Happy 74th to Randall Hank Williams. Bocephus was born in Shreveport, Louisiana May 26, 1949. Made his first recording at 15 when he covered his Dad's tune "Long Gone Lonesome Blues". On tour now. Clip from Hee Haw '78 "The Last Love Song"..


Leonard Albert Kravitz was born May 26, 1964 in New York City. Yes, his mom is the late Roxie Roker, "Helen Willis" from "The Jeffersons". Not quite 50's-70's, but Lenny always seemed like a throw back to the good ol' days
"Are You Gonna Go My Way" 2014..first released in '93.


Stephanie Lynn Nicks was born May 26, 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona. Touring solo now along side Billy Joel. There are cell phone postings of her concerts as new as two days ago posted. Not a fan of cell phone clips, but this recent one (March '23) doing "Landslide" with a tribute to Christine McVie gets a pass....**warning


Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm was born May 26, 1940 Elaine, Arkansas. Levon passed from throat cancer April 19, 2012 in New York City. Clip is from 2011's "Ramble at the Ryman"...recorded Sept. '08. Even sick and somewhat older here, he never sounded better. His daughter Amy to his left.
"Anna Lee"... another at least I put them back to back

May 27, 2023
...not much happening on this date...
#1 this week 1972 "Oh Girl"..


Donald Ray Williams was born May 27, 1939 Floydada, Texas. Don passed away from emphysema, September 8, 2017 in Mobile, Alabama. "It's time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home. I'm so thankful for my fans, my friends and my family for their everlasting love and support," Class act 😢 Don first recorded and released "Amanda" mid '73, Waylon's cover was late '74

"You're My Best Friend' '82

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Gregory LeNoir Allman passed May 27, 2017 from liver failure at his home in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Gregg was born December 8, 1947 in Nashville. Can't post without some Duane mixed in...from when they were going by "Hour Glass" in early '68, about a year before the ABB. No video from these days, but there are some great audio tracks/studio outtakes posted...
"It's Not My Cross to Bear" '68...😇

"Melissa" with Jackson Browne Jan. 2014...

May 31, 2023


Clint Eastwood Jr. turns 93 today. He was born in San Francisco. Sure he has appeared in 80 or so movies, he also has released three albums. A couple jazz albums in '99 and '14, and "Clint Eastwood Sings Cowboy Favorites" 1962...
Clip from the series "Rawhide" 1963...


Roky Erickson passed away May 31, 2019 in Austin, Texas. He was born July 15, 1947 in Dallas. He founded "The 13th Floor Elevators" late 1965 in Austin. Widely considered the first "psychedelic" group. Janis was hanging around the Austin scene around this time, and almost started her career with these boys, but instead she headed to San Francisco with Chet Helms. Roky was diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic in '68. Ended up in mental hospitals and jail for years, often receiving shock therapy. Quite a story.. "You're Gonna Miss Me"..'66


Donald Eugene Lytle was born May 31, 1938 in Greenfield, Ohio Johnny Paycheck died from emphysema February 19, 2003 in Nashville. Johnny was known to spend some time in jail also, and probably a psych ward somewhere along the line
"Don't Take Her She's All I Got" with the Wilburn Brothers '71..written by Gary U.S. Bonds in '70..


August "Augie" Meyers turns 83 today. He was born in San Antonio, Texas. Playing just about every instrument, Augie co-founded "The Sir Douglas Quintet" with Doug Sahm in San Antonio 1964. Doug Sahm actually helped produce some of the early stuff for The 13th Floor Elevators↑↑↑. The SDQ often opened for Janis (Big Brother and the Holding Company) back in those days Augie went on with Doug, Freddy Fender and Flaco Jimenez as "The Texas Tornados" early 90's. Doug passed in '99, Freddy in 2006. Augie still performs today, mostly down Texas way. "Mendocino" Austin City Limits 1990.....full 80min here


John Henry Bonham was born May 31, 1948 Redditch, England. The Best 😇 passed away September 25, 1980 Clewer, England.
12(so good, it's scary) minutes from Earls Court, London, May '75 doing "In My Time of Dying"(written by Blind Willie Johnson 1928). They did five nights in a row, 3+ hours each night. One full show here...