Rock n Roll in History

Rock n Roll: Rock Bands

Events in Music

  • 1954-09-08 WINS radio station in NYC begins playing rock and roll music with Alan Freed's "Rock-n-Roll Party" program

The Girl Can't Help It

1956-12-01 Musical comedy film "The Girl Can't Help It" starring Jayne Mansfield with cameos by rock 'n' roll stars Little Richard, Eddie Cochran, and Gene Vincent premieres

  • 1957-05-04 Alan Freed hosts "Rock n' Roll Show" 1st prime-time network rock show, cancelled after 4 episodes
  • 1957-05-27 Toronto's CHUM-AM, (1050 kHz) becomes Canada's first radio station to broadcast only top 40 Rock n' Roll music format

TV Show Appearance

1957-07-28 Rock and roll piano player-singer Jerry Lee Lewis makes his 1st TV appearance with a raucous rendition of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" on the "Steve Allen Show"

Move It

1958-08-29 Cliff Richard and the Drifters release single "Move It", Richards debut single. Credited as 1st British Rock n Roll song.

Hendrix Plays First Gig

1959-02-20 Jimi Hendrix (16), rock and roll guitarist, plays his first gig in the Temple De Hirsch synagogue basement, Seattle; fired from the band after the 1st set due to "wild" playing

  • 1963-01-16 Los Angeles night club and music venue The Whiskey A-Go-Go opens (inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2006)
  • 1966-05-16 The Beach Boys release their groundbreaking album "Pet Sounds", containing hit singles "Sloop John B" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice", and "God Only Knows"
  • 1966-08-14 Cleveland Stadium's 1st rock concert: The Beatles headline; fans break through barriers and rush stage causing a 30-minute delay while order is restored

Morrison Arrested During Performance

1967-12-09 Jim Morrison arrested on stage for disturbing the peace at the New Haven Arena, Connecticut, making him the 1st rock star to be taken into custody during a performance

Missing Stones Film

1968-12-12 Rolling Stones film TV show "Rock and Roll Circus"- guest performers include The Who, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal, Marianne Faithfull, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono; the program never airs aired

  • 1969-09-13 Plastic Ono Band's 1st live performance, featuring John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Eric Clapton, at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival
  • 1970-05-23 Grateful Dead's 1st performance outside US, as part of 'The Hollywood Rock Music Festival', in Newcastle under Lyme, England

Music Concert

1971-06-21 50,000 attend Celebration of Life, rock concert in McCrea, Louisiana; performers included Chuck Berry; Stephen Stills; WAR; John Sebastian; and Delaney and Bonnie

  • 1972-04-01 30,000 attend Mar Y Sol rock concert, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

"The Midnight Special"

1973-02-02 "The Midnight Special" late night rock music show debuts on NBC-TV; performers include Ike and Tina Turner, Curtis Mayfield, Don Mclean, the Byrds, and George Carlin

  • 1974-04-06 200,000 attend rock concert "California Jam" at the Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California; line-up includes Earth, Wind & Fire; Black Sabbath; Deep Purple; and Emerson, Lake & Palmer
  • 1975-02-17 A&M Records releases John Lennon's sixth studio album, "Rock 'n' Roll" album, cover songs of early rock numbers

Music History

1975-10-27 Covers of both Time (“Rock’s New Sensation”) and Newsweek (“Making of a Rock Star”) magazines feature rock singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen

  • 1975-11-28 Wings release single "Venus & Mars/Rock Show" medley
  • 1976-06-03 Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" goes gold

A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll

1976-10-15 Ringo Starr releases single "A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll"; peaks at 26 in US, fails to chart in UK

  • 1978-03-18 250,000 attend rock concert California Jam II in Ontario, California
  • 1978-12-31 Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California closes after 556 concerts; Final show is the Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and The Blues Brothers; program lasts for over 8 hours, with the Grateful Dead playing for nearly 6 hours; concert broadcast on local PBS TV station KQED, and simulcast by radio station KSAN-FM, after the show, the crowd was treated to a hot, buffet-style breakfast.
  • 1979-02-09 ABC airs "Heroes of Rock N Roll" special, featuring archival performances of 62 artists
  • 1979-06-07 Rock 'n' Roll singer-songwriter and guitar legend Chuck Berry is charged with tax evasion

Rock 'n' Roll High School

1979-08-24 Musical film "Rock 'n' Roll High School" directed by Allan Arkush and featuring the Ramones, premieres in NYC (released throughout the US 20 days later)

  • 1980-03-08 The first festival of rock music kicks off in the Soviet Union

Glass Houses

1980-03-12 Columbia Records releases "Glass Houses", singer-songwriter Billy Joel's seventh studio album; it features his 1st No.1 single - "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me"

  • 1980-03-26 Bombay gets its 1st rock concert in 10 years (The Police)
  • 1980-07-18 Billy Joel's "Glass Houses" album tops US charts, featuring "It's Still Rock 'n' Roll to Me"
  • 1982-03-20 Joan Jett & Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" goes #1 for 7 weeks
  • 1982-07-24 Single "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor from "Rocky III" soundtrack starts 6-week run at #1 on US charts (Grammy for Best Rock Performance)
  • 1982-10-24 "Rock 'n Roll!: The 1st..." opens at St James Theater NYC for 9 performances
  • 1982-10-31 Musical revue "Rock 'n Roll!: The First 5,000 Years" closes at St James Theatre. NYC, after 9 performances
  • 1985-08-05 Establishment of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is announced
  • 1986-01-23 Inaugural class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Chuck Berry; James Brown; Ray Charles; Sam Cooke; Fats Domino; The Everly Brothers; Buddy Holly; Jerry Lee Lewis; Elvis Presley; Little Richard; Robert Johnson; Jimmie Rodgers; Jimmy Yancey; Alan Freed; John Hammond; and Sam Phillips
  • 1986-05-05 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announces Cleveland, Ohio chosen as the site of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum

Graceland

1986-08-25 Warner Bros. Records releases Paul Simon's seventh solo album "Graceland", a blend of pop, African, zydeco, and rock music; wins Grammy for album of the year, 1987 and sells over 16 million copies

  • 1986-10-16 Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards organizes concert celebrating rock and roll legend Chuck Berry's 60th birthday at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri; performers include: Richards, Berry, Johnnie Johnson, Eric Clapton, Etta James, Linda Ronstadt, Robert Cray, and Julian Lennon among others

Aretha Franklin 1st Female

1987-01-03 Aretha Franklin is the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Second Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

1987-01-21 Second Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Coasters; Eddie Cochran; Bo Diddley; Aretha Franklin; Marvin Gaye; Bill Haley; B.B. King; Clyde McPhatter; Ricky Nelson; Roy Orbison; Carl Perkins; Smokey Robinson; Joe Turner; Muddy Waters; Jackie Wilson; Louis Jordan; T-Bone Walker; Hank Williams; Leonard Chess; Ahmet Ertegun; Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller; and Jerry Wexler

  • 1987-10-09 "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll" documentary film directed by Taylor Hackford of 1986 concerts celebrating rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry is released

3rd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

1988-01-20 3rd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Beach Boys; The Beatles; The Drifters; Bob Dylan; The Supremes; Woody Guthrie; Leadbelly; Les Paul; and Berry Gordy, Jr.

4th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

1989-01-18 4th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Dion; Otis Redding; The Rolling Stones; The Temptations; Stevie Wonder; The Ink Spots; Bessie Smith; The Soul Stirrers; and Phil Spector

5th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

1990-01-17 5th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Hank Ballard; Bobby Darin; The Four Seasons; The Four Tops; The Kinks; The Platters; Simon and Garfunkel; The Who; Louis Armstrong; Charlie Christian; Ma Rainey; Gerry Goffin and Carole King; and Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland

Music History

1990-02-25 On a BBC taped interview, rock star Stevie Nicks breaks down, saying that she will never have children & no man can stand her for long

  • 1991-01-16 6th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: LaVern Baker; The Byrds; John Lee Hooker; The Impressions; Wilson Pickett; Jimmy Reed; Ike and Tina Turner; Howlin' Wolf; Dave Bartholomew; and Ralph Bass

Rock and Roll Museum

1991-12-10 Architect I. M. Pei receives $5 million for design of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum to be built in Cleveland, Ohio

  • 1992-01-15 7th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Bobby "Blue" Bland; Booker T. and the MG's; Johnny Cash; Jimi Hendrix Experience; Isley Brothers; Sam and Dave; The Yardbirds; Elmore James; Professor Longhair; Leo Fender; Bill Graham; and Doc Pomus

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1993-01-12 8th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Ruth Brown; Cream; Creedence Clearwater Revival; The Doors; Etta James; Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers; Van Morrison; Sly and the Family Stone; Dinah Washington; Dick Clark; and Milt Gabler

  • 1993-06-07 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame breaks ground for their museum in Cleveland, Ohio
  • 1994-01-19 9th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Animals; The Band; Duane Eddy; The Grateful Dead; Elton John; John Lennon; Bob Marley; Rod Stewart; Willie Dixon; and Johnny Otis
  • 1994-04-30 39th Eurovision Song Contest: Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan for Ireland wins singing "Rock 'n' Roll Kids" in Dublin
  • 1994-07-28 Last steel beam is placed on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1995-01-12 10th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Allman Brothers Band; Al Green; Janis Joplin; Led Zeppelin; Martha and the Vandellas; Neil Young; Frank Zappa; The Orioles; Paul Ackerman

  • 1995-09-01 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum opens in Cleveland, Ohio
  • 1995-10-25 British pop-rock singer Cliff Richard receives his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, - 1st rock star to be knighted

11th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

1996-01-17 11th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: David Bowie; Jefferson Airplane; Little Willie John; Gladys Knight and the Pips; Pink Floyd; The Shirelles; The Velvet Underground; Pete Seeger; and Tom Donahue

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1997-05-06 12th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Bee Gees; Buffalo Springfield; Crosby, Stills & Nash; The Jackson Five; Joni Mitchell; Parliament-Funkadelic; The (Young) Rascals; Mahalia Jackson; Bill Monroe; and Syd Nathan

Glitter Arrested

1997-11-18 70s glam-rock star Gary Glitter (real name Paul Gadd) arrested by British police in child porn probe

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1998-01-12 13th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Eagles; Fleetwood Mac; The Mamas & the Papas; Lloyd Price; Santana; Gene Vincent; "Jelly Roll" Morton; and Allen Toussaint

  • 1998-10-31 American jam band Phish performs The Velvet Underground's "Rock and Roll" as a musical costume during a show at the Thomas & Mack Center at the University of Nevada in Paradise, Nevada
  • 1999-03-15 14th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Billy Joel; Curtis Mayfield; Paul McCartney; Del Shannon; Dusty Springfield; Bruce Springsteen; The Staple Singers; Charles Brown; Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys; and George Martin

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2000-03-06 15th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Eric Clapton; Earth, Wind, and Fire; Lovin' Spoonful; The Moonglows; Bonnie Raitt; James Taylor; Nat King Cole; Billie Holiday; Hal Blaine; "King" Curtis; James Jamerson; Scotty Moore; Earl Palmer; and Clive Davis

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2001-03-19 16th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Aerosmith; Solomon Burke; The Flamingos; Michael Jackson; Queen; Paul Simon; Steely Dan; Ritchie Valens; James Burton; Johnnie Johnson; and Chris Blackwell

  • 2002-03-18 17th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Isaac Hayes; Brenda Lee; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Gene Pitney; Ramones; Talking Heads; Chet Atkins; and Jim Stewart

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2003-03-10 18th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: AC/DC; The Clash; Elvis Costello and the Attractions; The Police; The Righteous Brothers; Benny Benjamin; Floyd Cramer; Steve Douglas; and Mo Ostin

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2004-03-15 19th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Jackson Browne; The Dells; George Harrison; Prince; Bob Seger; Traffic; ZZ Top; and Jann Wenner

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2005-03-14 20th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Buddy Guy; The O'Jays; The Pretenders; Percy Sledge; U2; Frank Barsalona; and Seymour Stein

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2006-03-13 21st Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Black Sabbath; Blondie; Miles Davis; Lynyrd Skynyrd; Sex Pistols; Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2007-03-12 22nd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five; R.E.M.; The Ronettes; Patti Smith; and Van Halen

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2008-03-10 23rd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Leonard Cohen; The Dave Clark Five; Madonna; John Mellencamp; The Ventures; Little Walter; Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2009-04-04 24th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Jeff Beck; Little Anthony and the Imperials; Metallica; Run-D.M.C.; Bobby Womack; Wanda Jackson; Bill Black; DJ Fontana; and Spooner Oldham

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2010-03-15 25th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: ABBA; Genesis; Jimmy Cliff; The Hollies; The Stooges; David Geffen; Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil; Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry; Jesse Stone; Mort Shuman; and Otis Blackwell

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2011-03-14 26th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Alice Cooper Band; Neil Diamond; Dr. John; Darlene Love; Tom Waits; Leon Russell; Jac Holzman; and Art Rupe

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2012-04-14 27th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Beastie Boys; Donovan; Guns N' Roses; Laura Nyro; The Red Hot Chili Peppers; The (Small) Faces; The Blue Caps; The Comets; The Crickets; The Famous Flames; The Midnighters; The Miracles; Freddie King; Don Kirshner; Tom Dowd; Glyn Johns; and Cosimo Matassa

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2013-04-18 28th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Heart; Albert King; Randy Newman; Public Enemy; Rush; Donna Summer; Quincy Jones; and Lou Adler

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2014-04-10 29th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Peter Gabriel; Hall & Oates; KISS; Nirvana; Linda Ronstadt; Cat Stevens; The E Street Band; Brian Epstein; and Andrew Loog Oldham

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2015-04-18 30th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Paul Butterfield Blues Band; Green Day; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; Lou Reed; Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble; Bill Withers; The "5" Royals; and Ringo Starr

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2016-04-08 31st Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Chicago, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Steve Miller, and N.W.A

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2017-04-07 32nd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Joan Baez; Electric Light Orchestra; Journey; Pearl Jam; 2Pac Shakur; Yes; and Nile Rodgers

  • 2017-12-09 Funeral for French rock star Johnny Hallyday draws hundreds of thousands onto Paris streets

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2018-04-14 33rd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Nina Simone; Sister Rosetta Tharpe; Bon Jovi; The Cars; Dire Straits; and Moody Blues

Bohemian Rhapsody

2018-10-23 Freddie Mercury bio film "Bohemian Rhapsody" directed by Bryan Singer, starring Rami Malek (Best Actor Academy Awards 2019) premieres in London

76th Golden Globes

2019-01-06 76th Golden Globes: "The Americans", "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Green Book", Glenn Close and Rami Malek among the winners

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2019-03-29 34th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Cure; Def Leppard; Janet Jackson; Stevie Nicks; Radiohead; Roxy Music; and The Zombies

35th Inductees

2020-11-07 35th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Depeche Mode; The Doobie Brothers; Whitney Houston; Nine Inch Nails; The Notorious B.I.G.; T-Rex; Jon Landau; and Irving Azoff

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2021-10-30 36th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Foo Fighters; The Go-Go's; Jay-Z; Carole King; Todd Rundgren; Tina Turner; Kraftwerk; Gil Scott-Heron; Charley Patton; LL Cool J; Billy Preston; Randy Rhodes; and Clarence Avant

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2022-03-14 Dolly Parton removes herself from the ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame saying "I don’t feel that I have earned that right” (she later reconsiders and gets in) [1]

  • 2022-11-05 37th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo; Duran Duran; Eminem; Eurythmics; Dolly Parton; Lionel Richie; Carly Simon; Judas Priest; Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis; Harry Belafonte; Elizabeth Cotten; Allen Grubman; Jimmy Iovine; and Sylvia Robinson [1]
  • 2023-09-16 Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner removed from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board of directors after disparaging remarks about female and Black musicians [1]

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

2023-11-03 38th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Kate Bush; Sheryl Crow; Missy Elliott; George Michael; Willie Nelson; Rage Against the Machine; The Spinners; DJ Kool Herc; Link Wray; Chaka Khan; Al Kooper; Bernie Taupin; and Don Cornelius


Birthdays in Music

Birthdays 1 - 100 of 206

  • 1918-12-24 Dave Bartholomew, American R&B, rock, and jazz musician, composer, producer, and songwriter ("I Hear You Knocking"; "Ain't That A Shame"; "Walkin' To New Orleans"), born in Edgard, Louisiana (d. 2019)
  • 1922-12-15 (Albert) "Alan" Freed, American disc jockey and concert promoter who popularized the term "rock-n-roll", and payola scandal figure, born in Windber, Pennsylvania (d. 1965)
  • 1924-10-25 Earl Palmer, American session drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (The Wrecking Crew), born in New Orleans (d. 2008)
  • 1925-02-09 Bobby Lewis, American rock and roll singer (Tossin' and Turnin'), born in Indianapolis, Indiana (d. 2020)

Bill Haley (1925-1981)

1925-07-06 American rock vocalist known as the father of Rock 'n' Roll ("Rock Around the Clock"), born in Highland Park, Michigan

  • 1926-10-14 Bill Justis, American rock and roll musician (Raunchy), born in Birmingham, Alabama (d. 1982)

Chuck Berry (1926-2017)

1926-10-18 American rock n' roll guitarist and singer-songwriter ("Roll Over Beethoven"; "Sweet Little Sixteen"), born in St Louis, Missouri

Fats Domino (1928-2017)

1928-02-26 American rhythm & blues piano player, singer, and star of the early rock ’n’ roll era ("Blueberry Hill"; "Blue Monday"; "Walkin' To New Orleans"), born in New Orleans, Louisiana

Bo Diddley (1928-2008)

1928-12-30 American rock `n' roll pioneer guitarist (Bo Diddley), born in McComb, Mississippi

  • 1929-02-04 Paul Burlison, American rockabilly musician (The Rock N Roll Trio), born in Brownsville, Tennessee (d. 2003)
  • 1931-01-08 Bill Graham [Wulf Grajonca], German-American impresario and rock concert promoter (Fillmore; Winterland Ballroom; Live-Aid), born in Berlin, Germany (d. 1991)
  • 1931-12-18 Allen Klein, American rock and roll business manager - ABKCO (Sam Cooke; Rolling Stones, Beatles), born in Newark, New Jersey (d. 2009)
  • 1932-01-29 Beverly Kenney American jazz singer ("I Hate Rock n' Roll"; "Born To Be Blue"), born in Harrison, New Jersey (d. 1960)
  • 1932-02-28 Rocky Dijon [Kwasi Dzidzornu] Ghanaian rock and R&B percussionist (The Rolling Stones, Taj Mahal, Stevie Wonder), born in British Gold Coast colony, Africa (d. 1993)

Little Richard (1932-2020)

1932-12-05 American singer-songwriter and rock 'n' roll pioneer (Tutti Frutti), born in Macon, Georgia

  • 1933-03-25 (Charles William) "Wee Willie" Harris, English singer known as "Britain's wild man of rock 'n' roll", born in Bermondsey, England (d. 2023)
  • 1934-05-05 John "Ace" Cannon, American pop, rock and country music saxophonist (Tuff Sax), born in Grenada, Mississippi (d. 2018)

Elvis Presley (1935-1977)

1935-01-08 American King of Rock and Roll ("Hound Dog"; "Love Me Tender"; "Heartbreak Hotel"; "Suspicious Minds"), and actor (Jailhouse Rock; King Creole), born in Tupelo, Mississippi

  • 1935-02-05 Alex Harvey, Scottish rock and blues singer (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band), born in Glasgow, Scotland (d. 1982)

Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022)

1935-09-29 American rock and country music singer-songwriter and pianist ("Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"; "Great Balls Of Fire"), born in Ferriday, Louisiana [1] [2]

  • 1936-01-24 Jack Scott, Canadian rock and roll singer-songwriter (My True Love), born in Windsor, Ontario (d. 2019)
  • 1936-03-04 Eric Allandale [Dubuisson], West Indian-British rock and soul trombonist, and songwriter (The Foundations - "Baby Now That I've Found You"), born in Dominica, West Indies (d. 2001)

Buddy Holly (1936-1959)

1936-09-07 American rock and roll musician and songwriter ("Peggy Sue"; "That'll Be the Day"; "Words Of Love"), born in Lubbock, Texas

  • 1936-10-24 Bill Wyman, English rock and jazz bassist (Rolling Stones, 1962-93 - "Under My Thumb"), born in Lewisham, London
  • 1936-10-26 Al Casey, American rock and session guitarist (Duane Eddy; The Wrecking Crew), born in Long Beach, California (d. 2006)
  • 1936-12-17 Tommy Steele [Thomas Hicks], English pop singer, 1st British Rock and Roll star, born in London
  • 1937-02-01 (Isaac) Don Everly, American rock and roll singer-guitarist (The Everly Brothers - "Bye, Bye Love"; "Wake Up Little Susie"; "When WIll I Be Loved"), born in Brownie, Kentucky (d. 2021)
  • 1937-02-25 Don Randi [Schwartz], American session and touring pop, rock, and jazz keyboard player (Nancy Sinatra), born in New York City
  • 1937-04-21 David Lucas, American rock and roll composer, music producer and singer, born in Buffalo, New York
  • 1938-03-05 Paul Evans, American rock and pop singer-songwriter ("Happy-Go-Lucky Me"; "Hello, This Is Joanie" ; "Roses Are Red (My Love)"), born in Queens, New York City

Phil Everly (1939-2014)

1939-01-19 American rock and roll singer-guitarist (The Everly Brothers - "Bye, Bye Love"; "Wake Up Little Susie"; "When WIll I Be Loved"), born in Chicago, Illinois

  • 1939-01-23 Ray Elliott, Irish rock and jazz saxophonist, flutist, and keyboard player (Them), born in Belfast, Northern Ireland (d. 1993)
  • 1939-02-23 Esteban "Steve" Jordan, American conjunto, Tejano, rock and jazz accordion player, born in Elsa, Texas (d. 2010)
  • 1939-04-12 Peter Giger, Swiss progressive rock and jazz percussionist and bandleader (Dzyan), born in Zurich, Switzerland
  • 1939-04-18 Glen Hardin, American rock n roll and country piano player, and arranger (The Crickets), born in Wellington, Texas
  • 1939-07-18 Brian Auger, British rock and jazz-fusion session and touring keyboardist and Hammond organ player (Befour; Genesis), born in Hammersmith, London, England
  • 1939-10-30 Eddie Holland, American singer ("Jamie"), lyricist, vocal arranger, and producer (Holland–Dozier–Holland - "Heat Wave"; "Where Did Our Love Go"; "You Keep Me Hanging On"), and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, born in Detroit, Michigan
  • 1939-11-10 Tommy "Bubba" Facenda, American rock and roll artist (High School U.S.A.), born in Portsmouth, Virginia
  • 1939-12-30 Felix Pappalardi, American rock music producer, songwriter, vocalist, and bassist (Mountain - "Mississippi Queen"), born in The Bronx, New York (d. 1983)
  • 1940-03-27 Janis Martin, American rockabilly and country singer ("Will You Willyum"; "Drugstore Rock 'n Roll"), born in Sutherlin, Virginia (d. 2007)
  • 1940-04-13 Lester Chambers, American rock and soul singer (The Chambers Brothers - "Time Has Come Today"), born in Mississippi

Ricky Nelson (1940-1985)

1940-05-08 American pop-rock star ("Hello Mary Lou"; "It's Late"; "Garden Party") and actor (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet), born in Teaneck, New Jersey

  • 1940-05-31 (August) "Augie" Meyers, American rock and Tex-Mex keyboardist, accordion player, singer-songwriter, producer (Sir Douglas Quintet; Texas Tornados), and record label owner, born in San Antonio, Texas
  • 1940-08-10 Michael “Tunes” Antunes, American rock and blues saxophonist (John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band), and actor (Eddie And The Cruisers), born in New Bedford, Massachusetts
  • 1940-10-10 Mouse [Stanley Miller] American artist, notable for psychedelic rock concert poster designs and album art (Grateful Dead; Journey), born in Fresno, California
  • 1940-12-31 Bobby Notkoff, American rock and blues violinist (Crazy Horse; The Rockets), born in New York City (d. 2018) [1]
  • 1941-01-12 "Long" John Baldry, English blues vocalist ("Don't Try to Lay No Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll"), born in East Haddon, United Kingdom (d. 2005)
  • 1941-02-04 Mike Deasy, American rock and jazz session guitarist (Beach Boys; Monkees; Randy Newman), born in Los Angeles, California
  • 1941-04-03 Jan Berry, American rock and roll vocalist (Jan and Dean - "Surf City"), born in Los Angeles, California (d. 2004)

Charlie Watts (1941-2021)

1941-06-02 British rock and jazz drummer (Rolling Stones), born in London, England

  • 1941-08-21 Tom Coster, American rock and jazz keyboard player (Santana), born in Detroit Michigan
  • 1941-10-13 Neil Aspinall, British rock and roll road manager (The Beatles), and music executive (Apple Records), born in Prestatyn, Wales (d. 2008)
  • 1941-10-21 Steve Cropper, American rock and soul guitarist (Booker T & MGs; The Blues Brothers), songwriter ("Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay"), and producer (Otis Redding), born in Willow Springs, Missouri
  • 1941-11-01 Johnny Kendall [Johan Donker Kaat], Dutch rock and blues singer (Johnny Kendall & the Heralds), born in The Netherlands

Doug Sahm (1941-1999)

1941-11-06 American roots-rock and Tex-Mex musician (Sir Douglas Quintet - "Mendocino"; Texas Tornadoes - "Adios Mexico"), born in San Antonio, Texas

  • 1941-11-24 Gary Boyle, British rock and jazz-fusion guitarist (The Echoes; Isotope), born in Patna, British India
  • 1941-11-26 Amos Garrett, American-Canadian session and touring blues, rock, and roots guitarist (Maria Muldaur; Anne Murray; Doug Sahm), born in Detroit, Michigan
  • 1942-02-20 Charlie Gillett, British pop-rock and world music radio presenter and writer (The Sound of the City), born in Morecambe, Lancashire, England (d. 2010)

Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)

1942-03-25 American singer known as "The Queen of Soul" ("Respect"; "Think"; "Chain of Fools"), pianist, songwriter, and first female performer inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987), born in Memphis, Tennessee

  • 1942-04-03 Herbie Greene, American photographer best known for his portraits for rock and roll luminaries (The Grateful Dead), born in Indio, California
  • 1942-04-18 Seymour Stein [Steinbigle], American music label executive (Sire Records- signed Madonna, Ramones, Talking Heads), and co-founder of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, born in Brooklyn, New York (d. 2023) [1]
  • 1942-06-26 Larry "The Mole" Taylor, American session (The Monkees) and touring rock and blues bass player (Canned Heat - "On the Road Again"; John Mayall; Tom Waits), born in Brooklyn, New York (d. 2019)
  • 1942-10-26 Colin Loughnan, Australian rock and jazz saxophonist, vocalist, arranger, composer, and teacher (,Sydney Conservatorium of Music), born in Sydney, Australia
  • 1942-12-28 Allan Schwartzberg, American pop, jazz, rock, and funk session and touring drummer (Mountain, James Brown, Gloria Gaynor, Peter Gabriel, Yoko Ono, Brecker Brothers), and bandleader (Geraldo Rivera's Goodnight America), born in New York City

Janis Joplin (1943-1970)

1943-01-19 American rock and blues singer-songwriter ("Piece of My Heart"; "Me and Bobby McGee"; "Mercedes Benz"), born in Port Arthur, Texas

  • 1943-01-20 Farhad [Mehrad], Iranian pop, rock and folk singer-songwriter ("Jomeh"), born in Tehran, Iran (d. 2002)
  • 1943-02-10 Ralph "Ral" Donner, American rock and roll singer ("You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)", born in Chicago, Illinois (d. 1984)
  • 1943-05-09 John Hugen Tobler, British rock music journalist and record company executive (ZigZag Magazine co-founder), born in England
  • 1943-08-01 Denny Cordell, British rock music and record producer (The Moody Blues; Leon Russell), born in Buenos Aires, Argentina (d. 1995)
  • 1943-12-17 Ron Geesin, Scottish musician and avant-garde, symphonic rock, and film score composer, born in Stevenston, Ayrshire, Scotland
  • 1943-12-27 Joan Manuel Serrat, Spanish pop, rock and nueva canción singer-songwriter, born in Barcelona, Spain
  • 1944-04-28 Martyn Ford, English horn player, orchestral arranger, and conductor for rock and pop music, born in Rugby, England

Gary Glitter (79 years old)

1944-05-08 British glam rocker (Rock and Roll, Parts 1 and 2), and convicted sex offender, born in Banbury, England

  • 1944-11-03 Bob Nave, American rock and blues Hammond B-3 organist (Lemon Pipers - "Green Tambourine"), jazz radio DJ, and philanthropist, born in Dayton, Ohio (d. 2020)
  • 1944-12-04 Chris Hillman, American bluegrass, folk-rock, and country bassist, mandolin player, guitarist and singer-songwriter (The Byrds; The Flying Burrito Brothers, Desert Rose Band) - Turn Turn Turn), born in Los Angeles, California
  • 1945-03-12 George Jackson, American rhythm & blues, rock, and southern soul songwriter ("One Bad Apple"; "Old Time Rock and Roll"), and singer, born in Indianola, Mississippi (d. 2013)
  • 1945-03-23 Franco Battiato, Italian pop, rock, and new wave singer, songwriter (“La Voce del Padrone” (“The Master’s Voice”), and filmmaker ("Lost Love"), born in Jonia, Sicily. Italy (d. 2021)
  • 1945-04-22 Martin Quittenton, British rock and blues guitarist (Steamhammer), and songwriter ("Maggie May; "You Wear It Well"), born in England (d. 2015)
  • 1945-05-06 Bob Seger, American singer and songwriter ("Old Time Rock and Roll"; "Hollywood Nights"; "Against The Wind"), born in Detroit, Michigan
  • 1945-07-29 Mike Garson, American session and touring rock and jazz pianist (David Bowie, 1972-2006; Mick Ronson; Smashing Pumpkins), born in New York City
  • 1946-03-24 Lee Oskar [Levitin], Danish rock and soul harmonica player (War - "Why Can't We Be Friends?"; "Low Rider"), born in Copenhagen, Denmark
  • 1946-04-24 Dick Rivers [Hervé Forneri], French rock and roll singer and actor, born in Nice, France (d. 2019)
  • 1946-04-27 Gordon Haskell, British pop, rock and blues musician (Fleur De Lys; King Crimson, 1970; Harry's Bar), born in Verwood, Dorset, England (d. 2020)
  • 1946-05-11 (Michel) "Plume" Latraverse, Canadian rock and blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born in Montreal, Quebec
  • 1946-05-25 Tim Hinkley, British rock and soul Hammond B3 organist and singer-songwriter (Jody Grind; Hinkley's Heroes), born in London, England
  • 1946-08-06 Allan Holdsworth, British progressive rock and jazz-fusion guitarist (Soft Machine), born in Bradford (d. 2017)
  • 1946-08-11 Michael Fonfara, Canadian rock and blues keyboard player (The Electric Flag; Lou Reed), born in Stevensville, Ontario

Billy Preston (1946-2006)

1946-09-02 American rock and soul pianist, organist, singer-songwriter ("Nothing From Nothing"; "You Are So Beautiful"; "Outa-Space"), 5th Beatle ("Get Back"), and touring musician (Little Richard, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton), born in Houston, Texas

Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)

1946-09-05 British singer-songwriter (Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"), born in Stone Town, Sultanate of Zanzibar

  • 1946-09-15 Ola Brunkert, Swedish pop, rock and jazz drummer (ABBA), born in Örebro, Sweden (d. 2008)
  • 1946-09-29 Ian Wallace, British session and touring rock and jazz drummer (King Crimson, 1971-72; Bob Dylan, 1977-78; Crimson Jazz Trio, 2005-07), born in Bury, Lancashire, England (d. 2007)
  • 1946-11-10 Roy Thomas Baker, English record producer (Queen; The Cars; Smashing Pumpkins), born in Hampstead, London
  • 1946-12-20 Doug Lubahn, American session psychedelic rock and jazz-fusion bassist (The Doors; Pierce Arrow; Billy Squier), born in the USA (d. 2019)
  • 1946-12-29 Marianne Faithfull, British folk-rock and jazz singer-songwriter ("As Tears Go By"; "Broken English"), and actress, born in Hampstead, England
  • 1947-01-27 Björn Afzelius, Swedish rock and progg singer-songwriter and guitarist (Hoola Bandoola Band), born in Huskvarna, Sweden (d. 1999)
  • 1947-02-24 Lonnie Turner, American rock and blues bassist (Steve Miller Band - "Fly Like An Eagle"), born in Berkeley, California (d. 2013)
  • 1947-04-08 Larry Norman, American musician and pioneer of Christian rock music ("Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?"), born in Corpus Christi, Texas (d. 2008)
  • 1947-04-19 Mark Volman, American rock and roll musician and songwriter (The Turtles - "Happy Together"), born in Los Angeles, California
  • 1947-06-22 Howard Kaylan {Kaplan], American rock and roll musician, songwriter (The Turtles - "Happy Together"; Flo and Eddie), and radio personality, born in New York City
  • 1947-07-01 Marc Benno, American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter ("Rock 'n' Roll Me Again"; Asylum Choir), born in Dallas, Texas

Weddings in Music

Bill Haley

1946-12-11 "Bill Haley & His Comets" rock 'n' roll musician Bill Haley (21) weds Dorothy Crowe; divorce in 1952

  • 1952-11-18 "Rock Around The Clock" rock 'n' roll pioneer Bill Haley (27) weds second wife Barbara Cupchak

Elvis Presley & Priscilla Presley

1967-05-01 King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley (32) weds American actress Priscilla Presley née Beaulieu (21) at Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada; divorce in 1973

Joe Cocker

1987-10-11 British rock and blues singer Joe Cocker (43) weds Pam Baker

Lisa Marie Presley

1988-10-03 American "Princess of Rock and Roll" Lisa Marie Presley (20) weds American actor and musician Danny Keough (23) at the Church of Scientology in Hollywood, California; divorce in 1994

Bruce Springsteen

1991-06-09 American rock star Bruce Springsteen (41) weds his backup singer-songwriter Patti Scialfa (34), at their Los Angeles home

David Bowie

1992-04-24 British rock star David Bowie (45) weds Somali supermodel Iman (37) in civil ceremony at city hall in Lausanne, Switzerland

  • 1992-06-06 British rock star David Bowie (45) weds Somali supermodel Iman (37), this time in a formal ceremony at St. James Episcopal Church in Florence, Italy

Michael Jackson & Lisa Marie Presley

1994-05-26 American King of Pop, Michael Jackson (35) weds King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley (26) in La Romana, Dominican Republic; divorce in 1996

  • 1996-05-27 "Crosby, Stills & Nash" Rock and Roll Hall of Famer guitarist Stephen Stills (51) weds recording-studio manager Kristen Hathaway (30) at the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach, Florida
  • 2002-06-08 American teen rock star Taylor Hanson (19) weds Natalie Bryant (18) at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia
  • 2002-08-10 American Academy Award-winning actor Nicolas Cage (38) weds "Princess of Rock and Roll" Lisa Marie Presley (34) at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii; divorce in 2004
  • 2006-01-22 Princess of Rock and Roll Lisa Marie Presley (37) weds American guitarist and producer Michael Lockwood (44) at Kyoto, Japan; divorce in 2021

Jerry Lee Lewis

2012-03-09 Rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis (76) weds his cousin's ex-wife, Judith Brown (62) in Natchez, Mississippi


Divorces in Music

Bruce Springsteen

1988-08-30 American actress Julianne Philips files for divorce from American rock star Bruce Springsteen

Lisa Marie Presley

1994-04-28 "Princess of Rock and Roll" Lisa Marie Presley separates from musician Danny Keough

Nicolas Cage & Lisa Marie Presley

2002-11-25 Academy Award-winning actor Nicolas Cage (38) files for divorce from the "Princess of Rock and Roll" Lisa Marie Presley (34) due to irreconcilable differences after 3 months of marriage

Richie Sambora

2007-04-11 "Dynasty" actress Heather Locklear (45) divorces American rock star Richie Sambora (47) due to irreconcilable differences after 11 years of marriage


Deaths in Music

Buddy Holly (1936-1959)

1959-02-03 American rock and roll musician and songwriter ("Peggy Sue"; "That'll Be the Day"; "Words Of Love"), dies in a plane crash at 22 [1]

  • 1960-04-13 Beverly Kenney American jazz singer ("I Hate Rock n' Roll"; "Born To Be Blue"), takes her on life at 28
  • 1965-01-20 (Albert) "Alan" Freed, American disc jockey and concert promoter who popularized the term "rock-n-roll", and payola scandal figure, dies of from uremia and cirrhosis at 43

Janis Joplin (1943-1970)

1970-10-04 American rock and blues singer-songwriter ("Piece of My Heart"; "Me and Bobby McGee"; "Mercedes Benz"), dies of a heroin overdose at 27

  • 1970-10-28 Baby Huey [James Ramey], American rock and soul singer (Baby Huey & Babysitters), dies of a drug-related heart attack at 26

Elvis Presley (1935-1977)

1977-08-16 American King of Rock and Roll ("Hound Dog"; "Love Me Tender"; "Heartbreak Hotel"; "Suspicious Minds"), and actor (Jailhouse Rock; King Creole), dies at Graceland at 42, with the official cause of death being cardiac arrhythmia

  • 1979-04-23 Doug Rauch, American rock and jazz-fusion bassist (Santana, 1972-74), dies of a heroin overdose at 28
  • 1979-08-19 Dorsey Burnette, American rockabilly singer (The Rock and Roll Trio), and songwriter ("It's Late"), dies of a heart attack at 46
  • 1979-11-17 John Glascock, British bass guitarist and singer (Carmen, 1972-75; Jethro Tull, 1976-79 - "Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll, Too Young To Die"), dies of congenital heart valve defect at 28

Bill Haley (1925-1981)

1981-02-09 American rock vocalist known as the father of Rock 'n' Roll (Rock Around the Clock), dies of a heart attack probably caused by alcoholism at 55

  • 1982-02-04 Alex Harvey, Scottish rock and blues singer (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band), dies of a heart attack at 46
  • 1983-04-17 Felix Pappalardi, American rock music producer, songwriter, vocalist, and bassist (Mountain - "Mississippi Queen"), shot and killed by his wife, Gail, at 43

Ricky Nelson (1940-1985)

1985-12-31 American pop-rock star ("Hello Mary Lou"; "It's Late"; "Garden Party") and actor (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet), dies in a plane crash at 45

  • 1991-08-27 Vince Taylor [Brian Holden], British rock and roll singer (Brand New Cadillac), dies of lung cancer at 52
  • 1991-10-25 Bill Graham, [Wulf Grajonca], German-American impresario and rock concert promoter (Fillmore; Winterland Ballroom; Live-Aid), dies in a helicopter crash in California at 60

Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)

1991-11-24 British singer-songwriter (Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"), dies of AIDS at 45

  • 1993-03-13 Rocky Dijon [Kwasi Dzidzornu] Ghanaian rock and R&B percussionist (The Rolling Stones, Taj Mahal, Stevie Wonder), dies at 61
  • 1993-07-01 Ray Elliott, Irish rock and jazz saxophonist, flutist, and keyboard player (Them), dies of brain cancer at 54
  • 1993-08-17 Phil Seymour, American rock and power pop musician, singer, and songwriter (The Dwight Twilley Band), dies of lymphoma at 41
  • 1995-02-18 Dennis "Denny" Cordell, British rock music and record producer (The Moody Blues, Leon Russell), dies of lymphoma at 51

Jerry Garcia (1942-1995)

1995-08-09 American rock and bluegrass guitarist, singer-songwriter (Grateful Dead - "Uncle John's Band"; "Ripple"; "Brokedown Palace"), and painter, dies of a heart attack at 53

Carl Perkins (1932-1998)

1998-01-19 American rock and rockabilly singer-songwriter ("Blue Suede Shoes"; "Honey Don't"), dies from stroke complications at 65 [1]

  • 1999-02-16 Björn Afzelius, Swedish rock and progg singer-songwriter and guitarist (Hoola Bandoola Band), dies of cancer at 52

Doug Sahm (1941-1999)

1999-11-18 American roots-rock and Tex-Mex musician (Sir Douglas Quintet - "Mendocino"; Texas Tornadoes - "Adios Mexico"), dies of a heart attack at 58

  • 2001-08-23 Eric Allandale [Dubuisson], West Indian-British rock and soul trombonist, and songwriter (The Foundations - "Baby Now That I've Found You"), dies at 65
  • 2002-03-26 (Randolpho) Randy Castillo, American rock and mariachi drummer (Ozzy Osbourne; Mötley Crüe; Azul), dies of cancer at 51
  • 2003-09-27 Paul Burlison, American rockabilly musician (The Rock N Roll Trio), dies at 74
  • 2004-12-27 (Walter) "Hank" Garland, American Nashville-based country, rock and jazz session guitar virtuoso ("Sugarfoot Rag"; "(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame"; "Jingle Bell Rock"), dies of complications from a staph infection at 74
  • 2005-03-10 Mindy Jostyn, American session and touring vocalist, violinist, guitarist, accordionist, and harmonica player (New York Rock and Soul Revue; Billy Joel; Andreas Vollenweider; Carly Simon; Cyndi Lauper), and singer-songwriter ("Five Miles From Hope"; "Coming Home"), dies of cancer at 48
  • 2005-03-22 Rod Price, British rock and blues guitar and slide guitar player (Foghat, 1971-80 - "Slow Ride"), dies of a heart attack at 57
  • 2006-02-24 Irakli Charkviani, Georgian alt-rock and electronic musician, poet and prose writer, dies of heart failure at 44

Billy Preston (1946-2006)

2006-06-06 American rock and soul pianist, organist, singer-songwriter ("Nothing From Nothing"; "You Are So Beautiful"; "Outa-Space"), 5th Beatle ("Get Back"), and touring musician (Little Richard, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton) dies following long-term health issues at 59

  • 2006-09-17 Alvin Wayne "Al" Casey, American rock and session guitarist (Duane Eddy: The Wrecking Crew), dies at 69
  • 2007-02-22 Ian Wallace, British session and touring rock and jazz drummer (King Crimson, 1971-72; Bob Dylan, 1977-78; Crimson Jazz Trio, 2005-07), dies of esophageal cancer at 60
  • 2007-03-04 Tadeusz Nalepa, Polish rock and blues composer, guitar player, vocalist and lyricist, dies at 63
  • 2007-09-03 Janis Martin, American rockabilly and country singer ("Will You Willyum"; "Drugstore Rock 'n Roll"), dies of cancer at 67
  • 2008-02-24 Larry Norman, American musician and pioneer of Christian rock music ("Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?"), dies at 60
  • 2008-03-16 Ola Brunkert, Swedish pop, rock and jazz drummer (ABBA), dies from injuries after a fall at 61

Bo Diddley (1928-2008)

2008-06-02 American rock `n' roll pioneer guitarist (Bo Diddley), dies of heart failure at 79

  • 2008-09-19 Earl Palmer, American session drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (The Wrecking Crew), dies at 83
  • 2008-11-27 Pekka Pohjola, Finnish rock and jazz-fusion bassist, and composer, dies of a seizure at 56
  • 2010-03-17 Charlie Gillett, British pop-rock and world music radio presenter and writer (The Sound of the City), dies at 68
  • 2010-08-13 Esteban "Steve" Jordan, American conjunto, Tejano, rock and jazz accordion player, dies of liver cancer at 71
  • 2011-07-09 Facundo Cabral, Argentine folk, rock, and protest singer-songwriter, shot and killed riding in a car with a concert promoter at 74
  • 2013-04-14 George Jackson, American rhythm & blues, rock, and southern soul songwriter (One Bad Apple; Old Time Rock and Roll), and singer, dies of cancer at 68
  • 2013-04-28 Lonnie Turner, American rock and blues bassist (Steve Miller Band - "Fly Like An Eagle"), dies of lung cancer at 66
  • 2013-07-25 Mike Shipley, Australian audio engineer, and record producer of rock and country music (Paper Airplane), dies of an apparent suicide at 56
  • 2013-11-05 Lee Crystal [Sackett], American drummer (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - "I Love Rock'n'Roll"), dies at 57

Phil Everly (1939-2014)

2014-01-03 American rock and roll singer-guitarist (The Everly Brothers - "Bye, Bye Love"; "Wake Up Little Susie"; "When WIll I Be Loved"), dies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at 74

  • 2015-04-16 Martin Quittenton, British rock and blues guitarist (Steamhammer), and songwriter ("Maggie May; "You Wear It Well"), dies at 69

Glenn Frey (1948-2016)

2016-01-18 American Grammy Award-winning guitarist, singer-songwriter (The Eagles - "Take it Easy"; "Heartache Tonight";"Tequila Sunrise"; solo - "Smuggler's Blues"; "The Heat Is On"), and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame member, dies from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia at 67

  • 2016-04-06 Dennis Davis, American jazz, rock and funk drummer (Roy Ayers; David Bowie, 1975-80; Stevie Wonder), dies of cancer at 66

Chuck Berry (1926-2017)

2017-03-18 American rock n' roll guitarist and singer-songwriter ("Roll Over Beethoven"; "Sweet Little Sixteen"), dies at 90

Fats Domino (1928-2017)

2017-10-24 American rhythm & blues piano player, singer, and star of the early rock ’n’ roll era ("Blueberry Hill"; "Blue Monday"; "Walkin' To New Orleans", dies from natural causes at 89

  • 2018-06-13 (Dominic Joseph) "D. J." Fontana, American rock and roll drummer (Elvis Presley), dies at 87

Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)

2018-08-16 American singer known as "The Queen of Soul" ("Respect"; "Think"; "Chain of Fools"), pianist, songwriter, and first female performer inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987), dies of pancreatic cancer at 76

  • 2018-10-05 Bobby Notkoff, American rock and blues violinist (Crazy Horse; The Rockets), dies at 80
  • 2018-12-06 John "Ace" Cannon, American pop, rock and country music saxophonist (Tuff Sax), dies at 84
  • 2019-02-21 Peter Tork [Thorkelson], American rock and folk musician and actor (The Monkees), dies from complications of adenoid cystic carcinoma at 77
  • 2019-04-24 Dick Rivers [Hervé Forneri], French rock and roll singer and actor, dies from cancer on his 74th birthday
  • 2019-06-23 Dave Bartholomew, American R&B, rock, and jazz musician, composer, producer, and songwriter ("I Hear You Knocking"; "Ain't That A Shame"; "Walkin' To New Orleans"), dies at 100
  • 2019-08-19 Larry "The Mole" Taylor, American session (The Monkees) and touring rock and blues bass player (Canned Heat - "On the Road Again"; John Mayall; Tom Waits), dies of cancer at 77
  • 2019-11-20 Doug Lubahn, American session psychedelic rock and jazz-fusion bassist (The Doors; Pierce Arrow; Billy Squier), dies at 71
  • 2019-12-12 Jack Scott, Canadian rock and roll singer-songwriter ("My True Love"), dies of congestive heart failure at 83
  • 2020-01-28 Bob Nave, American rock and blues Hammond B-3 organist (Lemon Pipers - "Green Tambourine"), jazz radio DJ, and philanthropist, dies at 75
  • 2020-03-29 Alan Merrill [Allan Sachs], American vocalist and songwriter (The Arrows -"I Love Rock 'n' Roll"), dies from COVID-19 complications at 69
  • 2020-04-28 Bobby Lewis, American rock and roll singer ("Tossin' and Turnin'"), dies at 95

Little Richard (1932-2020)

2020-05-09 American singer-songwriter and rock 'n' roll pioneer (Tutti Frutti), dies at 87

  • 2020-07-27 Denise Johnson, British rock and soul singer (Primal Scream - "Don’t Fight It, Feel It"), and songwriter ("Where Does It Go"), dies at 56
  • 2020-10-15 Gordon Haskell, British pop, rock and blues musician (Fleur De Lys; King Crimson, 1970; Harry's Bar), dies of cancer at 74
  • 2021-05-18 Franco Battiato, Italian pop, rock, and new wave singer, songwriter (“La Voce del Padrone” (“The Master’s Voice”), and filmmaker ("Lost Love"), dies at 76
  • 2021-08-21 (Isaac) Don Everly, American rock and roll singer-guitarist (The Everly Brothers - "Bye, Bye Love"; "Wake Up Little Susie"; "When WIll I Be Loved"), dies at 84

Charlie Watts (1941-2021)

2021-08-24 British rock and jazz drummer (Rolling Stones), dies at 80

Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022)

2022-10-28 American rock and country music singer-songwriter and pianist ("Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"; "Great Balls Of Fire"), dies at 87 [1] [2]

  • 2023-03-04 Michael Rhodes, American country, rock, and jazz session and touring bass player, dies at 69
  • 2023-04-02 Seymour Stein [Steinbigle], American music label executive (Sire Records- signed Madonna, Ramones, Talking Heads), and co-founder of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, dies of cancer at 80 [1]
  • 2023-04-27 (Charles William) "Wee Willie" Harris, English singer known as "Britain's wild man of rock 'n' roll", dies at 90 [1]
  • 2023-08-24 Bernie Marsden, English rock and blues guitarist and songwriter (Whitesnake - "Fool for Your Loving"; "Here I Go Again"), dies at 72