Category Archives: Rock

Today’s Music: Kris Kristofferson, Don Henley, Todd Rundgren

Singer, songwriter and sometime actor Kris Kristofferson was born today in 1936. Here are two of his most famous compositions: Don Henley, drummer, co-songwriter and vocalist for The Eagles, greeted the world in 1947. Here’s a different version of the … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Ray Davies, O.C. Smith

Founder of The Kinks, singer and songwriter Ray Davies was born today in 1944. For anyone who cares to chart the history of power-chord, heavy metal rock music, it really started with the two Kinks tunes below. When they first … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Chet Atkins, Brian Wilson

Guitar genius Chet Atkins was born today in 1924 (d. 2001). Here he is playing “Mr. Sandman” back in 1954: ‘Mr. Guitar’ has “Dizzy Fingers” in 1975: And Chet live with Mark Knopfler in 1987: Another genius, former-Beach Boy Brian … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Vince Gill, James Burton, Ricky Skaggs, Albert Lee, “Mystery Train” Live

Playing at Martyr’s in Chicago.

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Today’s Music: Sir Paul Turns 70

Former Beatle Paul McCartney was born today in 1942. Here are a few videos from his long musical career.

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Today’s Music: Blues Fathers and Sons Live (1969)

Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn and Sam Lay teamed up in 1969 to record the Chess album “Fathers and Sons.” Here’s a sample of the result:

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Today’s Music: Various Artists

No birthdays today, just some great guitar playing. First up, here’s Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke and Doc Watson jamming on “Last Steam Engine Train” And the incredible Tommy Emmanuel, raving it up on “Guitar Boogie” with an acoustic:

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Today’s Music: Erroll Garner, Waylon Jennings, Harry Nilsson

Jazz keyboardist Erroll Garner was born today in 1921 (d. 1977). Here he plays his most famous composition “Misty”: Former Buddy Holly bass player, Nashville Cat, country-rock icon and, with Willie Nelson, one of the original ‘Outlaws,’ Waylon Jennings greeted … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Rod Argent, Barry Melton

British rock keyboardist Rod Argent was born this day in 1945. As well as forming the pop group The Zombies in the early ’60s, he also founded Argent which had a hit with “Hold Your Head Up” in 1972. First … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Doc Cheatham and Bobby Freeman

Jazz trumpet master Doc Cheatham was born today in 1905 (d. 1997). Some say, and he agreed, that he did his best work after the age of 70. Rock singer Bobby Freeman was also born today in 1940. He’s best … Continue reading

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