Frank Zappa was one of the most innovative and versatile rock musicians of his generation, creating a vast body of work that encompassed almost every genre of music -- but he wouldn't have wanted to hear it. The mercurial genius actively resisted those kinds of labels and effusive public praise, focusing instead on the work itself in a career that spanned more than three decades. He died on Dec. 4, 1993 at the age of 52 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Gram Parsons was one of the most influential musicians of his generation -- though the true extent of his influence would not be felt until after his death.
Creedence Clearwater Revival were one of the most important and influential rock groups of their generation, despite the fact that their recording career together lasted a scant four years. Their breakup was announced on Oct. 16, 1972 -- 41 years ago today.
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham is generally regarded as one of the most important and influential rock drummers of his generation, if not all time. The legendary musician died on Sept. 25, 1980, and today -- Oct. 10 -- marks the 33rd anniversary of his funeral service.
48 years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play . . .
Actually, that's not true, but it was 48 years ago -- on Sept. 25, 1965 -- that ABC first broadcast 'The Beatles,' a 30-minute Saturday morning cartoon that became an instant ratings smash for the network. Several years before they all lived in a yellow submarine (or so the song claimed), the legendary British rockers were first immortalized in animated glory, lending their music -- but not their actual speaking voices -- to the show.
Metal pioneers Black Sabbath were reaching beyond their heavy musical roots by the time they recorded their fourth album in 1972, coming up with an amalgam of classic heavy riffing, a growing sense of melody, and even some touches of progressive rock. The album endures as a classic today - even though it was almost derailed by the band's growing substance abuse.
Kiss are getting to be the elder statesmen of shock rock, currently celebrating 40 years since their formation and still going strong. In a new interview Gene Simmons says he's not ready to hang up his face paint and dragon boots just yet, revealing that he thinks the band could possibly last another decade.
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