Today’s history marks the birth of one of rock’s most iconic bassists, the release of a defining 90s Britpop masterpiece, and the tragic passing of an American rock and roll heartland hero.

Notable Births

• 1945: Don McLean, the American singer-songwriter best known for his defining 1971 folk-rock epic “American Pie,” was born in New Rochelle, New York.
• 1951: Sting (Gordon Sumner), the legendary bassist, principal songwriter, and frontman of The Police, who later forged a massive solo career, was born in Wallsend, England.
• 1955: Philip Oakey, the lead vocalist, songwriter, and co-founder of the pioneering English synth-pop band The Human League, was born in Hinckley, England.
• 1971: James Root, the towering rhythm and lead guitarist for the heavy metal heavyweights Slipknot and Stone Sour, was born in Las Vegas, Nevada.

🎵 Major Events & Releases

• 1971: Rod Stewart kicked off a massive five-week run at No. 1 on the US singles chart with his signature double-A side release, “Maggie May” / “Reason To Believe.”
• 1977: The bodies of Elvis Presley and his mother, Gladys, were relocated to the Meditation Garden at Graceland after police foiled a bizarre plot to steal the King’s remains from their original mausoleum in Forest Hill Cemetery.
• 1982: Peter Gabriel briefly reunited with Genesis for a one-off concert at the Milton Keynes Bowl in England. The show was specifically organized to rescue Gabriel from heavy debt incurred by his ambitious WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival.
• 1995: Oasis released their mammoth second studio album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? in the UK. Propelled by anthems like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” it became a defining cornerstone of the 90s Britpop movement.
• 2017: Tom Petty, the beloved, fiercely authentic American rock icon who fronted The Heartbreakers and co-founded the Traveling Wilburys, tragically passed away at the age of 66.

Bio-Musik Feature: Austin’s Live Music Pioneers

Continuing the focus on the venues that sustain the Texas music ecosystem, today we head to the heart of the 6th Street entertainment district to spotlight the city’s premier “Good Vibes Club.”

• Flamingo Cantina: Located at 515 E 6th Street, the Flamingo Cantina has been an irreplaceable oasis of rhythm since it opened its doors in 1991. While the rest of 6th Street has drastically transformed around it, this intimate, fiercely independent club remains Austin’s undisputed headquarters for reggae, ska, Afrobeat, and world music. Known for its open-air rooftop bleachers, red brick walls, and incredibly welcoming atmosphere, the venue draws a wildly diverse, dance-heavy crowd. It is a vital, groove-oriented hub on the MusicWayATX calendar, offering the absolute best stage in town to catch global rhythms and Latin alternative Sonidos Frescos.