Notable Births 1945: Van Morrison, the legendary Irish singer and songwriter, was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 1945: Acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. 1948: Scorpions guitarist and founder Rudolf Schenker was born in Hildesheim, Germany. 1970: Debbie Gibson, the singer, songwriter, and youngest artist to ever write, produce, and perform…
Today’s history highlights the birth of the King of Pop, a monumental farewell for the Fab Four, and a massive debut for a defining Britpop band. Notable Births 1920: Influential jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker was born in Kansas City, Kansas. 1924: Blues and jazz singer Dinah Washington was born. 1942: Sterling Morrison, guitarist and founding…
Today’s history brings us a massive release from the Fab Four, the climax of a legendary 90s rock rivalry, and the birthday of a Mexican music superstar. Notable Births 1966: Shirley Manson, the fierce Scottish lead singer of the alternative rock band Garbage, was born in Edinburgh. 1969: Adrian Young, the drummer for the highly…
The Blues Powerhouse That Electrified Austin While many architects built Austin’s “Live Music Capital” title brick by cosmic brick, Stevie Ray Vaughan electrified the entire structure. His fierce, virtuoso guitar playing and soulful blues-rock sound captured the world’s attention and firmly established Austin as a global epicenter for legitimate, raw live music performance. Origin Story:…
Today’s history highlights massive classic rock and metal birthdays, the US debut of a piano-pop legend, and the release of an album that redefined modern R&B. Notable Births 1918: Iconic American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. 1949: Gene Simmons, the fire-breathing, blood-spitting bassist and co-founder of the legendary rock band…
Today’s history highlights a monumental milestone for a Motown prodigy, the birth of an electronic music pioneer, and the beginning of a rock masterpiece. Notable Births 1905: Blues musician Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, a major influence on early rock and roll, was born in Forest, Mississippi. 1938: David Freiberg, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist for Quicksilver Messenger…
Vol. 43 | Week of Friday, August 21, 2026 Your weekly guide to the Live Music Capital of the World. Austin Music News & Notes What’s buzzing in the ATX music scene this week: Neon Rodeo Takes Over ACL Live: Tonight, ACL Live is hosting the ultimate cosmic country and queer rodeo party. If you’ve…
Today’s history brings us the birth of a punk rock icon, massive sales milestones for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and a Broadway debut for a legendary vocalist. Notable Births 1893: Composer Marie-Juliette Olga Lili Boulanger was born. 1904: William “Count” Basie, the legendary American band leader and jazz composer, was born. 1938: Kenny…
The Tex-Mex Rock ‘n’ Roll Architects While many associate Austin’s musical rise solely with the cosmic cowboy movement, The Sir Douglas Quintet, led by the incomparable Doug Sahm, was a primal force in creating the sonic blueprint that built the Live Music Capital of the World. Their unique amalgamation of Tex-Mex, R&B, blues, country, and…
Today’s history highlights a monumental jazz release, legendary festival closings, and a well-deserved star for a Latin rock icon. Notable Births 1686: Italian baroque composer Nicola Antonio Porpora was born. 1953: Kevin Rowland, frontman and co-founder of the pop rock band Dexys Midnight Runners, was born in Wednesfield, England. 1958: Belinda Carlisle, the co-founder and…
Today’s history highlights groundbreaking country music milestones, major stage debuts for iconic rock bands, and the birth of a clarinet pioneer. Notable Births 1655 : Johann Christoph Denner, inventor of the clarinet, was born. 1879 : Composer John Ireland was born. 1930 : Don Ho, Hawaii’s best-known musician and singer (“Tiny Bubbles”), was born. 1948…
