James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix.

On November 27, future rock superstar Jimi Hendrix was born
in Seattle, Washington. In his short career, he would establish
himself as one of the most innovative guitarists in rock ‘n’ roll.

Hendrix grew up playing guitar, inspired by blues greats like
Muddy Waters as well as early rockers. He joined the army in
1959 and became a paratrooper, but was honorably discharged
in 1961 after an injury that exempted him from duty in Vietnam.

Neil Percival Young is 79 years old today.

Upon moving to Los Angeles from Winnipeg,Canada in the 1960s,
Young joined the folk-rock group Buffalo Springfield. He was also
a part-time member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Phil Lesh, one of the founding members and bassist for the
band Grateful Dead, has died. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked
him as the 11th greatest bass player.

His death was confirmed on his official Instagram page, which
said he "passed peacefully this morning. He was surrounded
by his family and full of love." He was 84 years old. 

February 2, 1959

The stage at the Surf Balllroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, shown
in 1992, hadn’t changed much since the February 1959
night Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big
Bopper" Richardson Jr. played there.

"American Pie" singer Don McLean — who is still performing
and touring — was born on this day in history, Oct. 2, 1945,
in New Rochelle, New York.

He is forever associated with his iconic hit "American Pie" —
named one of the Top 5 Songs of the 20th Century in a poll
by the Recording Industry Association of America and the
National Endowment for the Arts.