These three musicians shaped rock music and they’re all celebrating their birthdays today!
John Coltrane (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967 at age 40... could have been 90 today)
Saxophonist John Coltrane was among the most important, and most controversial, figures in jazz. Despite a relatively brief career (he first came to notice as a sideman at age 29 in 1955, formally launched a solo career at 33 in 1960, and was dead at 40 in 1967), his significance in the history of chance is undoubted. Coltrane helped pioneer the jazz genre in the 50s and 60s while just being a sideman to many other famous jazz musicians. As his career progressed, Coltrane and his music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension. Coltrane influenced innumerable musicians, and remains one of the most significant musicians in music history.
Ray Charles (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004 at age 73... could have been 86 today)
Ray Charles was the musician most responsible for developing soul music. He did a great deal to pioneer the form by devising a new form of black pop by merging '50s R&B with gospel-powered vocals, adding plenty of flavor from contemporary jazz, blues, and (in the '60s) country. Then there was his singing; his style was among the most emotional and easily identifiable of any 20th century performer, up there with the likes of Elvis and Bob Dylan. He was also a superb keyboard player, arranger, and bandleader. The brilliance of his 1950s and '60s work will always shine.
Bruce Springsteen (September 23, 1949 – not for a long time.. alive and kicking at the age of 67!)
Springteen is best known for his work with his E Street Band. Nicknamed "The Boss", Springsteen is widely known for his brand of poetic lyrics, Americana, working class and sometimes political sentiments centered on his native New Jersey, his distinctive voice and his lengthy and energetic stage performances, with concerts from the 1970s to the present decade running over four hours in length – maintaining his status as a bankable performing star, consistently selling millions of albums and selling out arenas and stadiums around the world year after year.
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