Rock and Pop

5 April

April 5th: Kurt Cobain

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America 20th Century, April, Kurt Cobain, Rock and Pop, Smells Like Teen Spirit

Kurt Cobain February 20, 1967 – c. April 5, 1994

Smells Like Teen Spirit Vitamin String Quartet Performs Nirvana

Kurt Cobain
By P.B. Rage from USA – More Kurt — too rad, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1314918

Kurt Cobain was an American musician, born on 20 February 1967 in Aberdeen, Washington. He is best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Nirvana. From a young age, Cobain showed a passion for music and was influenced by punk rock. In 1987, he formed Nirvana with bassist Krist Novoselic and later welcomed drummer Dave Grohl. The band became famous with their second album, Nevermind, in 1991, which included the iconic song Smells Like Teen Spirit, helping to define the grunge movement of the 1990s.

Cobain’s music was known for its deep emotions and powerful lyrics, often dealing with issues like alienation and mental health. Unfortunately, he faced many challenges in life, including struggles with fame and addiction. Cobain passed away on 5 April 1994, marking the end of Nirvana. His legacy continues, influencing many artists and representing the feelings of a generation.

25 February

February 25th: George Harrison

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 20th Century, February, George Harrison, I Remember Jeep, Rock and Pop

George Harrison 25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001

I Remember Jeep

George Harrison
By David Hume Kennerly – Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum – A2428-14A as displayed at Media Photo Kit – The White House Years Page 1 of 3 (Photos 1-17 of 45), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106403979

George Harrison was an English musician best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often called “the quiet Beatle”, he made a huge impact on popular music through his distinctive guitar style, thoughtful songwriting, and deep interest in Indian music and spirituality. Although John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote most Beatles songs, Harrison became an increasingly important songwriter from the mid-1960s onwards. His Beatles compositions include Taxman, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, and Here Comes the Sun, now regarded as classics. He helped introduce the sitar and Indian musical ideas to Western pop music, especially through songs such as Norwegian Wood and Within You Without You. After the Beatles split in 1970, Harrison enjoyed major solo success with the triple album All Things Must Pass, which included the hit My Sweet Lord. He also organised the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh, one of the first large-scale charity rock concerts. Harrison was deeply spiritual, a committed Hindu, and a lifelong vegetarian.

22 January

January 22nd: Irwin Levine

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America 20th Century, Irwin Levine, January, Rock and Pop, Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree

Irwin Levine 23 March 1938 – 21 January 1997

Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree

Source: https://www.circustown.net/new/book/20171201levine1/picture.jpg

Irwin Jesse Levine was an American songwriter known for his collaboration with L. Russell Brown on the famous song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.” This song became a worldwide sensation, reaching number one on the charts in both the US and UK for four weeks in April 1973. It also topped the Australian charts for seven weeks from May to July 1973. In 1973, it was the best-selling single in both the US and UK. Billboard later recognised it as the 37th biggest song of all time in 2008.

Levine wrote or co-wrote many other notable songs, including “This Diamond Ring” and “Knock Three Times.” His contributions significantly impacted popular music during the 1970s. Levine passed away at the age of 58 in January 1997 in Livingston, New Jersey, due to heart or kidney failure. His work continues to resonate, showcasing the importance of songwriters in shaping music and culture throughout history.

10 January

January 10th: David Bowie

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, England, Europe 20th Century, Contemporary, David Bowie, January, Life On Mars?, Rock and Pop

David Bowie 8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016

Life On Mars?

David Bowie
By Adam Bielawski – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20555062

David Bowie (1947–2016) was a famous British singer, songwriter, actor and artist. He was born in London and loved music from a young age. As a teenager, he learned to play the saxophone and began performing in bands. After several early attempts, he became famous in 1969 with his space-themed song “Space Oddity.”

In the 1970s, Bowie created bold stage characters, including Ziggy Stardust, a colourful rock star from space. He was known for changing his look and style often, which earned him the nickname “the chameleon of rock.” Some of his most famous songs include “Changes,” “Heroes,” “Life on Mars?” and “Let’s Dance.”

Bowie was also an actor and appeared in films such as Labyrinth and The Man Who Fell to Earth. He continued making music for more than 50 years and inspired millions with his creativity.

Bowie died in 2016, just two days after releasing his final album, Blackstar.