Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay formed Buffalo Springfield in Los Angeles, today, 53 years ago. The band is known for combining folk, country and rock into their own unique sound. Being among the first wave of US bands to reach fame in the wake of the British invasion, their hit song, ‘For What It’s Worth’ became a 1960’s political anthem. The group released three albums after signing to Atlantic Records and released their first single ‘Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing’. ‘Buffalo Springfield Again’, their second album marked their progression to hard rock and psychedelia. The group broke up in 1968 after various drug-related arrests and line-up changes. Stephen Stills later formed Crosby, Stills and Nash along with David Crosby. Young, after launching his solo career, joined Stills in 1969. Furay joined Jim Messina to form Poco, a country rock band. Buffalo Springfield was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Honouring Leonard Cohan, 2 Years After His Death
Canadian singer, songwriter and poet, Leonard Cohan died 2 years ago today. Cohen, also known as a novelist, past away of Leukaemia at the age of 82 at his home in Los Angeles. The artist initially pursued a career as a novelist and poet during the 50’s and 60’s and it was only in 1967, at the age of 33 when his career in music commenced. During his lifetime, Cohen was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Known as the nation’s highest civilian honour, the artist was also invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada. 7 years ago, he received a Prince of Asturias Awards for literature and the ninth Glenn Golden Prize.
Remembering Jimi Hendrix, 48 Years After His Death
Today, 48 years ago, Jimi Hendrix made his final live appearance in Germany when he appears at the Isle Of Fehmarn. 12 days later, on September 18th, the guitarist died in Kensington, London. Hendrix is one of the most influential guitarists of the 60’s and described by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.” Hendrix struggled with poor health due to overworking, extreme lack of sleep and illness for some days before his death and also experienced frustration about his personal relationships and disillusionment with the music industry. Hendrix spent much of his last day with German figure skater and painter, Monika Dannemann.
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Remembering Jim Morrison 47 Years After His Passing
Today, 47 years ago, the American songwriter, poet and frontman of The Doors, Jim Morrison, was found dead in a bathtub in Paris. It is said that the artist died of a heart attack. The artist co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including ‘Love Me Two Times’ and ‘Love Her Madly’ During the 60’s, Morrison developed an alcohol dependency that, at times, affected his performances on stage. He died at the age of 27. 25 years after his death, more than 15 000 fans gathered at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery to pay their respects.
James Douglas Morrison was born in 1943 and will forever be remembered for his poetic lyrics, wild performances, unique vocals and dramatic events throughout his life and early death. Regarded by many as one of the most influential frontmen in rock history, his rebellious legend will live on reminding fans of his contribution to the generation gap and youth countercultures. Morrison was ranked 47th on the Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Singers Of All Time” and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
BB King, 1987
Riley. B King, American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer, introduced the world to soloing, a sophisticated style that consist of fluid string bending and vibrato that influenced many electric blues guitarist. The renowned artist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and is seen still today as “The King of Blues”. See King in an interview in the same year below.