By all accounts, the voice of Boston was not only a great singer, but a kind, sensitive and humble man who exited this world too early by his own hand.
Happy (belated) birthday to Steve Vai, who turned 52 earlier this week, born June 6, 1960.
There are so many amazing guitarists out there (Joe Satriani, female phenom Orianthi, Deep Purple's Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, and on and on), that for me personally it's pretty much impossible to choose "the best".
John Bonham would have turned 64 years old today had he survived his rock 'n roll lifestyle, but I have a feeling that he'd still be able to dazzle on the drum kit.
Varacchi paid tribute a little while ago, but we both agree that Bonham is such a legend there can't possibly be too many homages!
John Fogerty turned 67 yesterday, born May 28, 1945 in Berkeley, California.
Lead vocalist and lead guitarist/songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival before going solo, John's expected to release an album called "Wrote a Song For Everyone" in the fall.
Bob Dylan turns 71 today, born May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota.
His influence in music and culture can't, of course, be overstated. Rock, folk, folk rock, blues, blues rock, country, gospel and country rock all define him.
Happy belated birthday to Joe Cocker, who turned 68 on Sunday. He was born on May 20, 1944, in West Riding of Yorkshire, England (yes, it's really called that. It's a subdivision of Yorkshire. I didn't think anything could sound more English than "Yorkshire", but there you are).
Pete celebrates his 67th birthday tomorrow, born on May 19, 1945 in London, England.
And an "amazing journey" it surely has been.
What can anyone say about the genius of Townshend that hasn't already been said?
Happy birthday to Alex Van Halen!
He turns 59 today, born May 8, 1953 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Eddie's brother and Van Halen's drummer loves to be entertaining and is known for his on-stage aggressive technique for solos.
Guess it runs in the family.