>Today’s rock music history starts with the birthday of Jean “Toots” Thielemans, whose harmonica skills got noticed by Mr. William Joel:

Carl Gardner, singer for the Coasters:

Manfred Mann bassist Klaus Voorman made a major contribution to the Beatles:

Perhaps the most tragic duo in Motown history was Tammi Terrell (died of a brain tumor) and Marvin Gaye (shot to death by his father):

I wonder if Tommy James’ dog Sam still eats purple flowers:

Those of us from the ’80s may not know the name of Deborah Iyall, until the words “Romeo Void” are mentioned:

Saturday is the anniversary of the release of two Paul McCartney & Wings albums — “Red Rose Speedway,” best known for “My Love,” and “Wings at the Speed of Sound,” which included:

We don’t usually do country here, but we have to note the birthdays of Johnny Horton …

… and Willie Nelson:

Don’t fall asleep listening to Santo and Johnny, because Johnny Farina’s birthday is today:

May Day includes the anniversary of the release of the Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar”:

It’s also the birthday of Harry Belafonte …

… and Judy Collins (who spoke at a Marian University commencement; she was, to put it mildly, captivating) …

… and Rita Coolidge …

… and Jerry Weiss of Blood Sweat & Tears …

… and guitarist Steve Farris of Mister Mister …

… and bassist Johnny Colt of the Black Crowes: