Category Archives: Music History

Today in music history, 1936: Irish musician Martin Fay, best known as fiddler for the folk group The Chieftains, is born in Dublin. He was a founding member of The Chieftains in 1961, although his first passion was classical music. … Continue reading →

Today in music history, 1923: American musician Hank Williams, best known as a country singer and songwriter, was born in Alabama. He recorded eleven Number One singles on the Billboard Country and Western charts and is considered an influence on … Continue reading →

Today in music history, 1819: Romantic era musician Clara Schumann (née Wieck) was born in Leipzig, Germany. She composed many pieces for the piano and violin/piano duets but is best known as a talented pianist who played concerts from memory. … Continue reading →

Today in music history, 1659: Baroque composer Henry Purcell was born in England. He wrote nearly seven hundred compositions including operas, anthems, theater music, and hymns. Purcell is regarded as the greatest English composer of his time. This air is … Continue reading →

Today in music history, 1915: American musician Memphis Slim was born. He served a leader for numerous bands, recorded over 500 blues songs, and was posthumously inducted in to the Blues Hall of Fame. Celebrate his life with this blues … Continue reading →

Today in music history, 1958: American singer Michael Jackson was born. The eighth of ten children, Jackson was born into a musical family and eventually became the most successful entertainer of all time. His singing and dancing has influenced generations … Continue reading →