The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com.
Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history!
DEC 8: Happy birthday to Phil Collen, born today in 1957! The English musician is best known as the lead guitarist for the legendary rock band Def Leppard. Collen began playing guitar as a teenager, inspired by bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Before joining Def Leppard, he played in several bands, including Girl, a glam rock group that enjoyed modest success in the late 1970s and early '80s.
Collen joined Def Leppard in 1982 during the recording of their breakthrough album
Pyromania. His arrival solidified the band’s lineup and brought a virtuosic edge to their sound. Alongside guitarist Steve Clark, Collen crafted Def Leppard’s signature twin-guitar harmonies, contributing to hits like "Photograph," "Pour Some Sugar on Me," and "Hysteria."
Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Collen is a vegetarian and fitness enthusiast, bucking the stereotypical rock-and-roll excess. In addition to his work with Def Leppard, he’s involved in side projects, including Delta Deep, a blues-rock band.
Collen’s legacy extends beyond his technical skill; his innovative playing and songwriting have helped define the sound of '80s rock and earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Def Leppard in 2019.
Photo: Kevin Nixon [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en]
DEC 12: Happy birthday to Sheila E., born today in 1957! Sheila E is a celebrated percussionist, singer, and songwriter. Coming from a musical family, Sheila's father, Pete Escovedo, is a renowned percussionist, and her godfather was the legendary Tito Puente. Sheila began playing percussion at a young age, performing alongside her father and quickly earning a reputation as a prodigious talent.
She rose to fame in the 1980s, particularly through her collaborations with Prince, who
became both a mentor and musical partner. Sheila’s solo career took off with her debut album, The Glamorous Life (1984), featuring the hit title track and "The Belle of St. Mark." Her dynamic drumming and stage presence set her apart, making her one of the few women to achieve mainstream success as a percussionist.
Throughout her career, Sheila E. has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Ringo Starr, Lionel Richie, and Beyoncé. In addition to her musical achievements, she’s an advocate for music education and philanthropy, using her platform to inspire and empower others.
Known as "The Queen of Percussion," Sheila E.’s blend of Latin, funk, and pop rhythms continues to influence generations of musicians and fans alike.
Photo: Justin Higuchi [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en][cropped]
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