This Week In Music History Oct 20-26

Posted by Lilly Duncan on March 10, 2020

The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com.

OCT 20: Today in 1977, a plane crash would take the life of Lynyrd Skynyrd members and crew, while injuring many other passengers. Ronnie Van Zant, Stevie Gaines, Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray perished in the crash. The plane had previously experienced issues and another band's - Aerosmith - crew had rejected possibly using the plane due to the plane not being up to standard. RIP😢

OCT 20: Tom Petty was born today in 1950 in Gainesville, Florida. Petty would become the frontman for one of rocks most successful groups of all-time, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. His interest in music came to him at an early age and he set out about making his dreams come true. Fun fact: One of his first guitar teachers was the future Eagle member, Don Felder! Sadly, Petty passed away October 2, 2017 from an accidental overdose of medication. RIP😢

OCT 21: Today in 2006, Sandy West of the Runaways passed away after a battle with cancer.😢 She was a founding member of the all-female teenage band the Runaways. At age 9 her grandfather bought her a drum kit and she began practicing. When she was 15, she met Joan Jett and produer Kim Fowley and formed the Runaways. West is remembered as a female pioneer in rock music and an extrodinary drummer.

OCT 22: Annette Funicello was born today in 1942 in Utica, New York. The actress and singer began her career as a child and became one of the most popular Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club television show. She was discovered at age 12 by Walt Disney at a dance recital. During the 1950s and 60s, Funicello recorded pop songs and continued to act. Fun Fact: Paul Anka wrote his hit "Puppy Love" about her! Sadly, Funicello passed away in 2013 after a battle with complications due to multiple sclerosis.

OCT 23: Happy birthday to Dwight Yoakam, born today in 1956!🎂🎤🎸 The country singer, songwriter, and musician has also established himself as a successful actor. During his career, he has sold over 25 million records. When Yoakam was starting out, he was not happy with the pop direction of country music, so he decided to go his own way - new Honky Tonk or "Hillbilly" music as he referred to it. It seems to have worked out as he has had over 30 singles hit the country charts!

OCT 24: Today in 2017, Fats Domino passed away due to natural causes. 😢 As one of the pioneers of rock and roll, Domino sold over 65 million records during his career. He began performing in bars at age 14. In 1949, he was signed to Imperial Records. Domino crossed over into the pop mainstream in the 1950s with his hit "Ain't That A Shame" and followed soon after by "Blueberry Hill". Rightfully so, Domino was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's first class in 1986. Fun Fact: Even after achieving international success, Domino continued to live in the same New Orleans neighborhood that he grew up in until he had to move following Hurricane Katrina. RIP😢

OCT 25: Today in 2014, Jack Bruce of Cream passed away due to liver disease.😢 The bass player continued to have a successful solo career after the break up of Cream in 1968. Bruce has been sited as one of the best bass players of all-time and he had an influence on many to follow him, including Geddy Lee and Sting. Fun Fact: Bruce was a classically trained cellist. RIP😢

OCT 26: Today in 1970, Elton John released the single "Your Song". It was composed by John and the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin.

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