The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com.
Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history!
OCT 13: Happy birthday to Sammy Hagar, born today in 1947! The rock singer, songwriter, and musician is best known for his work as a solo artist and as the lead vocalist for Van Halen from 1985 to 1996. Hagar first gained attention in the early 1970s as the lead singer of the hard rock band Montrose. With Montrose, Hagar delivered hits like "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Rock Candy," helping to establish his reputation as a powerful vocalist with a gritty, energetic stage presence.
Hagar’s
solo career took off in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy" and his signature anthem "I Can't Drive 55." His brand of high-octane, guitar-driven rock, combined with his distinctive voice, made him a staple in the hard rock scene.
In 1985, Hagar joined Van Halen, replacing David Lee Roth as the band's lead singer. With Hagar, Van Halen entered a new era of success, releasing four multi-platinum albums: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995). Hits like "Why Can't This Be Love," "Right Now," and "When It's Love" became some of the band's biggest songs during Hagar’s tenure.
After leaving Van Halen, Hagar continued his successful solo career, forming the band Chickenfoot with guitarist Joe Satriani, bassist Michael Anthony (formerly of Van Halen), and drummer Chad Smith (of Red Hot Chili Peppers). He also founded The Circle, a supergroup featuring Anthony, guitarist Vic Johnson, and drummer Jason Bonham.
In addition to his music career, Hagar is a successful entrepreneur. He founded the Cabo Wabo tequila brand and nightclub chain, and his ventures in the spirits industry have made him a multimillionaire.
Photo: Simon Davison [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en]
OCT 20: Remembering Tom Petty today on what would have been his 74th birthday! The legendary American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the frontman for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Petty was inspired by artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles, which sparked his lifelong passion for rock music.
He gained fame in the late 1970s with his band’s self-titled debut album, featuring hits like "Breakdown" and "American Girl." Petty's music
combined rock, folk, and heartland rock, creating a unique sound that resonated with a wide audience. His lyrics often reflected themes of freedom, resilience, and individualism, most notably in tracks like "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin'," from his 1989 solo album Full Moon Fever.
In addition to his work with the Heartbreakers, Petty was a member of the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. His career spanned over four decades, during which he sold over 80 million records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Tom Petty passed away in 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved and influential rock musicians of all time.
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