The King of the Blues died on this day in 2015. Hear him play his classics "Every Day I Have the Blues" and "The Thrill Is Gone."
David Hidalgo and Cesar Rojas lead the Chicano rockers on "Kiko and the Lavender Moon" and a cover of the Grateful Dead's "Bertha" in 1997.
The Mississippi bluesman delivers gritty vocals and toe-curling guitar licks on "Darling I Need Your Love" and "Don't Mess With My Toot Toot."
Guitar virtuosos Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia perform "Tres Hermanos" and "Fantasia Suite" in this acoustic set.
The Talking Heads frontman, who turns 65 today, leads the group on "Psycho Killer," "Crosseyed and Painless" and "Once in a Lifetime."
Soul maestro Stevie Wonder turns 67 today. Hear him play his classics like "Superstition," "Living for the City," "Sir Duke" and "Higher Ground."
The keyboardist-composer, who was born on this day in 1912, leads his 15-piece ensemble on "Blues in Orbit," "Zee Zee" and "Eleven."
The singer-songwriter, who turns 69 today, leads the group on "Freedom Rider," "Every Mother's Son" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy" at the Fillmore East.
Bass phenom Jaco Pastorius was with the group for just three months when they played this concert at New York's City Center in 1976.
The Upminster Kid, who was born on this day in 1942, leads the Blockheads on "Wake Up and Make Love to Me" in this '78 set from NYC.
The popular singer-songwriter and talk show host sticks to an all-instrumental set, performing tunes from Other Hours with his quartet.
The great American songsmith turns 89 today. Hear some of his tunes played by Dionne Warwick, Elvis Costello, The Tubes and others.
The reggae pioneer died on this day in 1981. Hear him perform "Lively Up Yourself," "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Get Up Stand Up" in this 1978 set.
The pianist-composer-arranger turns 81 today. Hear her 10-piece ensemble play "Wrong Key Donkey," "Ida Lupino" and "Drinking Music."
The late drummer would've turned 70 today. Hear him with the Allman Brothers Band; with Betts, Hall, Leavell & Trucks; and Warren Haynes.
The prolific songwriter and key contributor to the Great American Songbook was born on this day in 1888. Hear his tunes interpreted.
Watch the singer, who turns 57 today, lead U2 on "Sunday Bloody Sunday," Dylan's "Maggie's Farm" and the Beatles' "Help!" in 1986.
The great drummer, who was born on this day in 1929, swings the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on "Once Around" and others in 1975.
The country music matriarch was born on this day in 1909. Hear her perform the Carter Family classics "Lulu Wall" and "Wildwood Flower."
The British singer-songwriter-guitarist, who turns 71 today, performs his classics "Feelin' Alright" and "Only You Know And I Know" in 1975.
Snarling bassist Sid Vicious, who would've turned 60 today, provides the thumping low-end on "God Save the Queen" and "I'm a Lazy Sod."
The guitar great performs tunes from his Blue Note debut, Meant to Be, with bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Bill Stewart in this 1993 set.
The instrumental group led by organist Booker T. Jones reprises its 1960 hits "Green Onions" and "Time Is Tight" the Bottom Line, 1977.
The dynamic Brazilian artist, who turns 69 today, showcases her piano chops and scatting prowess in this 1975 set from Avery Fisher Hall.
The Piano Man, who turns 68 today, performs "Allentown," "Angry Young Man," "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "Only the Good Die Young."
The world's greatest rock 'n' roll band plays "Brown Sugar," "Tumblin' Dice" and a 12-minute version of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in this 1981 set.
The pianist-composer turns 72 today. Hear him explore a full range of expression on the keyboard in this purely improvised set from 1973.
The seminal blues figure was born on this day in 1911. Hear his tunes played by Cream, Keb' Mo', Grateful Dead, Hot Tuna and others.
The pianist-composer, who was born on this day in 1910, performs her tunes "Medi, No. 1" and "Blues for Timme" with her trio in this 1973 set.
Dutch-born drummer Alex Van Halen, who turns 64 today, fuels the band on "Hear About It Later," "So This is Love" and "Unchained."
Two generations of New Orleans funksters close out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival today. Hear them throw down in funky fashion.
The singer-songwriter, who died on this day in 1998, plays "Drivin' My Life Away," "I Love a Rainy Night" and "Every Which Way But Loose."
The guitar great, who died on this day in 2004, joins partner Herb Ellis on swinging renditions of "Broadway" and "Seven Come Eleven."
The rock 'n' roll lifer, who turns 72 today, sings "Against the Wind," "Hollywood Nights" and "Rock 'n' Roll Never Forgets" in Detroit, 2007.
The great pianist turns 76 today. Hear him with the Heath Brothers, the Max Roach Quintet and leading his own band in this birthday playlist.
The African singer, who re-imagines Talking Heads' Remain in Light tonight at Carnegie Hall, plays Hendrix's "Voodoo Child" at Newport.
The Catskills troubadour performs his intimate, heart-wrenching ballads "New York Times" and "Courtney Love" at 2KHz Studios.
The late Queen of Country was born on this day in 1942. Hear her sing her signature "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and "Stand By Your Man" in this '82 set.
Ozzy Osbourne leads the heavy metal pioneers on "Paranoid," "Iron Man" and a cover of "Blue Suede Shoes" in this 1970 set from Germany.
The political folkie delivers this infamous "Fish Cheer" and performs his "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag" in this solo acoustic set from 1971.
The King of Surf Guitar turns 80 today. Hear him play his signature 1962 single "Miserlou," "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and "Peter Gunn."
The great bassist, who turns 80 today, provides a formidable low-end presence on tunes like "Footprints" and "So What" at '67 Newport.
The country star, who turns 58 today, plays "Reasons I Cheat," "Diggin' Up Bones" and others from his debut album Storms of Life in 1986.
Bassist Mike Dirnt, who turns 45 today, joins Billie Joe Armstrong and Tre Cool on "Welcome to Paradise" and other tunes from Dookie.
The pianist-composer and musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet was born on this day in 1920. Hear him perform solo and with the MJQ.
The Jersey-born singer, who turns 83 today, talks about the formation of the popular group in 1960 and their many Top 40 hits.
The Godfather of Soul was born on this day in 1933. Hear him premiere "Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud" at the 1969 Newport Jazzfest.
The pioneering folkie and environmental activist, born on this day in 1919, sing "Garbage," a cautionary tale about the perils of pollution.
Cobo Arena | Mar 17, 2007
