US country singer, songwriter who was considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is remembered as a country icon, his songs spanned other genres including rock and roll and rockabilly and blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the rare honour of induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. During the last stage of his career, Cash covered songs by several late 20th-century rock artists, most notably 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails. Cash died of respiratory failure on September 12th 2003, aged 71.
English musician and composer Brian Jones, best known as the founder and original leader of The Rolling Stones. Jones placed an advertisement in Jazz News of 2 May 1962 inviting musicians to audition for a new R&B group. Jones came up with the name the Rollin' Stones while on the phone with a venue owner, who asked 'What are you called?' Jones saw a copy of The Best Of Muddy Waters lying on the floor - and track one was Rollin' Stone Blues. When Jones developed alcohol and drug problems, and he became increasingly unreliable, the Stones dismissed him in June 1969. Jones died on 3 July 1969, after drowning in his swimming pool.
Nirvana played their final ever concert when they appeared at The Terminal Einz in Munich, Germany. The 3,000 capacity venue was a small Airport Hanger. The power went off during the show so they played an impromptu acoustic set including a version of The Cars 'My Best Friend's Girl.'
British rock and blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, Chris Rea, who had the 1989 UK No.10 single 'The Road To Hell'. His 1989 UK No.1 album Road To Hell spent 76 weeks on the chart. In America, he is best known for the 1978 hit song 'Fool (If You Think It's Over)'. His band The Beautiful Losers received the Melody Maker Best Newcomers award in 1975. Rea died in hospital after a short illness on 22 December 2025, aged 74.
1925 - Paul Mauriat
Paul Mauriat, French, conductor, arranger who had the 1968 US No.1 single 'Love Is Blue', (which spent 5 weeks at No.1), and was a No.12 hit in the UK. He died on 3 November 2006 at the age of 81.
Townes Van Zandt singer-songwriter. His music has been covered by such notable and varied musicians as Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Cowboy Junkies, Andrew Bird, Alison Krauss, and Gillian Welch. Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard covered his song 'Pancho and Lefty', scoring a No.1 hit on the Billboard country music charts. He died on January 1, 1997.
