The only consistent member of T. Rex, the late Marc Bolan was born Marc Feld on this date in 1947. He chose his stage name by combining the first and last stage name of his idol, Bob Dylan.
A handful of T. Rex songs are on today’s playlist.
The Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” was a huge hit in 1975, but not everyone agreed with its message. Ian Curtis, the leader of Joy Division and a newlywed in 1975, was one of them. His composition “Love Will Tear Us Apart” could be seen as a response to the cheerful song, expressing his disillusionment with love and life. He took his own life in 1980, a month before his song was released as a single, on its way to becoming a classic.
Daryl Dragon, better known as The Captain, a nickname given to him by The Beach Boys’ Mike Love, was born on this date in 1942. A few of his duo’s hits are included on today’s playlist.
I just learned that Robbie Robertson, who was the lead guitarist and songwriter for The Band, is of Cayuga and Mohawk descent and has supported causes such as the American Indian Movement and the Native American Rights Fund. He has also spoken out against the misrepresentation and appropriation of Indigenous cultures by non-Native people.
Robbie Robertson turns 80 today. Some of his work is included on today’s playlist.