Simply put, Neil Young is an artist of remarkable dexterity and durability. Aside from the fact that he boasts a song catalog rivaling that of Dylan, McCartney and, in fact, every other popular artist of the past half century, he’s one of the few musicians whose every move is subject…

Credibility and commercial success don’t always go hand in hand, but in Bonnie Raitt’s case, they seem in sync. Born November 8, 1949, to Broadway superstar John Raitt and his first wife, pianist Marjorie Haydock, she clearly had music in her genes, but it was by riding the wave of…

Joni Mitchell, born Roberta Joan Anderson on November 7, 1943, not only defies description as an artist and musician but also set the standard when it came to young, innocent, wide-eyed female folkies dressed in peasant dresses and tattered jeans, obsessed with wanderlust, patchouli, and all forms of winsome sentiments…

There’s obviously some irony in the fact that two artists with such similar names — namely Bryan Adams and Ryan Adams — should also share the same birthday of November 5, which is Saturday. We were curious to see what other things the two men hold in common, but we…

Scott Weiland has not only been an iconic frontman for several juggernaut groups but he is the poster boy for rock ‘n’ roll excess and a sad example of what it takes to disable a career. Born October 27, 1967, Weiland has built a legacy that is quite successful on…

Known to most as the high-pitched warbler who’s helped define such classic Yes songs as “Your Move,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout,” and a steady stream of signature songs initiated in 1968 and continuing to this day, Jon Anderson could easily rest on his laurels without making any moves…

Happy birthday to the ultimate music satirist, Weird Al Yankovic, who should be known by no other name. Although his instrument of choice — the accordion — wasn’t quite cool enough to ensure rock worship, he has thrived some 35 years after Los Angeles radio personality Dr. Demento opted to…

Those who fondly recall alt-country act the Mavericks’ formative days here in South Florida will likely be buoyed by the fact that a reunion is in the works for next April. Three of the band’s original members — singer/songwriter Raul Malo, bassist Robert Reynolds, and drummer Paul Deakin — reconvene…

To paraphrase the title of one of his early albums, there are several faces of Manfred Mann. Although he gave his name to one of the British Invasion’s more popular combos, it was in fact an alias. Born Manfred Lubowitz to a wealthy South African family on October 21, 1940,…

For a man who’s still of relatively tender age, John Mayer has chalked up quite a career. With a prolific output that’s taken him from Pop to Blues and earned more accolades than most artists achieve in a lifetime, he’s managed to secure his place in the spotlight for the…

If Daryl Hall never did another thing, his place in music history would still be assured. Hall, who turns 65 today, is, of course, half of Hall & Oates, which, according to the record books, ranks as the most successful duo in pop history. From the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s, the…

Even if he had relegated himself to working strictly behind the scenes, Simon Cowell would still have been a music business superstar. Born 52 years ago today, this tart-tongued Brit built himself a career as a successful A&R executive, producer, and entrepreneur who would virtually redefine the television talent-show format…

With a 30-year career and the critical kudos reaped by crucial albums like Girlfriend, Altered Beast, and 100% Fun, Matthew Sweet has earned his inclusion among power pop’s elite. While his wavering commercial fortunes have reflected his never-ending shift in record-label affiliations, each new album still brings renewed possibility for…