It’s March 2026. We’re about to blow through the first third of the year. Things have gotten messier and more hellish. Apparently, we’re now at war. We’ve got masked goons grabbing people off the streets and shooting civilians. The economy is reeling. We’re dealing with a mad, dying king. And yet, we have to simultaneously fight fascists and get on with our daily lives.
But there’s music, art and community. I hope that this site is a bit of escape and maybe even a reminder of how much community means when the world is running down. The seventh New Colossus Festival takes place this week. And it’ll be a busy week of catching new music, seeing old pals and meeting new ones. So the posts will be a bit sporadic around here but I’ll do what I can to keep the show going.
- The Who frontman Roger Daltrey celebrated his 82nd birthday on March 1
- The pioneering singer, activist and actor Harry Belafonte was born 99 years ago on March 1
- Karen Carpenter was born 76 years ago on March 2
- Lou Reed, arguably one of the most influential figures of the past 75 years or so was born on this day 84 years ago on March 2
- Tone Lōc celebrated his 60th birthday — yes, y’all 60th! — on March 3
- The legendary soul artist Bobby Womack was born 82 years ago on March 4
- Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted celebrated his 63rd birthday on March 4
- Teena Marie, one of the perhaps most under-appreciated pop and R&B vocalists ever was born 70 years ago on March 5
- Best known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante celebrated his 56th birthday on March 5
- Mary Wilson, the legendary co-founder of The Supremes was born on 82 years ago on March 6
- Pink Floyd‘s David Gilmour celebrated his 80th birthday — yes, y’all, 80th! — on March 6
Isley Brothers guitarist Ernie Isley celebrates his 74th birthday today. Ernie Isley joined the band in 1969 and was an instrumental part of their beloved psych rock, rock and funk-tinged 70s era. Some of my favorite Isley Brothers albums are from that period.
I’d argue that Ernie Isley is one of the most under-appreciated rock guitarists ever. He’s as good as Hendrix. Seriously.
As you know, The Isley Brothers’ influence on contemporary music is towering with their work being sampled over 800 times by countless artists across a wide array of genres and styles. They’re that important.
Happy birthday, Ernie!
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