November 14, 1983 – Michael Jackson’s 14-minute film Thriller debuts to a private audience at the Metro Crest Theater in Los Angeles. Directed by John Landis, the short film will become the most popular video in MTV history when the network begins airing it in December. Many of Jackson’s famous friends show up at the premiere, including Prince, Diana Ross, Eddie Murphy and Warren Beatty.
November 14, 1996 – Michael Jackson marries Debbie Rowe in Sydney, Australia. The couple met when Jackson was diagnosed with vitiligo in the mid-1980s, and she was working as his dermatologist’s assistant. They divorced in 1999, with Rowe giving full custody rights of the children, Prince and Paris, to Jackson. Rowe received an $8 million settlement.
November 14, 2006 – Led Zeppelin are inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame by Roger Taylor of Queen along with Rod Stewart, Beach Boys star Brian Wilson and the late Dusty Springfield. Jimmy Page personally accepts the award.
November 14, 2000 – Rush singer and bassist Geddy Lee releases his first and only solo album My Favorite Headache.
Classic Rock Birthdays
November 14, 1951 – Frankie Banali, drums (Quiet Riot) (d. 2020)
November 14, 1951 – Alec John Such, bass (Bon Jovi) (d. 2022)
November 14, 1949 – James “J.Y.” Young , guitar (Styx)
November 14, 1951 – Barry Brandt, drums (Angel)
November 14, 1951 – Stephen Bishop, vocalist, songwriter
Original Names of Famous Classic Rock Bands
Rock Remembrances
November 14, 1992 – John Mellencamp keyboard player John Cascella is discovered dead in his car in Indiana of a heart attack. He was 45. Authorities believe he suffered a heart attack while driving. Mr. Cascella, also known for his work on accordion, played with Mellencamp for 10 years and was an integral element of the group’s folk-rock sound. He also owned Cascella Productions, which created music for commercials and movies in Indianapolis.
