October 13, 1998 – Eric Clapton opens the Crossroads Centre in Antigua for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. Crossroads Centre Antigua is still a nonprofit organization that offers medically managed detox, residential 12-step treatment programs and family therapy.
October 13, 2016 – Bob Dylan is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, “For having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” Professor Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, says, “He can be read and should be read, and is a great poet in the English tradition”. Dylan finally comments that the honor had left him “speechless” and he thought his odds of winning were as likely as him “standing on the moon.” Dylan was the first songwriter to receive the prestigious award.
Top 10 Rock Songs Inspired By Literature
Classic Rock Birthdays
October 13, 1947 – Sammy Hagar, vocals, guitar (Montrose, Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, Chickenfoot, The Circle)
October 13, 1941 – Paul Simon, vocals, guitar (Simon & Garfunkel)
October 13, 1944 – Robert Lamm, vocals, keyboards (Chicago)
October 13, 1948 – John Ford Coley, vocals, guitar (England Dan & John Ford Coley)
October 13, 1950 – Simon Nicol, vocals, guitar (Fairport Convention)
Top 15 Classic Rock Drummers Still Drumming
Rock Remembrances
October 13, 1974 – Ed Sullivan dies of esophageal cancer. He was 73. The Ed Sullivan show broke many cultural barriers of the time – Ed himself was a strong supporter of black music and black performers, and often fought the network and his advertisers over his bookings. He was also not afraid to book rock and country acts, although there are many stories told of when he tried to have rock bands change particular lyrics he deemed “salty.” He also insisted that the majority of his acts sing live, rather than lip sync. The Beatles‘ appearance on the show in 1964 is considered a milestone in American pop culture and the beginning of the British Invasion. A record setting 73 million people tuned in that evening making it one of the seminal moments in television history; over 40% of every man, woman and child living in America watched The Beatles perform on the show.
