This day in Rock History

In 1982 – Bluesman Sam “Lightnin”’ Hopkins dies. Age 69. The Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac and the Cowboy Junkies have covered his songs.

In 1973 – after recently changing their name from Wicked Lester, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss made their first appearance as Kiss at the Popcorn Club in Queens, New York.

In 1969 – The Beatles, with Billy Preston on organ, perform four songs on a London on Saville Road rooftop for the film “Let It Be.” Billy wrote and performed the Rhodes solo on “Get Back”. The set is halted after 42 minutes because an accountant at the nearby Royal Bank of Scotland complains about the noise.

And in 1951 – Phil Collins (pictured) is born in London. He will start his artistic career as a child actor, including a role as the Artful Dodger in an English production of “Oliver”, and an appearance in the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” film. He is the drummer of Genesis, and following the departure of Peter Gabriel becomes lead singer as well.

Phil not only was the drummer for Genesis and on numerous albums for other artists, but also formed the jazz fusion group “Brand X”.