Died On This Date (September 16, 1977) Marc Bolan / T. Rex
themusicsover Marc Bolan (Born Mark Feld)
September 30, 1947 – September 16, 1977
Marc Bolan was a British rock singer songwriter and musician who, with his band T. Rex was one of the foundations of the glam rock movement that followed. Bolan formed his first band when he was barely into his teens, and by 17, he was making a go of it along the British folk circuit. In 1967, he joined a mod band called John’s Children who achieved moderate success throughout the UK. Later that year, he left the group and joined forces with Steve Peregrin Took to form T. Rex. With albums like T. Rex and The Slider, sparking the early ’70s glam movement that would directly influence rock bands from the New York Dolls to Gun ‘n Roses and beyond. Songs like “Bang A Gong (Get It On),” “Jeepster,” and “20th Century Boy” would become signature songs of the era. On September 16, 1977, the 29-year-old Marc Bolan was killed instantly when the car in which he was a passenger spun out of control and struck a tree.
What You Should Own
Mary Travers is best remembered as one-third of the iconic folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary. Formed in 1961, the trio gained world-wide acclaim during the ’60s folk revival with such hits as “If I Had A Hammer,” “Puff The Magic Dragon,” and their cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind.” They were one of the premier folk groups for many years to come. The trio disbanded in 1970 after which Travers recorded five solo albums throughout the ’70s. Peter, Paul and Mary regrouped in 1978 and stayed active, both touring and recording, until recent years. Mary Travers died of leukemia at the age of 72.
Furry Lewis is one of country blues’ pioneers, making his name as a songwriter and guitarist in the early decades of the 20th century. He started performing at local parties while still in his teens, and by the late ’20s, he was recording sides for Vocalion Records in Chicago. Lewis had minor successes during his early years, but still needed to rely on his job as a city street sweeper until his retirement in 1966. His career rebounded during the folk revival of the ’60s, even being the topic of the Joni Mitchell song, “Furry Sings The Blues” (aparrently he was not a fan). The ’70s found Lewis touring the country along with 
Tupac Shakur was a hip hop artist whose professional career basically began as a roadie and backup dancer for Digital Underground in the late ’80s, and ended as one of the biggest selling artists of all time. He has sold upwards of 75 million albums before and since his untimely death. Shakur’s albums generally portrayed a life growing up with violence, racism and the hardships some face growing up in the inner city. For the most part, his songs professed social and racial equality. Shakur was no stranger to the judicial system. In 1995, he was convicted for sexual assault, which many believe never happened, and was sentenced to prison. While serving his time, his album Me Against The World was released. He became the only artist in history to have a #1 album while incarcerated. On September 7, 1996, was involved in an altercation following a Mike Tyson fight in Las Vegas. Later that evening while riding in a car driven by Suge Knight, a car pulled up beside Knight’s vehicle. At least one occupant fired around a dozen shots into the car, hitting Shakur four times. The 25 year-old Tupac Shakur died from injuries sustained during the shooting six days later. His murder has never been solved.