July 13

 Cheech Marin

July 13, 1946

The comedic rock scene gained a cultural phenomenon when Richard Cheech Marin teamed up with his comedy partner in the late sixties. He gave the duo a signature identity by providing lead vocals, playing guitar, and writing a string of sharp parody tracks. He fueled their transition into recording studios, delivering hilarious musical counterculture anthems that dominated rock radio. His unique vocal delivery and satirical songwriting powered their albums through massive chart success, landing several hit singles and a Grammy Award during their peak run.

He shifted focus toward feature films later in the decade, starring in a massive box office hit movie that he co-wrote. He continued to record audio projects and voice characters for major animated studios, keeping his entertainment career highly active across multiple decades.

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Roger McGuinn

July 13, 1942

The Byrds pioneered a shimmering folk-rock sound with Roger McGuinn driving the arrangements on his signature twelve-string electric guitar. Born James Joseph McGuinn III, he changed his first name after exploring spiritual philosophies in the mid-sixties. He steered the lineup through major stylistic evolutions, incorporating country elements on the 1968 landmark release Sweetheart of the Rodeo. He remained the only constant frontman and primary vocalist as other founding members cycled out, keeping the outfit moving through intensive global tours and regular studio albums until the group officially dissolved in 1973.

He immediately launched a solo path, releasing five studio albums throughout the decade, including Cardiff Rose and Thunderbyrd. He also reconnected with his past bandmates to form the trio McGuinn, Clark and Hillman, scoring a radio hit single in 1979 called Don't You Write Her Off. He continued to tour international folk and rock venues as a solo performer, recording acoustic tracks and traditional folk tunes on his own terms well into 2018.

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