July 15

 Peter Banks

July 15, 1947 – March 7, 2013

Peter William Brockbanks changed his name to Peter Banks because his birth name felt a bit too cumbersome for the stage. He anchored the original lineup of Yes as their visionary guitarist, helping shape the band's identity by designing their very first logo and naming the group. His innovative playing fueled their self-titled 1969 debut album and the 1970 follow-up, Time and a Word.

After leaving Yes, he stepped into a new venture by forming the progressive rock group Flash. The band energized the scene by releasing three albums between 1972 and 1973, including their popular self-titled debut. Following the dissolution of Flash, he moved on to record a solo album before creating a new outfit called Empire, which tracked material from 1974 to 1979. He continued to take on various studio projects and session work for several decades.

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Artimus Pyle

July 15, 1948

Artimus Pyle shook up the Southern rock world when he claimed the drum throne for Lynyrd Skynyrd late in 1974. Replacing original drummer Bob Burns, his powerful style and trademark double bass setup brought a ferocious new energy to the band. His rhythmic drive fueled classic studio albums like Nuthin Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets, and Street Survivors, and he anchored the band's massive stadium performances through 1977.

Before securing his permanent spot in the legendary group, he built a solid reputation around the Southern music circuit. He worked closely with the Marshall Tucker Band and Charlie Daniels, showcasing his skills as a formidable session player. Following a tragic 1977 plane crash that halted the band's initial run, he eventually returned to record and perform with the reunited lineup from 1987 to 1991. He later moved forward with his own independent recording ventures and musical projects.

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David Pack

July 15, 1952

David Robert Pack found his breakout success when he co-founded the progressive rock group Ambrosia in high school. Stepping up as their lead vocalist and guitarist, he also played keyboards in the studio to help shape their lush sonic textures. He co-wrote and sang their first big hit, Holdin On To Yesterday, which helped propel their self-titled 1975 debut album into the national spotlight.

As the group evolved, his smooth vocals became their signature element. He wrote and sang their massive crossover ballad How Much I Feel in 1978, followed by the hits Biggest Part of Me and Youre the Only Woman in 1980. His work with Ambrosia continued until they disbanded in 1983.

Beyond his permanent role in the band, he kept busy with outside creative ventures. He lent his voice as a session player to songs on solo projects by Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren in 1980. He later moved into a highly successful career as a record producer for numerous pop and rock artists, and he also recorded his own solo material.

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Linda Ronstadt

July 15, 1946

Linda Ronstadt stepped into the spotlight fronting the folk rock trio Stone Poneys before launching one of the most successful solo careers in rock history. She established her solo foundation with the 1969 release Hand Sown Home Grown and followed it with Silk Purse in 1970. Her backing band during a 1971 tour famously included the musicians who went on to form the Eagles, highlighting her eye for top tier talent. She regularly played acoustic guitar during her live performances to complement her powerful vocals.

Her career reached massive commercial heights with the 1974 multi platinum album Heart Like a Wheel, which produced chart topping hits across multiple genres. She continued a dominant run of celebrated albums throughout the decade, including Prisoner in Disguise, Hasten Down the Wind, and Simple Dreams. She navigated diverse musical styles into the next decade, experimenting with new wave sounds on Mad Love in 1980 and later recording traditional pop standards and mariachi music. Her recording career spanned all the way until 2011.

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Peter Lewis

July 15, 1945

Emerging from the vibrant late-sixties club scene, Peter Lewis quickly established a reputation for his intricate guitar arrangements and soaring vocal harmonies. He fueled the psychedelic rock sound of Moby Grape as a founding member from 1966 to 1971. His distinctive textures on the guitar became a cornerstone for the group during their creative peak.

The band reunited frequently, keeping him heavily involved in live concert appearances from 1973 through 2010. Beyond his stable group role, his sharp songwriting talents guided the unit through numerous reunion albums. He also pursued a solo career path, releasing his own self-titled studio project in 1995.

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