May 26

 Mick Ronson

May 26, 1946 – April 29, 1993

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars featured Michael Ronson as the lead guitarist, pianist, and vocalist between 1970 and 1973. His sophisticated arrangements defined the glam rock aesthetic, contributing melodic layers to Hunky Dory and Aladdin Sane that bridged heavy rock with theatrical pop.

Beyond his work with David Bowie, he released solo recordings Slaughter on 10th Avenue and Play Don't Worry. In 1974, he briefly joined Mott the Hoople and later formed a lasting creative bond with Ian Hunter, performing on several projects throughout the late seventies. He also toured as a guitarist in the Rolling Thunder Revue with Bob Dylan.

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Peter Cowling

May 26, 1946 – March 20, 2018

The Pat Travers Band featured bass guitarist Peter Cowling as a foundational member from 1975 through 1982. He joined the hard rock outfit in London, contributing his melodic and driving rhythm style to the self titled debut and the follow up Making Magic. His work defined the heavy groove of the group, appearing on landmark studio recordings like Putting It Straight and Heat in the Street.

Throughout the seventies, he became widely recognized for his precision during live performances. His contributions were immortalized on the 1979 release Live! Go for What You Know, which captured the trio at their commercial peak. By 1980, he performed on the Crash and Burn album, maintaining a consistent professional partnership with Travers during their most influential era. He remained an essential part of the roster until his departure in the early eighties.

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Verden Allen

May 26, 1944

Terence Edward Allen, known professionally as Verden Allen, served as the founding organist for Mott the Hoople from 1969 to 1972. He played the Hammond organ on the group's self titled debut and subsequent releases like Mad Shadows and Brain Capers. His heavy, blues influenced keyboard textures provided a swirling backdrop for the band’s early gritty sound. He appeared on the hit All the Young Dudes before pursuing independent creative projects.

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Levon Helm

May 26, 1940 – April 19, 2012

Mark Lavon Helm performed as the drummer and vocalist for The Band from 1967 to 1976 and again during their 1983 to 1999 reunion. His soulful, gritty vocals defined early masterpieces like Music from Big Pink and the self titled brown album. In addition to his percussion work, he frequently played the mandolin and bass guitar, contributing a distinct rural texture to their innovative Americana sound.

Following the group's televised farewell concert in 1976, he launched a solo career with the RCO All-Stars and released several independent albums through 1980. His rhythmic precision and southern phrasing remained a cornerstone of the rock landscape, bridging the gap between traditional blues and modern rock. He maintained a rigorous recording schedule that solidified his reputation as a premier timekeeper.

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Stevie Nicks

May 26, 1948

Stephanie Lynn Nicks joined the duo Buckingham Nicks in 1973 before rising to global prominence as a vocalist and tambourine player for Fleetwood Mac from 1975 to 1991. Her mystical stage presence and ethereal songwriting became a central element of the band's identity on their self titled 1975 release. She contributed iconic tracks to the 1977 masterpiece Rumours, which established the group as one of the most successful acts of the decade.

By 1979, she appeared on the experimental double album Tusk, continuing her role as a primary creative force.

Beyond her duties in the ensemble, she performed as a session vocalist for various contemporary artists throughout the late seventies. Her signature raspy delivery and poetic lyricism defined the adult contemporary and rock charts as the era concluded.

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