November 20

 Joe Walsh

November 20, 1947

Joe Walsh first gained recognition as the lead guitarist, singer, and principal songwriter for the James Gang after joining the band in 1968. His guitar playing and songwriting helped define albums such as Yer' Album, James Gang Rides Again, and Thirds. He wrote or co-wrote songs including "Funk #49," "Walk Away," and "The Bomber," establishing himself as one of rock's most distinctive guitarists.

After leaving the James Gang in 1971, Walsh formed Barnstorm and launched a successful solo career with albums including The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get, So What, But Seriously, Folks..., and There Goes the Neighborhood. In 1975, he joined the Eagles, contributing guitar, vocals, and songwriting to Hotel California and The Long Run while helping expand the band's sound. His solo recordings also produced enduring songs including "Rocky Mountain Way," "Life's Been Good," and "All Night Long."

Walsh has continued touring with the Eagles, performing solo concerts, supporting veterans' organizations, and speaking openly about his recovery from addiction. His guitar playing, songwriting, and unmistakable sense of humor have made him one of the most respected and enduring figures in classic rock.

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Gary Green

November 20, 1950

Gary Green joined Gentle Giant in 1970 as the band's lead guitarist and remained with the group throughout its entire recording career. His versatile guitar playing helped shape albums such as Acquiring the Taste, Three Friends, Octopus, In a Glass House, The Power and the Glory, Free Hand, and Interview. Blending rock, blues, folk, jazz, and classical influences, he contributed to one of progressive rock's most technically accomplished and adventurous bands.

Following Gentle Giant's breakup in 1980, Green stepped away from the music business for several years before returning to recording and performing. He later collaborated with former Gentle Giant members on selected projects and formed the Gary Green Band, performing both original material and music from throughout his career. His inventive guitar work remains an essential part of Gentle Giant's enduring reputation as one of progressive rock's most distinctive groups.

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Frank Marino

November 20, 1954

Frank Marino founded Mahogany Rush in Montreal in 1970 and became the band's lead guitarist, singer, songwriter, and driving creative force. His fluid guitar playing and blend of hard rock, blues, jazz, and psychedelic influences shaped albums such as Maxoom, Child of the Novelty, Strange Universe, Mahogany Rush IV, World Anthem, and Tales of the Unexpected. He wrote or co-wrote songs including "Dragonfly," "The Answer," "Strange Universe," and "Juggernaut." His extended interpretation of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" also became a concert favorite.

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Marino remained the centerpiece of Mahogany Rush while also releasing albums under his own name. His extended live performances and improvisational style attracted a devoted following, and his technical ability drew comparisons with several of the era's leading guitarists. Although health issues eventually led him to retire from touring, his recordings continue to be celebrated by guitarists and fans of blues-based hard rock.

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Billy Jones

November 20, 1949 – February 7, 1995

Billy Jones joined the Outlaws in 1973, replacing Henry Paul as the band's lead guitarist, and became an important part of its signature three-guitar sound alongside Hughie Thomasson and Monte Yoho. His melodic lead playing helped shape albums such as Lady in Waiting, Hurry Sundown, Playin' to Win, In the Eye of the Storm, and Soldiers of Fortune. He contributed to the band's blend of southern rock, country rock, and hard rock while helping establish its reputation for intricate guitar harmonies and energetic live performances.

Jones remained with the Outlaws throughout the band's most successful years before leaving in the early 1980s. He later continued performing with regional groups and reunited with former bandmates for selected projects. His work with the Outlaws helped define the band's classic sound and secured his place among the notable guitarists of the southern rock movement.

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Duane Allman

November 20, 1946 – October 29, 1971

Howard Duane Allman co-founded the Allman Brothers Band in 1969 and became the group's lead guitarist, slide guitarist, and principal musical architect. His expressive playing helped shape albums such as The Allman Brothers Band, Idlewild South, At Fillmore East, and Eat a Peach. He co-wrote songs including "Little Martha," "Mountain Jam," "Hot 'Lanta," and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," while his slide guitar became a defining element of the band's blend of blues, rock, jazz, and country influences.

Before forming the Allman Brothers Band, Allman established himself as one of the most sought-after session guitarists at FAME Studios and later Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. He played on recordings by artists including Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Boz Scaggs, and King Curtis. His memorable guitar work on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs with Eric Clapton and Derek and the Dominos remains one of rock's most celebrated collaborations.

Although his career lasted only a few years, Allman's guitar playing transformed the role of slide guitar in rock music and helped establish the Allman Brothers Band as one of the defining American bands of the 1970s. His influence continues to be heard in generations of blues, southern rock, and jam-band guitarists.

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Norman Greenbaum

November 20, 1942

Norman Greenbaum first gained attention as a member of Dr. West's Medicine Show and Junk Band before launching a solo career in the late 1960s. As a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, he released the 1969 album Spirit in the Sky, featuring the title track that became an international hit. "Spirit in the Sky" blended rock, gospel, and fuzz guitar into one of the most recognizable songs of its era and has remained a staple of films, television, and advertising for decades.

Although Greenbaum never matched the commercial success of his signature hit, he continued recording with albums including Back Home Again and Petaluma while occasionally returning to the stage for selected performances. He has embraced the enduring popularity of "Spirit in the Sky," which has introduced his music to successive generations of listeners through frequent use in popular culture.

Rather than chasing another major hit, Greenbaum has enjoyed a quieter life while making occasional appearances connected to the song that secured his place in rock history.

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