October 13

 Robert Lamm


October 13, 1944

Robert Lamm co-founded Chicago in 1967 and became one of the band's keyboard players, lead singers, and principal songwriters. He helped shape the group's early sound through albums such as Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago II, Chicago III, and Chicago V. His songwriting produced many of the band's best-known songs, including "Beginnings," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?," "25 or 6 to 4," and "Saturday in the Park."

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Lamm remained an important creative force within Chicago while also pursuing solo projects and collaborations. His keyboard work, vocals, and songwriting contributed to the band's evolution from a jazz-rock ensemble into one of the most successful recording groups of its era.

Lamm has continued recording, touring, and releasing solo music while remaining associated with Chicago for more than five decades. He remains active in music in 2026.


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Sammy Hagar


October 13, 1947

Sammy Hagar first gained national attention as the lead singer for Montrose, joining the band in 1973 and appearing on the albums Montrose and Paper Money. He launched a solo career in 1976 and built a following through albums such as Nine on a Ten Scale, Street Machine, Standing Hampton, Three Lock Box, and VOA. Songs including "I've Done Everything for You," "There's Only One Way to Rock," and "I Can't Drive 55" established him as a successful solo artist.

In 1985, Hagar replaced David Lee Roth as the lead singer of Van Halen and remained with the band through 1996, returning briefly in the early 2000s. He recorded albums including 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and Balance. His songwriting and vocals helped Van Halen maintain commercial success during that period.

Hagar has continued recording, touring, and performing as a solo artist and with projects including Chickenfoot and Sammy Hagar and the Circle. He remains active in music in 2026.


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Paul Simon


October 13, 1941

Paul Simon formed Simon & Garfunkel with Art Garfunkel in the late 1950s, and the duo became one of the most successful folk-rock acts of the 1960s. As a singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter, Simon wrote songs including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," and "Bridge over Troubled Water." Their recordings on albums such as Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, Bookends, and Bridge over Troubled Water helped define the singer-songwriter movement.

After Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970, Simon launched a solo career with the album Paul Simon in 1972. Throughout the 1970s, he released albums including There Goes Rhymin' Simon, Still Crazy After All These Years, and One-Trick Pony. His songwriting blended rock, folk, rhythm and blues, reggae, and world music influences while producing songs such as "Kodachrome," "Loves Me Like a Rock," and "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover."

Simon continued recording, touring, and exploring new musical styles for decades, including the acclaimed 1986 album Graceland. He remains active in music in 2026.


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Graham Simpson


October 13, 1943 – April 17, 2012

Graham Simpson co-founded Roxy Music with Bryan Ferry in 1970 after the two had previously played together in The Gas Board. As the band's original bassist, he appeared on the 1972 debut album Roxy Music and contributed to songs including "Ladytron" and "Chance Meeting." His melodic bass playing helped shape the group's early art rock sound as it emerged from London's underground music scene.

Simpson left Roxy Music in 1972 shortly after the release of the debut album and stepped away from the music business. He spent many years traveling and studying different cultures and spiritual traditions before returning to London in the early 1980s. Although his recording career was brief, his role as a founding member of Roxy Music secured his place in the band's history.


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Alan Wakeman


October 13, 1947

Alan Wakeman developed his career on the British jazz scene during the late 1960s after studying at the London College of Music and performing with the London Youth Jazz Orchestra. As a saxophone and clarinet player, he worked with Paul Lytton, Graham Collier, John Dankworth, Stan Tracey, Don Rendell, and Mike Westbrook, becoming a respected figure in modern jazz and free improvisation.

Wakeman joined Soft Machine in 1976 and appeared on the album Softs, replacing Karl Jenkins on saxophone while Jenkins concentrated on keyboards. He later toured and recorded with David Essex, continued his long association with Mike Westbrook, and performed in theatre productions and jazz ensembles. Alan is a cousin of Rick Wakeman, with whom he played in a school band during his youth.

Wakeman has continued performing, composing, and recording in jazz settings for many decades. He remains active in music in 2026.


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