Chapter 01 — Today in music
On a day like today May 7
1977
'Hotel California' hits number one: the golden hangover of the seventies
On May 7, 1977, Eagles' 'Hotel California' reached number one on the US Hot 100. More than a ballad with a legendary solo, it was the definitive portrait of the rotting Californian dream: luxury, excess and an exit that never appears. Half a century later it still plays on every radio in the world — proof that well-told decadence ages better than innocence.
Eagles
1946
Bill Kreutzmann is born, the endless pulse of the Grateful Dead
On May 7, 1946, Bill Kreutzmann was born in Palo Alto, founding drummer of the Grateful Dead. With Mickey Hart he formed one of rock's most singular rhythm partnerships, able to hold half-hour improvisations without losing the groove. His drumming was the solid ground from which Jerry Garcia could fly across three decades of unrepeatable concerts.
Bill Kreutzmann
Grateful Dead
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