From the Desk of CLASSICKONG
Sunday, October 18, 2026
GREAT MUSIC. GREAT RADIO. GREAT COMMUNITY.
Well, hello again, music lovers, and welcome to another edition of This Day in Music History!
Today is a particularly special day around the WTSG-DB studios. Not only are we celebrating some extraordinary musical milestones, but your humble host is celebrating another trip around the sun!
That’s right, folks. It’s CLASSICKONG’s birthday!
And before anybody asks, NO, we’re not discussing how many candles are on the cake. The fire department has already expressed its concerns.
HAHAHAHA!
But seriously, today is about more than birthdays. It’s about the extraordinary gift of music, the memories it creates, and the people who make life’s journey worthwhile.
We’ve got Chuck Berry’s 100th birthday, a legendary REO Speedwagon guitarist, Motown magic, the Rolling Stones, jazz royalty, and five extraordinary musicians who decided to become brothers.
So pour yourself another cup of coffee, turn up the volume, and let’s get this birthday party started!
Today’s National Days
National Chocolate Cupcake Day!
Now THAT’S what I’m talking about! A national holiday involving chocolate cake on my birthday? Somebody upstairs has excellent taste!
I’m expecting Honey to arrive with a plate of cupcakes any minute now.
National No Beard Day!
Well, that settles it. I’m keeping the beard. And if anybody tries shaving CLASSICKONG, they’d better bring industrial equipment and a very good lawyer.
National Mashed Potato Day!
Chocolate cupcakes, mashed potatoes, and birthday cake. Folks, this is shaping up to be a wonderful day for eating and a terrible day for counting calories.
Now, on with the music!
1926 — Chuck Berry: One Hundred Years of Rock and Roll
On October 18, 1926, Charles Edward Anderson Berry was born in St. Louis, Missouri.
One hundred years later, his influence is practically impossible to measure.
Chuck Berry didn’t simply play rock and roll. He helped define what rock and roll would become.
The guitar riffs. The storytelling. The rhythm. The attitude. That unmistakable duckwalk.
Songs such as “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Rock and Roll Music,” and “Johnny B. Goode” became part of the foundation upon which generations of musicians built their careers.
Berry took elements of blues, rhythm and blues, country, and popular music and combined them into something electrifying.
And those guitar introductions!
GOOD LORD!
You can hear Chuck Berry’s influence in the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and countless other artists who followed.
But there was something else that made Berry special.
He understood teenagers.
Cars, school, romance, dancing, freedom, and the excitement of being young. His lyrics told stories that ordinary people could recognize.
And he did it with humor, energy, and some of the most memorable guitar playing ever recorded.
“Johnny B. Goode,” released in 1958 on Chess Records, remains one of rock and roll’s defining recordings.
In 1977, NASA even sent the recording into space aboard the Voyager Golden Record.
Imagine that. Somewhere beyond our little corner of the universe, Chuck Berry’s guitar is representing the sound of rock and roll on Earth.
Berry died on March 18, 2017, at age 90.
And here’s something remarkable: on his 90th birthday in 2016, he announced plans for a new album, Chuck, dedicated to his wife, Themetta.
Even at 90, the music was still playing.
And now, one hundred years after his birth, we’re still celebrating the man and his music.
Oh, and one more thing.
Chuck Berry was born on October 18, 1926.
Many years later, CLASSICKONG arrived.
I’m not suggesting Chuck invented rock and roll just to prepare the world for me…
BUT THE TIMING IS SUSPICIOUS!
HAHAHAHA!
Happy 100th birthday, Mr. Berry. Thank you for helping give the world the music we love.
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: The Great Twenty-Eight (1982, Chess Records).
Explore Chuck Berry on Discogs
1949 — Gary Richrath: The Guitar That Drove REO Speedwagon
Born October 18, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, Gary Richrath became one of the most recognizable guitarists in American rock.
And buddy, could that man PLAY!
As the lead guitarist and an important songwriter for REO Speedwagon, Richrath helped give the band its harder-rocking identity.
Listen to “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Golden Country,” “Roll with the Changes,” or “Take It on the Run.”
That guitar tone had personality.
Richrath could deliver powerful riffs and soaring leads, but what I always appreciated was the emotion behind his playing.
He wasn’t simply filling space between vocal lines.
He was helping tell the story.
REO Speedwagon’s Hi Infidelity, released in 1980 on Epic Records, became an enormous commercial success. And although the band is frequently remembered for its ballads, there was always a serious rock and roll engine underneath those melodies.
Gary Richrath was a major part of that engine.
He left REO Speedwagon in 1989 and died on September 13, 2015, at age 65.
For my money, he remains one of rock’s most underappreciated guitarists.
Happy heavenly birthday, Gary.
Those guitar solos still sound mighty fine.
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish (1978, Epic Records).
Explore REO Speedwagon on Discogs
1961 — Wynton Marsalis: A Master of the Trumpet
Born October 18, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Wynton Marsalis grew up surrounded by extraordinary musical talent.
His father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., was a respected jazz pianist and educator, and the Marsalis family became one of the most celebrated families in modern jazz.
Wynton developed into a remarkable trumpet player with an extraordinary command of both jazz and classical music.
And folks, as someone who played trumpet in his younger days, I can tell you that the instrument is not particularly forgiving.
It demands breath control, endurance, precision, and a great ear.
Marsalis possesses all of those qualities in abundance.
His early recordings, including Wynton Marsalis (1982, Columbia Records), helped introduce a new generation to acoustic jazz.
He also became a major advocate for jazz education and preserving the music’s history.
But here’s what I appreciate most.
At its finest, jazz is a conversation.
Musicians listen, respond, challenge one another, and create something together that might never happen exactly the same way again.
That’s the beauty of improvisation.
And Wynton Marsalis has spent a lifetime keeping that tradition alive.
Happy birthday, Wynton!
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: Black Codes (From the Underground) (1985, Columbia Records).
Explore Wynton Marsalis on Discogs
1969 — The Temptations Reach Number One
On October 18, 1969, the Temptations were enjoying the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with “I Can’t Get Next to You.”
Released on Gordy Records and included on Puzzle People (1969), the song represented an exciting period of musical experimentation for the group.
Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the recording blended Motown’s vocal brilliance with a harder, funkier sound.
And WHAT A RECORD!
The driving rhythm, the powerful bass, the handclaps, and those unmistakable voices!
Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams each brought something special to the performance.
One of the most exciting aspects of the recording is the way the singers trade lead vocal passages.
It almost feels like a musical relay race, with each voice handing the energy to the next.
And underneath it all, the incredible Motown musicians known as the Funk Brothers helped create that irresistible groove.
The song spent two weeks at number one on the pop chart.
The Temptations were far more than wonderful singers in matching suits.
They were musical innovators who helped reshape the sound of soul music.
LEGENDS, EVERY ONE OF THEM.
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: Puzzle People (1969, Gordy Records).
Explore the Temptations on Discogs
1974 — The Rolling Stones: It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll
On October 18, 1974, the Rolling Stones released It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll on Rolling Stones Records.
And buddy, I’ve always loved that title track!
“It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” captures everything wonderful about the Stones. That loose, swaggering groove, Mick Jagger’s unmistakable voice, and those wonderful guitars!
But there’s another song on this album that deserves special attention.
“Time Waits for No One.”
GOOD LORD, what a beautiful piece of music!
Mick Taylor’s extended guitar solo is absolutely magnificent. Melodic, fluid, emotional, and wonderfully expressive. It’s one of those performances that reminds us a great guitarist doesn’t have to play a thousand notes to say something meaningful.
And on this day in particular, as I celebrate another birthday, I understand “Time Waits for No One” all too well.
Taylor’s years with the Rolling Stones, from 1969 through 1974, produced five extraordinary studio albums:
- 1969 — Let It Bleed
- 1971 — Sticky Fingers
- 1972 — Exile on Main St.
- 1973 — Goats Head Soup
- 1974 — It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll
Now, Taylor only appeared on a couple of tracks on Let It Bleed, but from Sticky Fingers onward, his guitar became an important part of the band’s sound.
And what an incredible run of music that was!
Taylor departed the band in December 1974. Ronnie Wood joined the Stones on tour in 1975, became an official member in 1976, and made his first studio album appearance as a member on Black and Blue that same year.
By Some Girls in 1978, Wood was firmly established as the band’s second guitarist.
Here’s another interesting piece of rock and roll history: Ronnie had actually been involved in the early recording of “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” before officially joining the band!
Different guitarists, different styles, and two important chapters in the history of one of rock’s greatest bands.
And as Mick and the boys reminded us…
IT’S ONLY ROCK AND ROLL… BUT I LIKE IT!
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (1974, Rolling Stones Records), especially “Time Waits for No One.”
Explore the Rolling Stones on Discogs
1988 — The Traveling Wilburys: Five Legends, One Extraordinary Album
On October 18, 1988, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 arrived in the United States on Wilbury Records.
Now, folks, just LOOK at this lineup.
George Harrison. Bob Dylan. Roy Orbison. Tom Petty. Jeff Lynne.
GOOD GRIEF!
Five extraordinary musicians, each with an established career, coming together to make music without taking themselves too seriously.
The project grew out of a recording session involving Harrison and his friends, eventually becoming one of rock’s most beloved supergroups.
And the results were magical.
“Handle with Care,” “End of the Line,” “Heading for the Light,” “Last Night,” and “Not Alone Anymore” remain wonderful examples of what happens when great musicians leave their egos at the door.
One of my favorite moments on “Handle with Care” is hearing Roy Orbison’s magnificent voice rise above the arrangement.
What a voice that man had.
And Tom Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne each brought their own unmistakable musical personality to the recordings.
Sadly, Roy Orbison died on December 6, 1988, just weeks after the album’s release.
He was only 52.
That makes listening to these recordings even more meaningful today.
The album went on to win a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
But awards aren’t what make this record special to me.
It’s the friendship.
Five musicians enjoying the simple pleasure of making music together.
Sometimes, that’s all you need.
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 (1988, Wilbury Records).
Explore the Traveling Wilburys on Discogs
1984 — Esperanza Spalding: A Different Kind of Musical Genius
Born October 18, 1984, Esperanza Spalding is a remarkable bassist, singer, composer, and musical explorer.
And folks, if you’re unfamiliar with her work, she’s worth discovering.
Spalding combines jazz, soul, funk, and other musical influences into compositions that can be both sophisticated and emotionally engaging.
Her album Esperanza (2008, Heads Up International) introduced many listeners to her remarkable ability to sing while performing demanding bass lines.
And believe me, that kind of independence is not easy.
Her later recordings, including Chamber Music Society (2010) and Radio Music Society (2012), demonstrated just how adventurous her musical imagination could be.
In 2011, she became the first jazz artist to win the Grammy for Best New Artist.
What I admire about musicians like Esperanza is their willingness to explore.
They remind us that music isn’t something we finish learning about.
There’s always another sound, another rhythm, another musical idea waiting around the corner.
Happy birthday, Esperanza!
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: Esperanza (2008, Heads Up International).
Explore Esperanza Spalding on Discogs
The Metal Corner — Dan Lilker and the Anthrax Connection
Born October 18, 1964, Dan Lilker helped shape the early sound of American thrash metal.
As an original member of Anthrax, he played bass on the band’s debut album, Fistful of Metal (1984, Megaforce Records).
He later became associated with Nuclear Assault and Stormtroopers of Death, better known as S.O.D.
Lilker’s playing helped bring speed, aggression, and a punk-influenced attitude to heavy metal.
And speaking of Anthrax, I recently picked up the Target-exclusive CD edition of their new album, Cursum Perficio (2026, Megaforce Records), which included a collectible patch.
Now THAT takes me back to the days when KISS included posters, tattoos, and other surprises with their albums!
The new Anthrax artwork is interesting because it incorporates imagery reflecting the band’s journey through the decades, including little details longtime fans can discover.
And after learning more about Charlie Benante’s artistic vision, I have a greater appreciation for the decision to leave the band’s name off the artwork.
I can see how adding a logo might detract from that almost poster-like quality.
Some of the greatest album covers in rock history have succeeded without displaying the artist’s name prominently. Sometimes the artwork itself makes the statement.
And I respect that.
But here’s my one little observation.
I still wish the collectible patch had featured the ANTHRAX logo!
HAHAHAHA!
Not because the artwork is wrong, but because a patch is also a wonderful opportunity to proudly display the name of a band you love.
That’s all I’m saying, fellas!
And as always, the most important part is what’s inside that CD.
THE MUSIC!
CLASSICKONG’s Must Have: Fistful of Metal (1984, Megaforce Records).
Final Spin — Still Crazy After All These Years
Well, friends, another birthday has arrived.
And as Paul Simon once sang, I’m “Still Crazy After All These Years!”
HAHAHAHA!
You know, birthdays have a way of making us think about the journey. The people we’ve loved, the memories we’ve made, and the music that’s been there through it all.
Music has been one of the great loves of my life. From the piano to the trumpet, the drums, and eventually the guitar, it’s been a constant companion.
After my dad passed away, I found myself spending more time with that wonderful six-string instrument. And although I could never come close to what Dad accomplished on the guitar through all his years of study, I still enjoy attempting to refine my own style on the old six-stringer.
Somehow, every time I pick up that guitar, I feel a little closer to him.
And I think that’s one of music’s greatest gifts. It allows us to hold on to the people and memories that mean the most to us.
Even today, after all these years, a song can still surprise me, move me to tears, or make me feel like a kid discovering music for the very first time.
There’s a beautiful song called “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin recorded a magnificent duet of it.
And I’ve been thinking about that question.
How do you keep the music playing when the years go by and life keeps changing?
I think part of the answer is love.
Love for the music. Love for life. And most importantly, love for the people who share the journey with us.
And Honey, if you’re listening, after all these years, you’re still my favorite song.
I wouldn’t trade the music we’ve made together for anything in this world.
So here’s to another birthday, another year of memories, and hopefully a whole lot more great music.
Because time may wait for no one, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop enjoying the ride.
Keep loving. Keep laughing. Keep discovering.
And above all…
KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING!
I’m your host, CLASSICKONG. Hopefully we’ve put a smile on your face and put a song in your heart.
Until tomorrow, take care of yourself, help others when you can, and always keep the music playing.
We’ll see ya down the road!
Listen to Today’s Broadcast/Podcast
Catch today’s spoken-word edition of This Day in Music History on WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting.
References and Further Reading
- Chuck Berry — Official Website
- Chuck Berry — Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Gary Richrath — REO Speedwagon
- Wynton Marsalis — Official Website
- The Temptations — Official Website
- The Rolling Stones — Official Website
- The Rolling Stones — It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll Album History
- The Traveling Wilburys — Official Website
- The Traveling Wilburys — Vol. 1 Release Details
- Esperanza Spalding — Official Website
- Anthrax — Official Website
- Anthrax — Cursum Perficio Target Edition
- October 18 — National Days and Observances
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