From the Desk of CLASSICKONG 📻
July 22, 2026 – This Day in Music History
Good morning, KONG CREW!
Welcome back to another edition of This Day in Music History, where we celebrate the songs, the artists, and the unforgettable moments that continue to shape the soundtrack of our lives. Today is July 22nd, and this date reminds us just how many remarkable musicians have left their fingerprints on rock, funk, soul, and beyond.
Let’s dive in.
🦅 Don Henley Celebrates a Birthday (1947)
Few voices are as instantly recognizable as Don Henley’s.
As a founding member of the Eagles, Henley helped create timeless classics including “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “Take It Easy.” His solo career proved equally remarkable with unforgettable songs like “The Boys of Summer,” “Dirty Laundry,” and “The Heart of the Matter.”
Whether behind the drum kit or standing center stage, Don Henley has always had the rare ability to combine outstanding musicianship with thoughtful songwriting. His music continues to remind us that great songs don’t simply entertain—they stay with us for a lifetime.
Happy Birthday, Don, and thank you for the music.
🎹 Remembering Rick Davies (1944–2025)
Today also marks the birthday of Rick Davies, the heart and soul of Supertramp.
Rick’s soulful voice, blues-inspired piano playing, and thoughtful songwriting helped create some of classic rock’s most enduring recordings, including “The Logical Song,” “Goodbye Stranger,” “Take the Long Way Home,” “Give a Little Bit,” and “Bloody Well Right.”
Supertramp never followed trends—they created their own path. Their songs challenged listeners to think, dream, question, and reflect while never losing their gift for unforgettable melodies.
Although Rick is no longer with us, his music remains very much alive.
Here at WTSG-DB, those songs will always have a home.
🎸 Elvis Costello Makes His Debut (1977)
On this day in 1977, Elvis Costello released his landmark debut album, My Aim Is True.
Featuring classics such as “Alison” and “The Angels Wanna Wear My Shoes,” the album introduced one of rock’s most gifted lyricists and quickly became recognized as one of the finest debut albums ever recorded. Produced by the legendary Nick Lowe, it launched a career that continues to influence songwriters nearly fifty years later.
🤘 Remembering Brian Howe (1953–2020)
Today we remember Brian Howe, born on July 22, 1953—a gifted vocalist whose career extended far beyond any one band.
Many rock fans first discovered Brian when he became the lead vocalist on Ted Nugent’s 1984 album Penetrator, where his powerful voice immediately caught the attention of the rock world. That opportunity soon led him to Bad Company, where he helped write an entirely new chapter in the band’s history.
During nearly a decade with Bad Company, Brian fronted the band through the platinum-selling Holy Water era and co-wrote radio favorites including “If You Needed Somebody,” “Holy Water,” “How About That,” and “No Smoke Without a Fire.” Rather than trying to imitate Paul Rodgers, Brian established his own identity with a powerful, melodic style that resonated with a new generation of rock fans.
After leaving Bad Company in 1994, Brian continued recording and touring as a solo artist. Albums including Tangled in Blue, Touch/Emotions, and Circus Bar showcased his passion for melodic rock, proving that his creative spirit never faded. In 2018, his song “Hot Tin Roof” even earned a Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Rock Song.
Brian Howe passed away in 2020, but his remarkable voice continues to echo across classic rock radio. Here at WTSG-DB, we’re proud to keep his music alive, celebrating not only his years with Bad Company, but the entire career of an artist who always gave everything he had every time he stepped behind a microphone.
🎙️ From the Editor
I’ve always admired Brian Howe because he sang with conviction. There was strength in his voice, but there was also kindness. Even when he was singing at full power, you could hear hope, reflection, and sincerity behind every lyric.
To me, that’s one of the reasons his music has stood the test of time. Brian never tried to be someone else. He brought his own voice, his own heart, and his own spirit to every song he recorded. That’s a legacy worth celebrating, and it’s one we’ll always be proud to keep alive here on WTSG-DB.
— Tim Glore
🥁 Living Colour & Extreme
July 22 also celebrates two outstanding musicians from the hard rock world.
🥁 Will Calhoun, drummer for Living Colour, was born in 1964. His powerful, inventive playing helped drive songs like “Cult of Personality,” one of rock’s defining anthems.
🎸 Pat Badger, bassist for Extreme, celebrates his birthday as well. His groove helped anchor classics like “More Than Words” and “Hole Hearted,” proving that great bass playing is often the heartbeat of a great band.
🎵 Funk Pioneer George Clinton (1941)
Today we also salute the legendary George Clinton.
As the creative force behind Parliament-Funkadelic, Clinton transformed funk music into an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, imagination, and creativity. His influence can still be heard across rock, R&B, hip-hop, and modern pop music.
🕯️ Remembering Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025)
Today also marks one year since we said goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne (December 3, 1948 – July 22, 2025), one of rock music’s most recognizable and influential voices.
As the frontman of Black Sabbath, Ozzy helped forge the sound of heavy metal before launching a remarkable solo career that produced classics including “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Flying High Again,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” His unmistakable voice and fearless stage presence inspired generations of musicians across the world.
While his larger-than-life stage persona often fueled myths and misconceptions, Ozzy himself made it clear where he stood. In “Rock and Roll Rebel,” he pushed back against those assumptions with the lyric:
“They say I worship the devil, they must be stupid or blind.”
It was a reminder that theatrical rock performance and personal belief are not the same thing.
Ozzy’s life was one of perseverance, humor, family, and an unwavering love for music. Even in his final years, he remained deeply connected to the fans who stood by him throughout an extraordinary career.
Here at WTSG-DB, we’ll continue celebrating the music of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, ensuring that the songs which helped shape rock history continue to be heard by longtime fans and new generations alike.
❤️ Why It Still Matters
Today’s stories remind us that truly great artists don’t simply create hit records.
They create moments.
They challenge us to think.
They comfort us when we need it most.
And decades later, they still find new listeners every single day.
From Don Henley to Rick Davies, from Supertramp to Bad Company, from Parliament-Funkadelic to Black Sabbath, their music continues to connect generations through one universal language.
Because here at WTSG-DB, we believe one simple truth:
Great Music. Great Radio. Great Community.
Until next time, this is CLASSICKONG saying… thanks for spending part of your day with us. Keep the music playing, keep supporting the artists who gave us the soundtrack of our lives, and remember… great music never grows old when someone is still listening.
❤️📻🦍
