From the Desk of CLASSICKONG
Welcome back, friends, and happy Sunday!
It’s October 25, 2026, and we’ve got another terrific journey through music history waiting for us!
Today we’re celebrating legendary guitar players, unforgettable voices, major chart achievements, and some remarkable musicians whose contributions continue to influence music today.
We’re also paying special tribute to a broadcasting pioneer whose love of music and willingness to explore beyond the usual radio playlist remind me a great deal of what we do right here at WTSG-DB.
But before we get rolling, let’s take a look at today’s National Days!
National Days – October 25
National Greasy Foods Day
Well, friends, apparently today is National Greasy Foods Day!
And somewhere at the KONG CREW diner, CLASSICKONG is celebrating with a double cheeseburger, a mountain of French fries, and enough ketchup to fill a swimming pool.
Honey takes one look at the counter and shakes her head.
“CK, we ain’t no greasy spoon!”
CLASSICKONG looks down at his cheeseburger, watches another drop of grease land on his shirt, and replies:
“Well, Honey, somebody better tell this burger!”
ROFLMAO!
Chucky, the Notorious Killer Doll Day
And just in time for Halloween, today also celebrates Chucky, the notorious horror movie doll.
Now, I’m not suggesting CLASSICKONG is afraid of a little plastic doll.
After all, we’re talking about a mighty muscular gorilla here.
But if that little fellow suddenly turns his head while CK is eating his cheeseburger…
Well, let’s just say the fries might end up in the next county!
Honey, meanwhile, would probably be wondering why CK was arguing with a doll in the first place.
HAHAHA!
National I Care About You Day
And finally, today is National I Care About You Day.
This one is especially meaningful to me.
I want to take a moment to remind every one of you reading this blog or listening to our broadcasts that I genuinely care about you, and I appreciate your support.
Whether you’ve been part of the KONG CREW for years or you’ve just discovered WTSG-DB, I’m grateful you’re here.
Your friendship, your time, and your willingness to share this musical journey mean more than you might realize.
And I hope you’ll take a moment today to remind somebody in your own life that you care about them, too.
We’ll return to that thought in today’s Final Spin.
Now, let’s turn up the music!
2004 – Remembering John Peel: A True Champion of Radio
On October 25, 2004, the world lost one of radio’s most influential broadcasters, John Peel.
And friends, I want to begin today’s musical journey by giving this gentleman some very special recognition.
John Peel spent decades introducing listeners to music they might never have discovered otherwise.
Through his work with BBC Radio, he shared everything from rock and blues to punk, reggae, electronic music, and independent artists.
He wasn’t particularly concerned with whether a song was fashionable or whether some record executive thought it would become a hit.
He was interested in the music.
And if he heard something he believed deserved an audience, he wanted people to hear it.
His legendary Peel Sessions gave countless musicians opportunities to perform and reach new listeners.
Many artists who later became household names benefited from the exposure his programs provided.
But here’s what really strikes me about John Peel.
The more I learn about his approach to broadcasting, the more I realize that he and I probably would have had quite a bit in common.
Here at WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting, we’ve always believed that great music doesn’t belong to just one genre, one decade, or one generation.
We play rock, pop, country, jazz, blues, soul, hard rock, metal, and plenty of other styles.
And one of the things I especially enjoy is digging deep into albums and discovering those wonderful songs that commercial radio sometimes overlooks.
Because let’s face it, friends.
Sometimes the best song on an album isn’t the one that became a hit!
There are countless great recordings tucked away on the second side of an album, or buried several tracks deep on a CD, that deserve to be heard.
John Peel understood that.
He believed in musical discovery, giving artists an opportunity, and sharing music simply because he believed it was worthwhile.
And that’s a philosophy I can certainly appreciate.
I never had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Peel personally, but I suspect we could have spent hours talking about records, musicians, and the joy of discovering something special.
And I’d like to think that if John Peel were around today, he’d feel right at home as a member of the KONG CREW!
Because at the end of the day, great radio isn’t simply about playing whatever happens to be popular.
It’s about sharing music that moves you, introducing listeners to something new, and keeping that wonderful spirit of musical discovery alive.
Rest in peace, Mr. Peel. From one lover of music and radio to another, thank you for helping show the world what broadcasting can be.
1986 – Bon Jovi Takes Slippery When Wet to Number One
On October 25, 1986, Bon Jovi reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with their third studio album, Slippery When Wet.
Released August 18, 1986, on Mercury Records, this was the album that transformed Bon Jovi from a promising hard rock band into international superstars.
And what a collection of songs!
“You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Never Say Goodbye,” and “Raise Your Hands.”
The album had everything: powerful guitar work from Richie Sambora, huge choruses, memorable melodies, and Jon Bon Jovi’s unmistakable vocals.
“You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” both reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And let’s give Richie Sambora his due.
His guitar playing, songwriting, and backing vocals were essential ingredients in the band’s sound.
Slippery When Wet wasn’t simply a successful album. It became one of the defining rock records of the 1980s.
Forty years later, those songs still sound right at home blasting through a good pair of speakers.
1969 – Pink Floyd Shares the Stage with Frank Zappa
On October 25, 1969, Pink Floyd performed at the Actuel Festival in Amougies, Belgium.
And here’s where things get interesting.
Frank Zappa joined the band onstage for a performance of “Interstellar Overdrive.”
Now there’s a combination that could take musical experimentation into another universe!
Pink Floyd was still developing the sound that would eventually make them one of the most influential progressive rock bands in history.
Their double album Ummagumma, released in November 1969 on Harvest Records in the UK, captured this experimental period beautifully.
One record featured live performances, while the other gave Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason opportunities to explore individual musical ideas.
This was long before The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.
The band was still exploring, taking chances, and discovering just how far it could push musical boundaries.
And with Frank Zappa joining them onstage, you can bet nobody was worried about keeping things simple!
1980 – Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb Strike Gold
October 25, 1980, was a remarkable day for Barbra Streisand.
Her album Guilty, released on Columbia Records, reached No. 1 on the American album chart.
Meanwhile, “Woman in Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And behind much of that success was a fellow named Barry Gibb.
You might have heard of him!
HAHAHA!
Barry and his brothers Robin and Maurice were already among the most successful songwriters in popular music.
For Guilty, Barry brought his remarkable songwriting, production, and vocal talents to Streisand’s recordings.
The album also produced the beautiful duet “Guilty” and the wonderful “What Kind of Fool.”
What makes this collaboration special is how naturally their voices worked together.
Streisand’s powerful, controlled delivery blended beautifully with Barry’s distinctive falsetto.
Different musical backgrounds, different vocal styles, but together they created something memorable.
And that’s what a great collaboration is supposed to do.
1986 – Three Women Make Billboard History
On October 25, 1986, something happened on the Billboard Hot 100 that had never happened before.
For the first time, three female solo artists occupied the chart’s top three positions.
No. 1 – Cyndi Lauper, “True Colors”
From her 1986 album True Colors on Portrait Records, this beautiful song showed a more tender side of Lauper’s remarkable voice.
No. 2 – Tina Turner, “Typical Male”
From Break Every Rule, released on Capitol Records in 1986, Tina delivered another confident, energetic performance.
After her extraordinary comeback earlier in the decade, Tina was still going strong.
No. 3 – Janet Jackson, “When I Think of You”
From Control, released on A&M Records in 1986, this recording helped establish Janet as a major artist in her own right.
Three very different performers, each with her own musical identity, occupying the top three positions on America’s biggest singles chart.
That’s a pretty remarkable achievement.
And what a year 1986 was for popular music!
1994 – Madonna Releases Bedtime Stories
On October 25, 1994, Madonna released her sixth studio album, Bedtime Stories, through Maverick, Sire, and Warner Bros.
The album featured collaborations with producers including Babyface, Dallas Austin, Dave Hall, and Nellee Hooper.
Among its best-known songs were “Secret,” “Take a Bow,” “Human Nature,” and “Bedtime Story.”
“Take a Bow” became one of Madonna’s biggest American hits, spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995.
The album blended pop with contemporary R&B influences and demonstrated Madonna’s willingness to explore different musical approaches.
Whatever your personal taste in music, her ability to reinvent her sound and remain commercially relevant across different decades is certainly noteworthy.
1975 – Art Garfunkel Tops the British Singles Chart
On October 25, 1975, Art Garfunkel reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart with “I Only Have Eyes for You.”
The song appeared on his album Breakaway, released in 1975 on Columbia Records.
Originally written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1934 film Dames, the song had already enjoyed a remarkable history, including the Flamingos’ memorable 1959 recording.
But Garfunkel brought something special to it.
His gentle, almost weightless vocal delivery gave the song an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth.
Art Garfunkel has always possessed one of popular music’s most recognizable voices.
And sometimes the most effective vocal performance isn’t the loudest or most dramatic.
Sometimes it’s the one that makes you stop what you’re doing and simply listen.
Musical Birthdays – October 25
Jon Anderson – Born 1944
Happy 82nd birthday to Jon Anderson, the unmistakable voice of progressive rock legends Yes!
From “Roundabout” and “I’ve Seen All Good People” to “And You and I” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” Anderson helped give Yes its distinctive musical identity.
His soaring vocals worked beautifully alongside the band’s complex arrangements and extraordinary musicianship.
And let’s give credit to the musicians who helped create that sound, including Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford, and Alan White.
Yes could be technically demanding, but at its best, the music still had melody, emotion, and purpose.
Jon Anderson’s voice remains one of progressive rock’s great treasures.
Glenn Tipton – Born 1947
Happy 79th birthday to Glenn Tipton, legendary guitarist of Judas Priest!
NOW WE’RE TALKING, FRIENDS!
Alongside K.K. Downing, Tipton helped create one of heavy metal’s most celebrated twin-guitar partnerships.
Think “Victim of Changes,” “Electric Eye,” “Breaking the Law,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” and “Painkiller.”
From the crushing riffs to those soaring guitar solos, Tipton’s contributions helped define the sound of Judas Priest.
Albums like British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982), and Defenders of the Faith (1984), all released on Columbia Records in the United States, remain essential listening for heavy metal fans.
A tremendous guitarist and an important figure in the history of the genre.
Matthias Jabs – Born 1955
Happy 71st birthday to Matthias Jabs of the Scorpions!
Another outstanding six-string talent sharing today’s birthday!
Jabs joined the Scorpions in 1978 and became an essential part of the band’s international success.
His guitar playing helped power classics including “No One Like You,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Big City Nights,” and “Still Loving You.”
The albums Blackout (1982) and Love at First Sting (1984), released internationally through EMI and Mercury, helped establish the Scorpions as one of the biggest hard rock bands of the era.
Jabs brought speed, melody, and plenty of attitude to the band’s music.
Between Glenn Tipton and Matthias Jabs, October 25 is one heck of a day for guitar players!
Chad Smith – Born 1961
Happy 65th birthday to Chad Smith, powerhouse drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers!
Smith joined the band in 1988, bringing a strong rock foundation to its distinctive blend of funk, rock, and alternative music.
His playing can be heard on recordings including “Give It Away,” “Under the Bridge,” “Californication,” and “Can’t Stop.”
And let’s not forget his work with Chickenfoot, alongside Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Joe Satriani.
Now there’s a band with some serious musical horsepower!
What makes Smith such an effective drummer is his ability to combine power with groove.
He can hit hard when the song demands it, but he also understands how to sit back and let the rhythm breathe.
A drummer who serves the music.
And that’s always worth celebrating.
Helen Reddy – Born 1941, Died 2020
Today we remember the birthday of the wonderfully talented Helen Reddy.
What a voice, and what an extraordinary collection of songs!
“I Am Woman,” “Delta Dawn,” “Angie Baby,” “Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress),” and “You and Me Against the World.”
Helen possessed a beautiful, expressive voice capable of delivering both strength and tenderness.
And I want to spend a moment on “You and Me Against the World.”
Released in 1974 on Capitol Records, the song became one of her most touching recordings.
There’s something about that song that stays with you.
It’s about standing together, sharing life’s challenges, and knowing that someone is there beside you.
As we get older, songs like that can take on an entirely different meaning.
Helen Reddy gave us plenty of wonderful music, but that recording will always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you for the music, Helen.
Chrissy Amphlett – Born 1959, Died 2013
Today also marks the birthday of Chrissy Amphlett, the unforgettable lead singer of Australian rock band Divinyls.
Chrissy was a dynamic performer with a distinctive voice and a commanding stage presence.
Songs including “Pleasure and Pain,” “Boys in Town,” and “I Touch Myself” helped establish Divinyls as one of Australia’s most recognizable rock acts.
She brought personality, energy, and an unmistakable edge to everything she performed.
Chrissy passed away on April 21, 2013, but her musical legacy continues.
Rest in peace, Chrissy.
Remembering the Artists We Lost
Roger Miller – 1936–1992
On October 25, 1992, the music world lost the wonderfully talented Roger Miller.
And friends, what an entertainer this man was!
“Dang Me,” “King of the Road,” “Chug-a-Lug,” “England Swings,” and “Husbands and Wives.”
Roger Miller could make you laugh, make you think, and sometimes break your heart, all within the space of a three-minute song.
He possessed a remarkable sense of timing, both as a singer and a songwriter.
His playful use of words, memorable melodies, and unmistakable voice made him one of country music’s great originals.
But there was much more to Roger than novelty songs.
He wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical Big River, based on Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, earning Tony Awards for his work.
Roger Miller understood something important about songwriting.
You could be clever without being complicated.
You could be funny without being foolish.
And you could tell a wonderful story without wasting a single word.
Dang me!
We sure could use more entertainers like Roger Miller.
Rest in peace, Roger. Thanks for all the smiles.
Jack Bruce – 1943–2014
On October 25, 2014, we lost Jack Bruce, the extraordinary bassist, vocalist, and songwriter best remembered for his work with Cream.
Alongside Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Bruce helped create one of rock music’s most influential power trios.
Songs including “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” “I Feel Free,” and “Politician” demonstrated just how powerful three musicians could sound together.
Bruce wasn’t simply holding down the bass line.
His playing was inventive, melodic, and deeply rooted in blues and jazz.
He was also an outstanding vocalist and songwriter.
Cream’s Disraeli Gears (1967, Reaction/Atco) and Wheels of Fire (1968, Polydor/Atco) remain landmarks of late-1960s rock.
Jack Bruce helped expand the role of the electric bass in rock music.
His influence can still be heard today.
Rest in peace, Jack.
Phil Lesh – 1940–2024
On October 25, 2024, the music world said goodbye to Phil Lesh, founding bassist of the Grateful Dead.
Phil approached the bass guitar differently from many of his contemporaries.
Rather than simply following traditional bass patterns, he often created flowing, melodic lines that interacted with the other musicians.
That approach became an important part of the Grateful Dead’s unmistakable sound.
Recordings such as “Truckin’,” “Box of Rain,” and “Unbroken Chain” demonstrate the band’s adventurous musical spirit.
Phil also sang and contributed to the group’s songwriting.
The Grateful Dead developed a musical community that extended far beyond their recordings.
And Phil Lesh was an essential part of that remarkable journey.
Rest in peace, Phil.
The Final Spin – Let Somebody Know You Care
You know, friends, life has a way of keeping us busy.
We get caught up in our schedules, responsibilities, and all the little things that demand our attention.
And sometimes, without even realizing it, we forget to tell the people closest to us how much they mean.
Today is National I Care About You Day.
And I want to say something directly to all of you who spend a little time with me here at WTSG-DB.
I care about you, and I genuinely appreciate your friendship and support.
Whether you’re listening to our radio station, enjoying these daily music history stories, or following our podcast, thank you for being here.
Your support means a great deal to me, and I never want to take it for granted.
And I hope you’ll take that same spirit into your own life today.
Call somebody you haven’t talked to in a while.
Tell your spouse you love them.
Check on a friend.
Or take a few minutes to listen when somebody needs to talk.
You don’t have to spend money or make some grand gesture.
Sometimes just being there is enough.
And don’t assume people already know how you feel.
Tell them.
Because a few sincere words today might mean more to somebody than you’ll ever realize.
And that’s something worth remembering long after today’s music stops playing.
Listen to Today’s Broadcast/Podcast
Listen to today’s WTSG-DB broadcast right here.
Enjoying our daily journey through music history? Be sure to follow This Day in Music History on Spotify so you don’t miss an episode!
References and Further Reading
- This Day in Music – October 25 – Historical chart milestones, music events, and artist remembrances.
- Music Charts Archive – Bon Jovi: Slippery When Wet – Album release and Billboard chart history.
- Pink Floyd Official Timeline – 1969 – October 25 festival performance and official Ummagumma chronology.
- Pink Floyd – Ummagumma – Album details and recording history.
- Music Charts Archive – October 25, 1980 – Barbra Streisand’s chart achievement.
- Madonna – Bedtime Stories – Official album history and track listing.
- Classic Rock Birthdays and Remembrances – October 25 – Rock birthdays and Jack Bruce remembrance.
- Music History – October Births and Deaths – Historical artist dates.
- National Day Calendar – October 25 – National Greasy Foods Day and Chucky Day.
- October 25 Observances – National I Care About You Day and other observances.
And that’s gonna do it for today, friends.
Hopefully I’ve maybe put a smile on your face, and a song in your heart.
Before you go, be sure to visit WTSG.NET and check out the wonderful original artwork accompanying our daily music history stories. We have a lot of fun bringing these musical adventures to life, and I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we do.
And don’t forget to follow This Day in Music History on Spotify so you can join us for more great music, stories, memories, and a few laughs along the way.
Thank you again for your friendship and support.
Take care of yourselves, help others when you can, and always, always, keep the music playing.
© 2026 WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting | CLASSICKONG. All rights reserved.
