Today in rock history: On this date in 1984, jazz prodigy Esperanza Spalding was born in Portland, Oregon. Mastering the violin by the age of five, the young, gifted artist later taught herself to play a variety of other instruments and, as a result, was awarded scholarships to study music at some very prestigious and respectable schools. The winner of four Grammy awards to date (including one in the category of Best New Artist in 2011), the ambitious artist has released six albums to date, and they all span a variety of different genres including traditional jazz, chamber music and pop. Continually pushing musical boundaries and creating truly innovative and inspiring music, the extremely talented Ms. Spalding celebrates her 34th birthday today.

TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY
Happy birthday to Bob Marley, Axl Rose and more

Today in rock history: On this date in 1968, Ziggy Marley, the oldest son of reggae legends Rita and Bob Marley, was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Named David Nesta Marley at birth, Ziggy was given his nickname by his famous father when he was just a small child. Interested in music from an early age, Ziggy followed in his father’s footsteps and appeared onstage alongside The Wailers, Bob’s backing band, early in his adolescence. Becoming a solo artist and establishing his own band, The Melody Makers, Ziggy began releasing records in 1985 and enjoyed his greatest success with his sophomore album, 1988’s Conscious Party and its hit single “Tomorrow People,” which became a Top 40, platinum hit in America. Ziggy continues to write, record and tour as a solo act after The Melody Makers disbanded in 2000.

Today in rock history: On this date in 1989, New Jersey-based rock band The Smithereens released their third album, the super-charged and brawny 11. The record’s title was a nod to the unforgettable line in the 1984 satirical film This Is Spinal Tap ("these go to eleven”). Hailed as the breakthrough album this fantastic group so richly deserved, the album gained mainstream rock radio airplay while still remaining active on college rock radio playlists as well. The single “A Girl Like You” was the introduction to The Smithereens for many listeners who were not familiar with the band's work prior to this release. Becoming the very first single by the band to crack the Billboard pop singles chart, “A Girl Like You” helped the band gain the exposure and accolades it hadn’t experienced before. The Go-Go’s Belinda Carlisle made a guest appearance on the ballad “Blue Period,” which drew attention to the record as well. Filled with the band’s unique blend of melodic-pop, crunchy-rock and some mellower numbers, 11 was one of the many outstanding records The Smithereens would release during their phenomenal run as one of the hardest working and best live acts of its era.

Today in rock history: On this date in 1974, rock heavyweights The Rolling Stones released their 14th album in the United States, It's Only Rock 'n Roll. Receiving mixed reviews from rock journalists upon its arrival, the album was another No. 1 success for the Stones in America. Fueled by the record’s first single, the absolute classic title track, the album also featured a second single, a red hot cover of the classic Motown-era song, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” originally recorded by The Temptations. Sadly, the record was the final release to feature the blues-inclined lead guitarist Mick Taylor who left soon after the album’s unveiling. Containing several other classics that could have been singles, this fine album features Stones favorites like “If You Can Rock Me,” “Time Waits For No One” and “Dance Little Sister.” A platinum selling success in the U.S., the record reached the Top 10 on album charts in dozens of countries around the globe.