Rock History: May 4th Milestones and Music Legends

On May 4th, 1991, Governor Ann Richards of Texas declared it ZZ Top Day to celebrate the band's contribution to Texas boogie music worldwide. In 1987, Paul Butterfield of The Paul Butterfield Blues Band passed away due to a heroin overdose. The same day in 1982, 38 Special released their album "Special Forces," featuring popular tracks like "Caught Up In You" and "Chain Lightning." Learn more about the album from Don Barnes in an interview. Tragically, on this date in 1970, four students were shot by National Guardsmen at Kent State University, an event immortalized in Neil Young's song "Ohio." Mick Mars, former Motley Crue guitarist, was born on this day in 1955 or 1951, and Dick Dale, the King of the Surf Guitar, was born in 1937. Explore more rock history stories from Joe on the website.