TRH — Today in Rock History. Every day, rock history, never forgotten.

June 21

1944 - Ray Davies from The Kinks is born
Born on June 21, 1944, Ray Davies became one of rock's most influential songwriters as the founder, vocalist, and chief creative force behind The Kinks. Through classics like "You Really Got Me", "All Day and All of the Night", "Waterloo Sunset", "Lola", and "Victoria", Davies helped shape the sound of British rock while influencing generations of musicians that followed. His songwriting combined sharp observation, wit, nostalgia, and social commentary in ways that set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Long before the term "Britpop" existed, Davies was writing distinctly British songs that captured everyday life with remarkable detail and personality. His influence can be heard in everyone from The Jam and Blur to Oasis.
1950 - Joey Kramer from Aerosmith is born
Born on June 21, 1950, Joey Kramer became the drummer and a founding member of Aerosmith when the band formed in 1970. His hard-hitting grooves helped power classics like "Dream On", "Walk This Way", "Sweet Emotion", "Back in the Saddle", and "Love in an Elevator". Kramer's drumming provided the backbone for one of America's most successful rock bands, balancing power, swing, and feel without ever overplaying. Through decades of success, breakups, reunions, and enough backstage drama to fill several books, he remained an essential part of the Aerosmith sound.
1970 - Mike Einziger from Incubus is born
Born on June 21, 1970, Mike Einziger became the guitarist and primary musical architect of Incubus after co-founding the band in 1991. His inventive guitar work helped the group evolve from their early funk-metal roots into one of alternative rock's most distinctive and successful bands. Albums like Make Yourself, Morning View, and A Crow Left of the Murder... showcased his ability to blend rock, funk, jazz, electronic textures, and atmospheric experimentation into a style all his own. Songs such as "Drive", "Wish You Were Here", "Pardon Me", and "Megalomaniac" highlighted a guitarist more interested in creating mood and melody than simply showing off technique. His approach helped make Incubus one of the most unique bands to emerge from the late 1990s alternative rock scene.
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