On September 16th in music history, one significant event took place in 1977. On this day, the world tragically lost one of the most influential and innovative performers in rock and roll history, Marc Bolan of the band T. Rex.
Marc Bolan, born Mark Feld, was the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the glam rock band T. Rex. The band rose to prominence in the early 1970s with a string of hit singles, including "Get It On (Bang a Gong)," "Jeepster," and "20th Century Boy." Bolan's unique vocal style, flamboyant fashion sense, and inventive guitar playing helped define the glam rock genre and influenced countless artists in the decades that followed.
On the morning of September 16th, 1977, just two weeks before his 30th birthday, Bolan was tragically killed in a car accident in Barnes, London. He was a passenger in a purple Mini 1275GT driven by his girlfriend, Gloria Jones, when the car struck a tree. Bolan was killed instantly, while Jones suffered severe injuries but survived.
The news of Bolan's death sent shockwaves through the music world, and tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike. His funeral was attended by numerous notable figures in the music industry, including David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Steve Harley.
Bolan's legacy has endured long after his untimely death. His music continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians, and his influence can still be heard in genres ranging from punk to indie rock. In 1997, on the 20th anniversary of his death, a bronze bust of Bolan was unveiled at the site of his fatal car crash in Barnes, serving as a permanent memorial to the late, great rock and roll icon.
