1969: With all due respect to Buddy Holly, for many of us in the Baby Boom, this is the day the music really died.
On this day 45 years ago, John Lennon tells the rest of the Beatles that he will be leaving the group. The announcement takes the other three by surprise. Paul McCartney proposes that the band start playing small clubs anonymously to recapture the feeling of unity they once had. Lennon will have none of it, reportedly telling Paul, "I think you’re daft. I want a divorce."
The band realizes they cannot go on without him, but agrees not to say anything until after the release of the Let It Be soundtrack. McCartney will break that agreement with his own announcement shortly thereafter.