BACK TO THE80s ROCK← All stories

2026-10-14 · On this day

October 14 in Rock History: Jay Ferguson (Canadian musician), Justin Hayward, Dan McCafferty

3 rock stories from October 14: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.

1968: Jay Ferguson (Canadian musician)

Jay Ferguson (Canadian musician)
cdnmusicdiva · CC BY 2.0 · Image source ↗

On October 14, 1968: Jay Ferguson, Canadian guitarist and songwriter

Jay Ferguson is a Canadian musician and guitarist, born in 1968. As a member of the rock band Sloan, he has been an integral part of the Canadian music scene. The band's unique blend of power pop and alternative rock has garnered a significant following in Canada and beyond.

Ferguson's work with Sloan has been marked by numerous notable releases, including several critically acclaimed albums and singles. The band's music often explores themes of relationships, technology, and social commentary, showcasing Ferguson's skill as a songwriter and guitarist.

1946: Justin Hayward

Justin Hayward
The original uploader was Weatherman90 at English Wikipedia . · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Image source ↗

On October 14, 1946: Justin Hayward, English singer-songwriter and guitarist

Justin Hayward, born in 1946, is a renowned English singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is best known for his work as the guitarist and frontman of the iconic rock band the Moody Blues, a position he held from 1966 until the band's dissolution in 2018. During his tenure, Hayward became the group's principal vocalist and most prolific songwriter, crafting several international hit singles.

Hayward's tenure with the Moody Blues spanned a pivotal period in the band's history, from 1967 to 1974, during which he composed numerous iconic songs. With John Lodge's passing in 2025, Hayward is now the last surviving member of the classic Moody Blues lineup.

1946: Dan McCafferty

Dan McCafferty
twistyfoldy.net from Tain, Scotland, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Image source ↗

On October 14, 1946: Dan McCafferty, Scottish singer-songwriter (died 2022)

Dan McCafferty, the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth, was born in 1946. As a key figure in the band's early years, McCafferty's distinctive voice and songwriting contributions helped shape the group's sound, which blended elements of blues, rock, and folk.

McCafferty's tenure with Nazareth spanned over four decades, with the band releasing numerous albums and singles during his time as lead vocalist. He was an integral part of the group's live performances, known for his energetic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.

SOURCES

Jay_Ferguson_(Canadian_musician) ↗Justin_Hayward ↗Dan_McCafferty ↗