Rock History

On this day...

2009 – YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Shredding At NAMM: More Video — Yngwie Malmsteen 2009 – YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Shredding At NAMM: More Video Footage Available – Jan. 21, 2009 More video footage of legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen shredding the axe at the Marshall [...]

2007 – Mika scored his debut UK number one hit single with ‘Grace Kelly’ — 2007 – Mika scored his debut UK number one hit single with ‘Grace Kelly’, which went on to be became the third biggest-selling single in the UK in 2007. Amy [...]

2006 – At France’s NRJ Music Awards, Madonna wins Best International — 2006 – At France’s NRJ Music Awards, Madonna wins Best International Female, British singer Robbie Williams wins Best International Male, and Shakira wins best international song for “La Tortura.” Be [...]

2006 – A plane carrying Bon Jovi skids off the runway at Hamilton — Bon Jovi 2006 – A plane carrying Bon Jovi skids off the runway at Hamilton International Airport in Canada. Fortunately for hair metal, no one is injured. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004 – The New Jersey Nets announce they have been sold for $300 — Jay-Z 2004 – The New Jersey Nets announce they have been sold for $300 million to a business consortium that includes rapper Jay-Z and developer Bruce Ratner. The group plans to [...]

2004 – Gov’t Mule guitarist Warren Haynes joins The Dead, a touring — Warren Haynes 2004 – Gov’t Mule guitarist Warren Haynes joins The Dead, a touring group featuring the surviving members of the Grateful Dead. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004 – The Recording Industry Association of America sues 532 — 2004 – The Recording Industry Association of America sues 532 computer users, alleging they were illegally sharing copyrighted material. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004 – Evanesence singer Amy Lee apologises to Cold for erroneously — Amy Lee 2004 – Evanesence singer Amy Lee apologises to Cold for erroneously declaring the hard rockers had broken up after guitarist Terry Balsamo jumped ship to join her band. Be Sociable, [...]

2004 – OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below returns to the top — OutKast 2004 – OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below returns to the top of the album charts, knocking Josh Groban’s Closer off the No. 1 spot. The week’s highest debut is WWE Originals, [...]

2004 – Guitarist Johnny Quaid and keyboard player Danny Cash — My Morning Jacket 2004 – Guitarist Johnny Quaid and keyboard player Danny Cash quit Kentucky Goths My Morning Jacket, citing tour fatigue. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004 – as the third season of American Idol was aired on US TV a memo — American Idol 2004 – as the third season of American Idol was aired on US TV a memo was leaked showing a list of songs banned from being performed at this [...]

2003 – The Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson plays his first gig — The Black Crowes 2003 – The Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson plays his first gig with new band Hookah Brown. Hookah Brown split later in the spring. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – David Palmer, former keyboard player for Jethro Tull changed — 2003 – David Palmer, former keyboard player for Jethro Tull changed his name to Dee Palmer after a successful sex change operation. Palmer was the keyboard player for Jethro Tull [...]

2002 – Peggy Lee, the singer-composer whose smoky,… — 2002 – Peggy Lee, the singer-composer whose smoky, insinuating voice in such songs as Is That All There Is and “Fever” made her a jazz and pop legend, dies of [...]

2001 – Rapper Jamal “Shyne” Barrow, a co-defendant… — 2001 – Rapper Jamal “Shyne” Barrow, a co-defendant in the gun-possession and bribery trial of Sean “Puffy” Combs, is arrested after being involved in a car accident in New York [...]

2001 – Bob Dylan picks up the best original song _… — Bob Dylan 2001 – Bob Dylan picks up the best original song _ motion picture honor at the 58th annual Golden Globes ceremony at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Dylan [...]

2001 – During a UK tour Marilyn Manson appeared at the Birmingham — Marilyn Manson 2001 – During a UK tour Marilyn Manson appeared at the Birmingham NEC, with special guests Disturbed. Tickets cost £16.50 ($28.05). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2001 – Texas went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘The Greates — Limp Bizkit 2001 – Texas went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘The Greatest Hits’. Limp Bizkit started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with [...]

2000 – The National Enquirer reports that Celine Dion is pregnan — Celine Dion 2000 – The National Enquirer reports that Celine Dion is pregnant with twins, but Dion’s people deny the story. Celine Dion later sues the tabloid. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – R&B singer/pianist Charles Brown, 76, dies … — Charles Brown 1999 – R&B singer/pianist Charles Brown, 76, dies of congestive heart failure in Oakland, Calif. Brown scored his first hit, “Drifting Blues,” in 1946 with Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers. Be [...]

1999 – Gary Glitter appeared at Bristol crown court charged with eight — Gary Glitter 1999 – Gary Glitter appeared at Bristol crown court charged with eight sexual offences on girls dating back to 1976 and 50 charges relating to indecent photographs. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Music industry veteran Dick Griffey files a… — 1998 – Music industry veteran Dick Griffey files a $6 million lawsuit against producer/artist Dr. Dre for alleged breach of contract concerning a business deal in 1991 which would have [...]

1998 – James Brown is released from a hospital whe… — James Brown 1998 – James Brown is released from a hospital where he had been treated for an addiction to painkillers. Brown, 64, had been admitted to a Columbia, S.C., hospital [...]

1997 – Music industry legend Col. Tom Parker, the … — Colonel Tom Parker 1997 – Music industry legend Col. Tom Parker, the master promoter who guided Elvis Presley to stardom, dies in Las Vegas from complications from a stroke. He is [...]

1997 – Irwin Jesse Levin, whose song “Tie a Yellow… — 1997 – Irwin Jesse Levin, whose song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon `Round the Old Oak Tree” became an unofficial anthem of the nation during the Iran hostage crisis, dies of [...]

1997 – songwriter Jesse Levine died of kidney failure. Co- wrote, ‘Knock Thr — 1997 – songwriter Jesse Levine died of kidney failure. Co- wrote, ‘Knock Three Times’ and ‘Tie A Yellow Ribbon’ both US & UK No.1′s for Dawn in the early 70′s. Be [...]

1997 – songwriter Jesse Levine died of kidney failure. Co- wrote — 1997 – Songwriter Jesse Levine died of kidney failure. Co- wrote, ‘Knock Three Times’ and ‘Tie A Yellow Ribbon’ both US & UK No.1′s for Dawn in the early 70′s. Be [...]

1996 – Frankie “Cannibal” Garcia, vocalist with Cannibal & the — 1996 – Frankie “Cannibal” Garcia, vocalist with Cannibal & the Headhunters, dies aged 49. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1992 – Billy Idol pleaded guilty to assault and battery charges after — 1992 – Billy Idol pleaded guilty to assault and battery charges after an incident outside a West Hollywood restaurant. He was fined $2,700 (£1,588) and ordered to appear in a [...]

1989 – Steve Wahres, drummer with the Minneapolis surf-rock — 1989 – Steve Wahres, drummer with the Minneapolis surf-rock band the Trashmen, dies of throat cancer. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1989 – Phil Collins scored his seventh US No.1 single with — Phil Collins at the traps 1989 – Phil Collins scored his seventh US No.1 single with ‘Two Hearts’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1989 – Bobby Brown went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Don’t Be — Bobby Brown 1989 – Bobby Brown went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Don’t Be Cruel’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1987 – Roy Orbison, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Frankl… — Roy Orbison 1987 – Roy Orbison, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Jackie Wilson are among those inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts [...]

1984 – Soul star Jackie Wilson dies of a heart att… — Jackie Wilson 1984 – Soul star Jackie Wilson dies of a heart attack at the age of 49. He had six No. 1 songs on Chart Toppers’s R&B singles charts, including [...]

1984 – Yes started a two-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart — Jon Anderson of Yes 1984 – Yes started a two-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart ‘a No.28 hit in the UK. Be Sociable, [...]

1982 – B.B. King donates his collection of 20,000 … — B.B. King 1982 – B.B. King donates his collection of 20,000 records to the University of Mississippi. B.B. King donates his record collection to the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study [...]

1980 – Born on this day, Benjamin Moody, guitar, Evanescence, (2003 — 1980 – Born on this day, Benjamin Moody, guitar, Evanescence, (2003 UK No.1 & US No.5 single ‘Bring Me To Life’, 2003 UK No.1 & US No.3 album ‘Fallen’). Be Sociable, [...]

1979 – Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant becomes a proud father for — Led Zeppelin 1979 – Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant becomes a proud father for the third time. Wife Maureen gives birth to a son, Logan. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1979 – Born on this day, Nokio, Dru Hill, (1999 US No.1 & UK No.2 — 1979 – Born on this day, Nokio, Dru Hill, (1999 US No.1 & UK No.2 single with Will Smith, ‘Wild Wild West’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1978 – the soundtrack album ‘Saturday Night Fever’ started a 24 week run — The Bee Gees 1978 – the soundtrack album ‘Saturday Night Fever’ started a 24 week run at No.1 on the US album charts, it went on to sell over 30 million [...]

1976 – Born on this day, Emma Bunton, Baby Spice, The Spice — 1976 – Born on this day, Emma Bunton, Baby Spice, The Spice Girls, (1996 UK No.1 & 1997 US No.1 single ‘Wannabe’, 2001 UK No.1 solo single ‘What Took You [...]

1974 – Gov. Jimmy Carter of Georgia throws a post-concert party — Bob Dylan 1974 – Gov. Jimmy Carter of Georgia throws a post-concert party for Bob Dylan at the gubernatorial mansion. Carter later remarks, “[He] never initiates conversation, but he’ll answer a [...]

1973 – Born on this day, Chris Kilmore, Incubus, (2004 US No.2 — 1973 – Born on this day, Chris Kilmore, Incubus, (2004 US No.2 and UK No.6 album ‘A Crow Left of the Murder…’, 2006 US No.1 album ‘Light Grenades’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1973 – The Rolling Stones kicked off an 11 date Pacific tour — The Rolling Stones 1973 – The Rolling Stones kicked off an 11 date Pacific tour at Honolulu International Centre, Hawaii. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1972 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “American Pie… — Don McLean 1972 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “American Pie,” Don McLean. The song, at 8 minutes and 27 seconds, is too long to fit on one side of [...]

1966 – Wendy James, singer with the ill-fated ’80s English glam band — Wendy James 1966 – Wendy James, singer with the ill-fated ’80s English glam band Transvision Vamp, is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1966 – George Harrison marries Patti Boyd. The cou… — 1966 – George Harrison marries Patti Boyd. The couple later divorces and she marries Eric Clapton. George Harrison marries his girlfriend Patti Boyd at the Registry Office in Epsom, England. Paul [...]

1965 – The Byrds record “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Well, not really. — The Byrds 1965 – The Byrds record “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Well, not really. The only actual Byrd who performs on the record is lead guitarist/singer Jim McGuinn. Session men replace the [...]

1965 – The Rolling Stones arrive in Australia, where they will shortly — The Rolling Stones 1965 – The Rolling Stones arrive in Australia, where they will shortly begin a tour with support act Roy Orbison. A crowd of 2000 people greets them. Be Sociable, [...]

1965 – The U.S. Immigration Department forces the Animals to cancel — The Animals 1965 – The U.S. Immigration Department forces the Animals to cancel a performance at New York’s Apollo Theater. Instead, the English group appears on The Ed Sullivan Show. Be Sociable, [...]

1965 – Born on this day, Robert Del Naja, 3- D, Massive Attack, (1991 — 1965 – Born on this day, Robert Del Naja, 3- D, Massive Attack, (1991 UK No.13 single ‘Unfinished Sympathy’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – Bob Dylan performs his new song “Masters of War” at Gerde’s Folk — Bob Dylan 1963 – Bob Dylan performs his new song “Masters of War” at Gerde’s Folk City in Greenwich Village. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – The Beatles made their third appearance on the Radio Luxembourg — 1963 – The Beatles made their third appearance on the Radio Luxembourg program ‘The Friday Spectacular’. They chat with the host and play ‘Please Please Me’ and ‘Ask Me Why’. Be [...]

1962 – Tonight on The Ed Sullivan Show, Jackie Wilson performs his — 1962 – Tonight on The Ed Sullivan Show, Jackie Wilson performs his new single “My Heart Belongs to Only You.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958 – Born on this day, Anita Baker, US soul singer, 1986 UK No.13 — 1958 – Born on this day, Anita Baker, US soul singer, 1986 UK No.13 single ‘Sweet Love’, 1998 US No.1 album ‘Giving You The Best That I Got’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1956 – Born on this day, Rob Brill, drums, Berlin, (1986 UK & US — 1956 – Born on this day, Rob Brill, drums, Berlin, (1986 UK & US No.1 single ‘Take My Breath Away’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1954 – Born on this day, Nigel Glockler, drums, Saxon, (1980 — 1954 – Born on this day, Nigel Glockler, drums, Saxon, (1980 UK No.5 album ‘Wheels Of Steel’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1950 – Richie Ranno, guitarist with the ’70s metal band Starz, — 1950 – Richie Ranno, guitarist with the ’70s metal band Starz, is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1950 – Billy Ocean (Leslie Sebastian Charles) is b… — 1950 – Billy Ocean (Leslie Sebastian Charles) is born in Trinidad. He has three No. 1 songs, including “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run).” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1947 – Born on this day, Jim Ibbotson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, (1971 — 1947 – Born on this day, Jim Ibbotson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, (1971 US No.9 single ‘Mr Bojangles’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1945 – Troggs guitarist Chris Britton is born in Watford, England. — The Troggs 1945 – Troggs guitarist Chris Britton is born in Watford, England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1942 – As long as there are people who like to go “Hugh!” in-between — Edwin Starr 1942 – As long as there are people who like to go “Hugh!” in-between the words “War” and “What is it good for?” Motown singer Edwin Starr will always [...]

1942 – Singer/songwriter Mac Davis (“Baby Don’t G… — 1942 – Singer/songwriter Mac Davis (“Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me”) is born in Lubbock, Texas. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1941 – Operatic powerhouse Placido Domingo is born in Madrid. — Placido Domingo 1941 – Operatic powerhouse Placido Domingo is born in Madrid. Mustv’e influenced Jeff Tate from Queensryche José Plácido Domingo Embil KBE (born 21 January 1941), He is also admired for his [...]

1941 – The New Christy Minstrels’ Keith Barbour is born. As — 1941 – The New Christy Minstrels’ Keith Barbour is born. As a solo artist, he enjoyed a 1969 No. 40 hit with “Echo Park.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1941 – Richie Havens is born in Brooklyn, N.Y. The… — Richie Havens 1941 – Richie Havens is born in Brooklyn, N.Y. The black singer/guitarist is an opening act at the 1969 Woodstock concert. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1938 – Gruff-voiced DJ Wolfman Jack is born in Brooklyn as Bob Smith. — Wolfman Jack 1938 – Gruff-voiced DJ Wolfman Jack is born in Brooklyn as Bob Smith. Be Sociable, Share! [...]