Rock History

On this day...

2006 – The man who shot “Walking in Memphis” singer Marc Cohn in the head — 2006 – The man who shot “Walking in Memphis” singer Marc Cohn in the head during a Denver carjacking is sentenced to 36 years in jail. Cohn has since made [...]

2006 – English songbird Katie Melua performs a concert 303 meters below — 2006 – English songbird Katie Melua performs a concert 303 meters below sea level. The world’s deepest gig happens at the bottom of an oil rig shaft in the North [...]

2005 – At least 11 people are killed during a stampede by fans — 2005 – At least 11 people are killed during a stampede by fans at an oldies concert in Sangju, South Korea. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005- Pop trio Sugababes top the U.K. singles chart with “Push the — 2005- Pop trio Sugababes top the U.K. singles chart with “Push the Button.” Singer Katie Melua tops the albums chart with her second album Piece by Piece. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005 – Shirley Horn, the Grammy-winning jazz vocal… — 2005 – Shirley Horn, the Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and pianist known for her intimate, whispery vocals and top-drawer piano playing, dies at Gladys Spellman Nursing Home in Cheverly, Md., following [...]

2004 – Billy Joel marries for the third time. The lucky bride is Kate Lee — 2004 – Billy Joel marries for the third time. The lucky bride is Kate Lee, 23. The pair are spliced during a sunset ceremony at Joel’s Long Island mansion. Billy Joel [...]

2003 – John Mellencamp receives the Woody Guthrie Award, given to those who — 2003 – John Mellencamp receives the Woody Guthrie Award, given to those who honor the legacy of the late folksinger. Mellencamp’s song “To Washington” from his album Trouble No More [...]

2003 – Courtney Love is treated for a drug OD hours after being arrested — 2003 – Courtney Love is treated for a drug OD hours after being arrested for attempted burglary in Los Angeles. The Hole singer confessed to breaking windows in a friend’s [...]

2003 – Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx sues sneaker maker Vans, alleging — 2003 – Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx sues sneaker maker Vans, alleging they used his image in an ad without permission. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – The Offspring announce Rocket from the Crypt drummer Atom — 2003 – The Offspring announce Rocket from the Crypt drummer Atom Willard will fill the stool vacated by Ron Welty earlier in the year. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – The Del McCoury Band wins top honors at the… — 2003 – The Del McCoury Band wins top honors at the 14th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards in Louisville, Ky. The group takes home the entertainer of the year award [...]

2003 – Radiohead makes it a hat-trick of wins when… — 2003 – Radiohead makes it a hat-trick of wins when it wins the “best act in the world today” award for the third-year running at the Q Awards in London. [...]

2002 – At the 2002 Jammy Awards, Trey Anastasio pi… — 2002 – At the 2002 Jammy Awards, Trey Anastasio picks up two awards, his band Phish wins one. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2001 – Jazz composer, arranger, conductor, and tea… — 2001 – Jazz composer, arranger, conductor, and teacher Manny Albam dies of cancer at his home in Croton-On-Hudson, N.Y. He is 79. Albam’s career spanned decades in which he worked [...]

2001 – Actor Kevin Spacey hosts Come Together: A Night for John Lennon’s Words and Music — 2001 – Actor Kevin Spacey hosts Come Together: A Night for John Lennon’s Words and Music at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Performers include Marc Anthony, Alanis Morissette, Moby, [...]

2000 – Willie Nelson, Billy Preston, jazz vocalist Diane Schuur, and Ashford & Simpson — 2000 – Willie Nelson, Billy Preston, jazz vocalist Diane Schuur, and Ashford & Simpson throw a bash at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California, to celebrate Ray Charles’ [...]

2000 – MP3-swappers turn on their computers this morning thinking that — 2000 – MP3-swappers turn on their computers this morning thinking that they’ll never be able to use Napster again. But it turns out to be their lucky day. Napster stays [...]

2000 – Paul Anka files for divorce from his wife Anne. The couple — 2000 – Paul Anka files for divorce from his wife Anne. The couple had been married since 1963. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – John Paul Jones, former bass player with Led Zeppelin, — 1999 – John Paul Jones, former bass player with Led Zeppelin, plays his first solo concert in Galway, Ireland. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – David Bowie offers a virtual guided tour of… — 1999 – David Bowie offers a virtual guided tour of the controversial art show “Sensation: Young British Artists From The Saatchi Collection,” at www.davidbowie.com. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Paul McCartney conducts an “incognito” live… — 1998 – Paul McCartney conducts an “incognito” live Internet Q&A session and “music remix” in the guise of the Fireman at www.fire-man.com. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Cowboy singing icon Gene Autry dies after a… — 1998 – Cowboy singing icon Gene Autry dies after a long illness. He is 91. Inspired by the music of country star Will Rogers, the Texas-born musician became a radio [...]

1997 – It is announced that “Candle in the Wind 1997,” Elton John’s — 1997 – It is announced that “Candle in the Wind 1997,” Elton John’s tribute to the late Princess Diana, has shipped more than 26 million units worldwide, making it the [...]

1997 – Juanita L. Evans files suit against Wu-Tang… — 1997 – Juanita L. Evans files suit against Wu-Tang members RZA and Method Man, rapper Redman, and a Pennsylvania university and its student government. Evans claims that she was distracted [...]

1995 – Journey announce that they’ve decided to re-form this day — 1995 – Journey announce that they’ve decided to re-form this day in Rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1995 – Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” re… — 1995 – Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” reaches the top of the Chart Toppers 200 in its 15th week giving the Maverick label, founded by Madonna, its first No. 1. [...]

1994 – John Mellencamp reveals he had suffered a heart attack this — 1994 – John Mellencamp reveals he had suffered a heart attack this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1994 – Drummer Stan Lynch performs with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers — 1994 – Drummer Stan Lynch performs with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers for the last time at Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit Concert. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1993 – Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell” enters the Billboard — 1993 – Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell” enters the Billboard LP chart, where it will go on to reach number one. It also topped the [...]

1987 – Oklahoman R&B belter Ted Taylor (“Be Ever Wonderful”) dies in a — 1987 – Oklahoman R&B belter Ted Taylor (“Be Ever Wonderful”) dies in a car crash in Lake Charles, La. He was 53. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1986 – The Everly Brothers receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this — 1986 – The Everly Brothers receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1985 – Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” tou… — 1985 – Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” tour ends with the last of four shows at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1983 – Agnetha Faltskog, the brunette in Abba, is admitted to the hospital — 1983 – Agnetha Faltskog, the brunette in Abba, is admitted to the hospital in Sweden after suffering a concussion in a bus crash. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1982 – Peter Gabriel performs with Genesis for the first time since leaving the band — 1982 – Peter Gabriel performs with Genesis for the first time since leaving the band in 1975. Phil Collins and the gang join him at a concert to benefit WOMAD. [...]

1982 – “Jack and Diane” by John Cougar led the Billboard singles chart — 1982 – “Jack and Diane” by John Cougar led the Billboard singles chart, while his earlier release, “Hurts So Good” was still at number ten. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981 – Singer Terry Hall, guitarist Lynval Golding, and vocalist Neville — 1981 – Singer Terry Hall, guitarist Lynval Golding, and vocalist Neville Staples leave top-selling ska band the Specials (“Ghost Town”) to form the trio Fun Boy Three. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1980 – Leaveil Degree of the Whispers (“And the Beat Goes On”) begins serving — 1980 – Leaveil Degree of the Whispers (“And the Beat Goes On”) begins serving a two-year prison term after taking part in a 1979 jewel robbery. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1977 – Gene Simmons picks up a platinum record for his self-titled — 1977 – Gene Simmons picks up a platinum record for his self-titled solo debut this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1977 – The Electric Circus, a well-known punk club in Manchester, England — 1977 – The Electric Circus, a well-known punk club in Manchester, England, closes. The last concert there boasts a lineup of the Fall, Buzzcocks, Rip Off, Magazine, John the Postman, [...]

1977 – Following an attempt to disinter Elvis Presley’s body from Memphis — 1977 – Following an attempt to disinter Elvis Presley’s body from Memphis’ Forest Hill Cemetery, his body and his grandmother’s are both moved to Graceland. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1976 – Joe Cocker is the musical guest on tonight’s Saturday Night Live. — 1976 – Joe Cocker is the musical guest on tonight’s Saturday Night Live. During his rendition of “Feelin’ Alright,” Cocker impressionist John Belushi comes out and duets with him. Cocker [...]

1976 – Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s The Night” is released. It will become his second — 1976 – Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s The Night” is released. It will become his second US #1 hit.this day in rock history! Mamory Glands… in the corners of my mouth… Memories! Be [...]

1975 – The scene Milwaukee’s Hotel Phister. The setup: Bruce Springsteen has — 1975 – The scene Milwaukee’s Hotel Phister. The setup: Bruce Springsteen has retired to the hotel bar after his show at the Upton Theatre is delayed due to a bomb [...]

1971 – Mall superstar Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”) is born — 1971 – Mall superstar Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”) is born in Norwalk, Calif. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1971 – Tiffany (Tiffany Renee Darwish) is born in … — 1971 – Tiffany (Tiffany Renee Darwish) is born in Norwalk, Conn. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1971 – John Lennon’s “Imagine” LP enters the Billboard Hot 200 album chart — 1971 – John Lennon’s “Imagine” LP enters the Billboard Hot 200 album chart, where it will reach #3 this day in rock history! This song created much contreversy as it [...]

1971 – Rod Stewart enjoyed a two sided, US number one record with “Maggie — 1971 – Rod Stewart enjoyed a two sided, US number one record with “Maggie May / “Reason To Believe”. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – John Lennon disses his own company in an interview, saying — 1969 – John Lennon disses his own company in an interview, saying that Apple is like a black hole that sucks up his earnings as an artist. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1968 – The songwriting team Holland/Dozier/Holland, who wrote the majority — 1968 – The songwriting team Holland/Dozier/Holland, who wrote the majority of the Four Tops’ and the Supremes’ hits, are sued by Motown Records for breach of contract. The label accuses [...]

1967 – Police raid the Grateful Dead’s house at 710 Ashbury St — 1967 – Police raid the Grateful Dead’s house at 710 Ashbury St. in San Francisco and bust the band’s members on charges of marijuana possession. They are released on bail [...]

1965 – No. 1 on the singles chart today is the McCoys’ “Hang On Sloopy.” — 1965 – No. 1 on the singles chart today is the McCoys’ “Hang On Sloopy.” Written by Rick Derringer.. and is also the official state song of Ohio. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1965 – Manfred Mann are allowed into the Soviet Union and become — 1965 – Manfred Mann are allowed into the Soviet Union and become the first Western rock band to tour there. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1965 – Tonight’s episode of Shindig! is America’s first chance to see — 1965 – Tonight’s episode of Shindig! is America’s first chance to see the Who, performing “I Can’t Explain.” The show also features the Four Tops and Gerry & the [...]

1964 – Beatles manager Brian Epstein’s book A Cellarful of Noise — 1964 – Beatles manager Brian Epstein’s book A Cellarful of Noise is published this day in rock history! Smart man! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – At London’s Granville Theater, the Beatles rehearse for a — 1964 – At London’s Granville Theater, the Beatles rehearse for a taping of the American pop show Shindig! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1961 – Joan Baez releases Volume Two. The album becomes the 22 — 1961 – Joan Baez releases Volume Two. The album becomes the 22-year-old singer’s first hit, going to No. 13. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1960 – “Stay” by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs enters the US — 1960 – “Stay” by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs enters the US chart on its way to number one. At just 1:37, it becomes the shortest US chart topper in [...]

1958 – At a press conference in Germany, a reporter asks Elvis if he is afraid — 1958 – At a press conference in Germany, a reporter asks Elvis if he is afraid of being forgotten by music fans while he is in the Army. Presley responds [...]

1957 – Specialty Records releases Larry Williams’ classic “Bony Maronie.” — 1957 – Specialty Records releases Larry Williams’ classic “Bony Maronie.” The single goes to No. 14. Williams went to jail on a narcotics bust in 1960. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1957 – After a heated argument with her father, Connie Francis — 1957 – After a heated argument with her father, Connie Francis reluctantly records “Who’s Sorry Now” in two takes. Although she doesn’t like the song at all, record buyers feel [...]

1956 – Bill Haley equals Ruby Murray’s record set in 1955 by having five — 1956 – Bill Haley equals Ruby Murray’s record set in 1955 by having five songs in the UK Top 30 – “See You Later, Alligator” (#19), “Razzle Dazzle” (#17), “Rock [...]

1956 – RCA Victor Co. announces that it has received over 856,327 — 1956 – RCA Victor Co. announces that it has received over 856,327 advance orders for Elvis Presley’s next single, “Love Me Tender”. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1954 – Elvis Presley appears at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where — 1954 – Elvis Presley appears at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where his act is poorly received. The show’s booking agent suggests that he go back to truck driving. Be [...]

1951 – Sting (Gordon Sumner) is born in Wallsend, … — 1951 – Sting (Gordon Sumner) is born in Wallsend, England. He becomes the lead singer and bass guitarist of the Police. He gets his nickname because of a yellow and [...]

1950 – Guitarist Mike Rutherford is born this day in rock history! — 1950 – Guitarist Mike Rutherford is born this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1949 – Richard Hell, who wrote one of the definitive punk anthems in “Blank — 1949 – Richard Hell, who wrote one of the definitive punk anthems in “Blank Generation,” is born in Lexington, Ky. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1945 – Ten year old Elvis Presley makes his first public appearance in a talent — 1945 – Ten year old Elvis Presley makes his first public appearance in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show singing “Old Shep”. He won 2nd place and 5 [...]

1945 – Don McLean is born in New Rochelle, N.Y. Hi… — 1945 – Don McLean is born in New Rochelle, N.Y. His biggest hit is “American Pie,” which hits No. 1 for four weeks in 1972. The song is inspired by [...]

1901 – The Victor Talking Machine Company was incorporated. After a merger — 1901 – The Victor Talking Machine Company was incorporated. After a merger with Radio Corporation of America, RCA-Victor became the leader in phonographs and many of the records played on [...]