1965, Motown releases Smokey Robinson & the Miracles’ “The Tracks of My Tears.” It was a number two hit on the Billboard R&B chart, and reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Belatedly released in the UK in 1969, it became a Top Ten hit that summer, reaching number nine. 1966, The Beatles fly […]
Today in Rock History – April 12
1968, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention play the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences dinner in New York. Zappa tells the audience, “All year long you people have manufactured this crap, now for one night you’re gonna have to listen to it!” 1969, The 5th Dimension started a six week run at […]
Today in Rock History – October 26
1963, Bob Dylan played a sell out concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 1965, Queen Elizabeth II invested The Beatles with their MBE’s at Buckingham Palace, London. According to an account by John Lennon, the group smoked marijuana in one of the palace bathrooms to calm their nerves. Many former recipients gave their […]
Today in Rock History – October 25
1964, The Rolling Stones appeared for the first time on The Ed Sullivan Show from New York, performing “Around And Around” and ‘Time Is On My Side.” A riot breaks out in the studio, prompting Sullivan’s infamous quote, “I promise you they’ll never be back on our show again.” The Rolling Stones went on to […]
Today in Rock History – October 15
1966, Pink Floyd (who were paid £15 for the gig), The Move, Denny Laine, and Soft Machine all appeared at the launch for International Times at London’s Roundhouse. 1966, The Four Tops started a two week run at number one on the US singles chart with “Reach Out And I’ll Be There.” The spot was […]
Today in Rock History – September 6
1966, The Who begin the week at The Palais in Ilford, Essex, England. Earlier in the day they record performances of “I’m A Boy” and “Heatwave” for British television’s Ready, Steady, GO! 1968, Working at Abbey Road studios in London, The Beatles recoded overdubs onto the new George Harrison song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” […]
