1959, 22 year old Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, aged 17, died in a crash shortly after take-off from Clear Lake, Iowa, the pilot of the single-engined Beechcraft Bonanza plane was also killed. Holly hired the plane after heating problems developed on his tourbus. All three were traveling to Fargo, North Dakota, for the next show on their Winter Dance … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – February 3
Black Sabbath
Today in Rock History – February 1
1964, The Beatles started a seven week run at number one on the US singles chart with "I Want To Hold Your Hand," the first US chart topper by a UK act since The Tornadoes "Telstar" in 1962 and the first of three consecutive number ones from the group. 1964, Peter, Paul & Mary performed at the Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia. 1965, James Brown recorded … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – February 1
Today in Rock History – January 25
1963, Janis Joplin performs in San Francisco for the first time, singing at the North Beach coffeehouse. In lieu of money, Janis passes the hat for beers. She often sings a cappella at the Coffee Confusion and the Coffee Gallery, occasionally accompanied by Jorma Kaukonen (future guitarist with Jefferson Airplane). Joplin sings Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey blues with folksingers … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 25
Today in Rock History – January 24
1965, The film Ferry Cross the Mersey premieres at the Liverpool Odeon. It was the first to be shot on location in Liverpool after the city's emergence into the music mainstream For authenticity, many scenes were shot in clubs near the home of Gerry and the Pacemakers' frontman Gerry Marsden. Marsden wrote nine new songs for the film which also starred Julie Samuel, Cilla … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 24
Today in Rock History – January 21
1965, The Byrds record "Mr. Tambourine Man." The only actual member of the band who performs on the record is lead guitarist/singer Jim McGuinn. Musicians from the fabled "Wrecking Crew," including Larry Knetchel on bass, Leon Russell on piano, Hal Blaine on drums, Jerry Cole and Bill Pittman on guitar, replace the rest of the band. These musicians provided the backing … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 21
