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
Black Sabbath
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
Today in Rock History – January 14
1963, Charlie Watts made his live debut with The Rolling Stones at The Flamingo Jazz Club, Soho, London. Before joining the Stones, Watts played regularly with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated. The famous entourage has included Jack Bruce, Charlie Watts, Terry Cox, Ginger Baker, Art Wood, Long John Baldry, Ronnie Jones, Danny Thompson, Graham Bond, Cyril Davies and Dick … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 14
Today in Rock History – January 13
1963, The Beatles recorded a TV appearance on the ABC Television program Thank Your Lucky Stars in Birmingham playing their new single, "Please Please Me". The show was broadcast on January 19th. 1965, The first day of recording sessions for Bob Dylan’s Bringing It All Back Home album were held at Studio A, Columbia Recording Studios in New York City. Dylan recorded … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 13