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
Bob Dylan
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 23
1964, The Searchers were at number one on the singles chart with the Sonny Bono song "Needles And Pins." 1965, The Who play the Corn Exchange at Chelmsford and then an all-night rave at the Club Noreik in Tottenham. Opening for The Who at the all-night rave is The Muleskinners featuring future Small Faces' keyboardist, Ian McLagan. 1966, Big Brother & the Holding … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 23
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 track … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 21
Today in Rock History – January 20
1967, Jimi Hendrix performed at Haverstock Hill Country Club in London. 1967, The Monkees TV show was shown for the first time in the UK. 1968, Fleetwood Mac, The Move, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown and Fairport Convention all appeared at the Roundhouse Chalk Farm in London. 1968, The Who play at Festival Hall in Brisbane, Queensland. The performances go over well … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 20