1966, At Abbey Road, the Beatles record “Paperback Writer.” 1966, During a four month world tour, Bob Dylan appeared at Sydney Stadium in Sydney Australia, the first of seven shows in Australia. 1967, Nancy and Frank Sinatra were at number one on the singles chart with “Somethin’ Stupid,” making them the only father and daughter […]
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 – March 28
1967, Working on sessions for the new Beatles album Sgt. Pepper’s at Abbey Road studios in London, John Lennon recorded his lead vocal for “Good Morning Good Morning,” and Paul McCartney added a lead guitar solo to the track. Lennon had decided he wanted to end the song with animal sound effects, and asked that […]
Today in Rock History – March 14
1964, For the first time in British recording history, all Top Ten singles in the UK were by British acts. Number one was “Anyone Who Had A Heart” by Cilla Black. Number two – “Bits and Pieces” by The Dave Clark Five. At number three, “Little Children “Diane” by The Bachelors. Number five, “Not Fade […]
Today in Rock History – March 1
1967, The Beatles began recording “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” at Abbey Road studios, London. Work on the new John Lennon song began the day before with extensive rehearsals. Despite the acronym of the song spelling out LSD, the origins of the composition came from a drawing that Lennon’s son Julian had made of […]
Today in Rock History – February 10
1967, The Beatles recorded the orchestral build-up for the middle and end of “A Day in the Life.” At the Beatles’ request, the orchestra members arrived in full evening dress along with novelty items. One violinist wore a red clowns nose, while another a fake gorilla’s paw on his bow hand. Others were wearing funny […]
Today in Rock History – January 18
1964, The Beatles made their US chart debut when “I Want To Hold Your Hand” entered the chart at number 45 just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. It went on to spend seven weeks at the number one position. 1965, The Rolling […]
Today in Rock History – January 9
1965, The Beatles started a nine week run at number one on the album chart with Beatles 65, the group’s fourth chart topper. 1965, John Lennon makes a guest appearance on the British satirical TV show Not Only, opposite comedians Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. 1966, The Who played at the Cosmopolitan Club in Carlisle, […]
Today in Rock History – January 4
1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played at the Bromel Club, Bromley, England. It was the first of what would be over 240 gigs in 1967, including many dates with two shows per night. 1967, The Doors released their self-titled debut album The Doors. Unique packaging of the album included each band member’s bio. 1968, The […]
Today in Rock History – December 29
1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience made their debut on the UK TV show Top Of The Pops performing “Hey Joe.” 1966, Working at Abbey Road studios, London, Paul McCartney began work on his new song “Penny Lane,”recording six takes on the paino, then added a second piano, put through a Vox amplifier with vibrato and […]
