1965, Tom Jones was at number one on the singles chart with “It’s Not Unusual.” 1965, The Who go into IBC Studios, London to record their first album. Songs known to be recorded on this date are Pete Townshend’s “You’re Gonna Know Me” (later retitled “Out In The Street”), plus covers of James Brown’s “Please […]
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 […]
Today in Rock History – December 25
1964, The Beatles Christmas Day Concert took place at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. The evening’s events opened with The Mike Cotton Sound’s performance of Georgie Fame’s current single “Yeh Yeh,” before singer Michael Haslam joined them to sing “Scarlet Ribbons.” Next, The Yardbirds took to the stage followed by a pantomime sketch featuring The […]
Today in Rock History – December 11
1964, Soul singer Sam Cooke was shot dead at the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California. Bertha Franklin, manager of the motel, told police that she shot and killed Cooke in self-defense because he had attacked her. Police found Cooke’s body in Franklin’s apartment-office, clad only in a sports jacket and shoes, but no shirt, […]
Today in Rock History – October 3
1967, American singer, songwriter Woody Guthrie died after suffering from Huntington’s Chorea disease. Guthrie was a major influence on Bob Dylan and American folk music. The ’70s film Bound For Glory is based on his life. His best-known song is “This Land Is Your Land,” which is regularly sung in American schools. 1967, James Brown […]
Song Of The Day – “Company In My Back” (Live Version from Kicking Television) by Wilco
Live albums. They are the most maligned recordings by critics, yet the fans just love them. You don’t believe me? Ask Peter Frampton, The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Neil Young, Neil Diamond, Little Feat, The Who, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick and Kiss to name a few, who […]
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.” […]
Today in Rock History – August 9
1967, The Small Faces entered the singles chart with “Itchycoo Park.” The song, written by Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane, was released on August 4th, and peaked at number three in the UK and at number 16 in the US the following year. 1967, The Who play Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. 1967, Scott McKenzie […]
Today in Rock History – July 28
1965, The Who pre-tape an appearance on Radio Luxembourg’s Ready Steady Radio! at The Marquee followed by a gig at the Pontiac Club in southwest London’s Putney, where the band’s PA blows up after the first set. The Who’s first live performance of “My Generation” may have taken place at this explosive set. 1965, Rolling […]
Today in Rock History – July 23
1964, The Beatles were atop the UK singles chart with “A Hard Days Night,” the group’s fifth. They would be number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August. 1964, The Beatles take part in the Night of a Hundred Stars at the London Palladium. 1965, The Kinks perform “You Really Got Me” on […]
