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 Beatles dressed as Antarctic … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – December 25
James Brown
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, pants or underwear. The shooting was ultimately … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – December 11
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 played two shows at the Royal Albert Hall … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – October 3
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." Eric Clapton added the guitar solo and became … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – September 6
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 was at number one on the Record Retailer UK singles chart with "San … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – August 9