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 […]
Today in Rock History – December 21
1967, The Beatles held a party at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London to preview their new movie Magical Mystery Tour. 1967, The Rolling Stones release their psychedelic-themed Their Satanic Majesties Request in the United States. The album reaches number two in the American album charts, below the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. The Beatles themselves hold a […]
Today in Rock History – December 18
1965, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler records “Ballad of the Green Berets.” 1965, The Beatles are number one in the British singles chart with “Day Tripper.” 1966, Tara Browne was killed when driving at high speed in his Lotus Elan after it collided with a parked truck in South Kensington, London. A close friend […]
Today in Rock History – December 10
1965, A San Francisco band formerly known as The Warlocks performed for the first time under their new name, The Grateful Dead. 1966, The Beach Boys went to number one on the singles chart with “Good Vibrations,” the group’s third number one. As a child, Brian Wilson’s mother told him that dogs could pick up […]
Today in Rock History – November 15
1966, The Doors officially signed with Elektra Records in a deal for the band to produce seven albums. The band also reluctantly agreed to release “Break On Through” as their first single. The lyric “She gets high/she gets high/she gets high” was changed to “She gets/she gets/she gets” in order to secure radio play. 1967, […]
Today in Rock History – October 26
1963, Bob Dylan played a sell out concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 1965, Queen Elizabeth II invested The Beatles with their MBE’s at Buckingham Palace, London. According to an account by John Lennon, the group smoked marijuana in one of the palace bathrooms to calm their nerves. Many former recipients gave their […]
Today in Rock History – October 4
1966, The Byrds played the first of a 13 night run at The Village Gate, New York City. 1967, A 10-date package tour of the UK kicked off at London’s Finsbury Park, featuring Traffic, The Young Rascals, Vanilla Fudge, Art and Keith West. 1968, On the first night of a UK club tour Led Zeppelin […]
Today in Rock History – August 30
1966, The Who begin two days of recording at IBC Studios and Pye No. 2 Studio in London. During the sessions the group records The Regent’s “Barbara Ann,” The Everly Brothers’ “Man with Money,” Martha and the Vandellas’ “Heatwave,” and the theme to the then smash hit TV show Batman. The tracks are intended for […]
Today in Rock History – August 15
1965, The Beatles set a new world record for the largest attendance at a pop concert when they played in front of 55,600 fans at Shea Stadium in New York City. Also on the bill were Brenda Holloway, The King Curtis Band, The Young Rascals and Sounds Incorporated. The Beatles were paid $160,000 for the […]
Today in Rock History – August 8
1969, The photo session for the cover of The Beatles Abbey Road album took place on the crossing outside Abbey Road studios. Photographer Iain McMillan, balanced on a step-ladder in the middle of the road took six shots of John, Ringo, Paul, and George walking across the zebra crossing while a policeman held up the traffic. […]
