1957, Elvis Presley bought the Graceland mansion for $102,500. The 23 room, 10,000 square foot home, on 13.8 acres of land, would be expanded to more than 17,000 square feet before Elvis moved in a few weeks later. The original building had at one time been a place of worship, used by the Graceland Christian Church. It was named after the builder's daughter, Grace. 1967, … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – March 17
Otis Redding
Today in Rock History – March 11
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 Please Please" and "I Don't Mind," Bo Diddley's "I'm A Man," Martha … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – March 11
Today in Rock History – February 3
1959, 22 year old Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, aged 17, died in a crash shortly after take-off from Clear Lake, Iowa, the pilot of the single-engined Beechcraft Bonanza plane was also killed. Holly hired the plane after heating problems developed on his tourbus. All three were traveling to Fargo, North Dakota, for the next show on their Winter Dance … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – February 3
Today in Rock History – December 7
1964, Beach Boy Brian Wilson married Marilyn Rovell in Los Angeles. The couple divorced in 1979. Marilyn and her sister and cousin were in a group, The Honeys, who were produced by Brian Wilson. Marilyn and Brian had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy, who became members of Wilson Phillips. 1964, Jerry Lee Lewis, on his first tour of the UK, appeared at The Town Hall In … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – December 7
Today in Rock History – June 22
1968, Herb Alpert started a four week run at number one on the singles chart with "This Guys In Love With You." It was his first chart topper, plus first number one for the A&M label, as well as for writers Burt Bacharach and Hal David 1968, The Rolling Stones go to number one in the UK with "Jumpin' Jack Flash." It was the first time they had visited the top spot in two … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – June 22
