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 Ma Rainey blues with folksingers … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 25
Paul McCartney
Today in Rock History – January 14
1963, Charlie Watts made his live debut with The Rolling Stones at The Flamingo Jazz Club, Soho, London. Before joining the Stones, Watts played regularly with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated. The famous entourage has included Jack Bruce, Charlie Watts, Terry Cox, Ginger Baker, Art Wood, Long John Baldry, Ronnie Jones, Danny Thompson, Graham Bond, Cyril Davies and Dick … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 14
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 Beatles dressed as Antarctic … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – December 25
Today in Rock History – December 23
1964, During a US tour Beach Boy Brian Wilson had a nervous breakdown during a flight from Los Angeles to Houston. Wilson left the band to concentrate on writing and producing. Glen Campbell replaced Wilson for the bands live shows. 1964, Radio London, one of England’s first offshore “pirate” radio stations, begins broadcasting. Ella Fitzgerald’s recording of “Can’t Buy Me … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – December 23
Today in Rock History – December 22
1966, Pink Floyd played the first of of 11 gigs at The Marquee Club. They had appeared there earlier in the year, but only as a support act. 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, The Who, Keith West and Tomorrow, Eric Burdon & The Animals, 1984 (featuring future Queen guitarist Brian May) and Soft Machine all appeared at The Olympia, London at an all night … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – December 22
