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
Paul McCartney
Today in Rock History – January 30
1964, The Searchers were at number one on the UK singles chart with the Sonny Bono song "Needles And Pins." The group's second UK chart topper had originally been recorded by Jackie DeShannon 1967, The Beatles shoot a promotional clip for "Strawberry Fields Forever" in Kent, England. 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience are filmed at London's Saville Theatre to promote their … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 30
Today in Rock History – January 25
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
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