1968, The Jackson Five signed a one-year contract with Motown Records. 1968, Decca pulls the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet from its release schedule, citing problems with the sleeve. The design features a graffiti-covered toilet. It’s one of the first disagreements between the band and the label, with Mick Jagger angrily pointing out that Decca released […]
Today in Rock History – July 25
1964, The Beatles third album A Hard Day’s Night started a twenty-one week run at the top of the UK charts. This was the first Beatles album to be recorded entirely on four-track tape, allowing for good stereo mixes. 1965, Bob Dylan plugged in for his headlining set backed by the Butterfield Blues Band at […]
Today in Rock History – July 24
1965, The Byrds were at number one on the UK singles chart with their version of the Bob Dylan song “Mr Tambourine Man.” It was the first Bob Dylan song to reach the top of the charts. Across the Atlantic, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones began the third of it’s four […]
Today in Rock History – July 23
1964, The Beatles were atop the UK singles chart with “A Hard Days Night,” the group’s fifth. They would be number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August. 1964, The Beatles take part in the Night of a Hundred Stars at the London Palladium. 1965, The Kinks perform “You Really Got Me” on […]
Today in Rock History – July 19
1965, The Who were recorded for broadcast on Radio Luxembourg’s Ready Steady Radio! 1967, Elvis Presley was working on his latest movie Speedway, co-starring Nancy Sinatra at the MGM Soundstage, Hollywood, California. It was Presley’s twenty-seventh film. 1967, The Who played at Patio Gardens in Farmington, Utah. 1967, The Beatles were at number one on […]
Today in Rock History – July 18
1968, Working at Abbey Road studios The Beatles continued with “Cry Baby Cry” adding new vocals, backing vocals, some harmonuim, tambourinnes, and sound effects. They recorded three takes of “Helter Skelter,” including one lasting 27:11, the longest of their career, before the song was redone two months later. 1968, The Grateful Dead release Anthem of […]
Today in Rock History – July 16
1965, The Who play the Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestersire, England, along with The Yardbirds, Shades of Blue and The Hellions. It is one of the oldest music festivals in Britain, held annually in Cheltenham in June/July since 1945. 1966, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton formed the group Cream. The band is widely regarded […]
Today in Rock History – July 15
1967, The Doors and The Jefferson Airplane both played an afternoon and evening show to over 8,000 fans at Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California. 1967, Pink Floyd performed at the Stowmarket Carnival, held at The Cricket Meadow, in Stowmarket, England. Feel for Soul, The Ketas, and other bands were also on the bill. 1967, This […]
Today in Rock History – July 13
1964, The Animals continued to top the UK singles charts with “The House Of The Rising Sun.” Recorded in one take, this was the first number one to have a playing time of more than four minutes. 1964, The Supremes record “Come See About Me,” which later goes to number one. 1965, Paul McCartney was […]
Today in Rock History – July 12
1962, The Rolling Stones made their live debut at the Marquee Jazz Club, London, with Dick Taylor on bass (later of The Pretty Things) and Mick Avory on drums, (later of The Kinks). They were a last minute fill-in for Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, who had been plucked to appear on BBC radio’s Jazz Club […]
