1965, The Paul McCartney song "Yesterday" was released as a Beatles single. 1967, The Beatles formed an electronics company called Fiftyshapes, Ltd. appointing John Alexis Mardas (Magic Alex) to be the company's director. Alex claimed he could build a 72-track tape machine, instead of the 4-track at Abbey Road (this never materialized). One of his more outrageous plans was to … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – September 13
Procol Harum
Today in Rock History – August 20
1965, The Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham and his partner Tony Calder launched Immediate records. Their first release was The McCoy’s "Hang On Sloopy." Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Nico all attended the launch party. The label became the home of The Small Faces, The Nice, Amen Corner and Chris Farlowe and a young producer, guitarist Jimmy Page. 1966, The … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – August 20
Today in Rock History – July 5
1964, The Irish band Them, featuring Van Morrison, record "Gloria." 1965, The Four Tops record their number five hit "It's the Same Old Song," which resembles their number one "I Can't Help Myself." 1965, Marty Balin and Paul Kantner formed a Folk-Rock group that would evolve into the Jefferson Airplane, the premier San Francisco psychedelic band of the late '60s. The … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – July 5
Today in Rock History – June 4
1967, Procol Harum, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Denny Laine all appeared at The Saville Theatre London, England. 1967, The Monkees wins an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, beating out Andy Griffith, Bewitched, Get Smart, and Hogan's Heroes. 1968, Having been arrested the month before on charges of marijuana possession, Rolling Stone Brian Jones elects for trial by … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – June 4
Today in Rock History – May 25
1965, Blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter, Sonny Boy Williamson died in his sleep. Van Morrison, Aerosmith, The Who, The Animals, Yardbirds, and Moody Blues all covered his songs. According to the Led Zeppelin biography Hammer of the Gods, touring the UK in the 60's, Sonny Boy set his hotel room on fire while trying to cook a rabbit in a coffee percolator. 1965, … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – May 25