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
The Who
Today in Rock History – January 24
1965, The film Ferry Cross the Mersey premieres at the Liverpool Odeon. It was the first to be shot on location in Liverpool after the city's emergence into the music mainstream For authenticity, many scenes were shot in clubs near the home of Gerry and the Pacemakers' frontman Gerry Marsden. Marsden wrote nine new songs for the film which also starred Julie Samuel, Cilla … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 24
Today in Rock History – January 16
1964, The Dave Clark Five were at number one on the singles chart with "Glad All Over," the group's only chart topper. 1964, The Beatles played two shows at the Olympia Theatre, Paris, France, the first of an 18-night engagement. The first show was attended mostly by Paris' top society members, all dressed in formal evening attire. The French press had little good to say … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 16
Today in Rock History – January 15
1965, The Who released their first single "I Can't Explain," with Jimmy Page on guitar and The Ivy League on backing vocals. It went on to reach number eight on the singles chart. 1966, The Who play at The Two Puddings Club in Stratford and the In Crowd Club in Hackney, London, England. 1967, The Rolling Stones were forced to change the lyrics of "Lets Spend The Night … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 15
Today in Rock History – January 8
1966, The Beatles started a six week run at number one on the album chart with Rubber Soul, the group's seventh chart topper, which went on to spend 56 weeks on the chart. The group also started a three week run at number one on the singles chart with "We Can Work It Out" the group's 11th number one single. 1966, ABC broadcasts the last ever episode of pop music program … [Read more...] about Today in Rock History – January 8