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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Today in Rock History – January 9
1965, The Beatles started a nine week run at number one on the album chart with Beatles 65, the group’s fourth chart topper. 1965, John Lennon makes a guest appearance on the British satirical TV show Not Only, opposite comedians Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. 1966, The Who played at the Cosmopolitan Club in Carlisle, […]
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 […]
Today in Rock History – January 6
1957, Elvis Presley makes his last appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the variety program that helped launch him nationwide. He performs for over 20 minutes, singing “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Peace in the Valley,” “Too Much” and “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again.” 1958, Gibson guitars […]
Today in Rock History – January 4
1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played at the Bromel Club, Bromley, England. It was the first of what would be over 240 gigs in 1967, including many dates with two shows per night. 1967, The Doors released their self-titled debut album The Doors. Unique packaging of the album included each band member’s bio. 1968, The […]
Today in Rock History – December 28
1968, The three day Miami Pop Festival took place, the first major rock festival held on the East Coast of the US, with Chuck Berry, The McCoys, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye, The Turtles, The Box Tops, Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night, Pacific Gas and Electric, Procol Harum, Canned Heat, Iron Butterfly and The Grateful […]
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 […]
