On This Day
We take you back into classic rock’s history and legacy to note important events that happened on this date as well as celebrate the birthdays of major musical artists and mourn their passing.
Jan. 18, 2020: David Olney, Singer-Songwriter, Dies During Performance
His songs were recorded by such stars as Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. He died onstage while playing at a top songwriters festival
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Jan 18, 1964: Beatles First U.S. Chart Appearance
Capitol Records had resisted releasing their singles in America. When they finally issued “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” they looked like geniuses
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Jan 17, 1969: Led Zeppelin Debut – U.S. Release
On This Day, someone at a long-closed record store plunked down $2.79 and bought the first copy of the band’s debut album. 8 million copies later…
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Jan 16, 2021: Phil Spector Dies; Famed ‘Wall of Sound’ Producer Had Been Jailed For Murder
He was one of the most distinctive producers in music industry history and originator of the famous “Wall of Sound” technique
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Jan 16, 2016: Springsteen Covers Bowie as Tour Opens
When the E Street Band kicked off their massive anniversary tour for The River, they paid tribute to “a big supporter of ours” who had just died
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When Jamaican Police Fired on Jimmy Buffett Seaplane
The Margaritaville singer’s aircraft was shot at by Jamaican police with the singer and his A-List guests on board. He turned the episode into a song
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Jan 15, 2018: Cranberries Singer Dolores O’Riordan Dies
Shocking news as word arrived that the Irish band’s lead vocalist and front woman died suddenly while recording in London
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Jan 15, ’67: Rolling Stones Spend ‘Time’ on Ed Sullivan
For their appearance on U.S. television’s most important showcase, the Stones agreed to the CBS censors’ request to switch a “bawdy” lyric
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Jan 15, 1972: ‘American Pie’ Hits Number One
The singer-songwriter’s 8:33 tour-de-force was released in its entirety on two sides of a seven-inch 45 RPM single.
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Jan 15, 2018: Edwin Hawkins, ‘Oh Happy Day’ Gospel Star, Dies
He was behind one of the most popular gospel crossover hits, in 1969. In addition to their big hit, his group also backed Melanie on a 1970 smash
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