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 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—Obituary

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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Jan 14, 1966: David Jones Becomes David Bowie

Another Davy Jones had already achieved significant entertainment success so a decision was made to switch from Jones to Bowie for a single released On This Day in 1966

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Jan 13, 1973: The Eric Clapton ‘Rainbow Concert’

Pete Townshend figured the best thing for his heroin-addicted lovesick pal was to play some music. So he organized a concert with some of the biggest names in British rock

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Jan 13, 2021: Tim Bogert, Bassist With Jeff Beck, Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Dies

In 1967, the Fudge earned a big hit with what became their signature tune, a slow and heavy cover of the 1966 Supremes hit “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”

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