April 15th, 1964 After a long day of filming for their first movie, which is still titled Beatlemania!, The Beatles relax as Ringo Starr declares, oddly, that it’s been “a hard day’s night.” John immediately begins writing the song of the same name on the back of an old greeting card; it will eventually become […]
May 10th, 1966 Struggling singer Janis Joplin, back home in her native Texas, is invited back out to San Francisco by her friend Chet Helms, who invites her to audition with a group he’s managing called Big Brother and the Holding Company. Releases 1974: Elvis Presley, “If You Talk In Your Sleep” Recording 1940: Jimmy […]
May 4th, 1959 The very first Grammy Awards are held in Los Angeles, with Record of the Year going to Domenico Modugno’s “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)” and Henry Mancini’s The Music From Peter Gunn soundtrack winning Album of the Year. The Champs’ “Tequila,” for some reason, takes home Best Rhythm and Blues Performance. […]
May 1st, 1955 A St. Louis guitarist named Chuck Berry is signed to Chess Records in Chicago after bluesman Muddy Waters recommends him to the label. Releases 1965: The Supremes, “Back In My Arms Again” 1968: Elvis Presley, Speedway 1969: Neil Young, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere 1971: Paul Simon, Paul Simon 1972: The Rolling […]
April 24th 1986 The newly-formed Apple Records decides not to sign a young talent named David Bowie. Releases 1957: Ricky Nelson, “I’m Walkin’” 1958: Dion and the Belmonts, “I Wonder Why” 1959: The Drifters, “There Goes My Baby” 1970: Ringo Starr, Sentimental Journey 1972: John Lennon, “Woman Is The N***er Of The World” 1974: David […]
March 18th, 1965 EMI announces its intention to halt production of 78 rpm records. Releases 1967: The Five Americans, “Western Union” 1968: The Beatles, “Lady Madonna” Recording 1960: The Everly Brothers, “Cathy’s Clown” Charts 1950: Teresa Brewer’s “Music! Music! Music!” hits #1 1967: The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” hits #1 1972: Neil Young’s “Heart Of Gold” […]
March 17th, 1957 Elvis Presley purchases Memphis’ Graceland mansion, featuring 23 rooms and 10,000 square feet of space on 13.8 acres, for $102,500. Releases 1962: The Shirelles, “Soldier Boy” 1969: Cream, “Badge” 1977: Elvis Presley, Welcome To My World Recording 1955: Sarah Vaughan, “Whatever Lola Wants” 1967: The Beatles, “She’s Leaving Home” 1967: Bobby Vee, […]
April 6th, 1971 The Rolling Stones unveil their new custom record label, Rolling Stones Records, which also features the group’s new logo, the infamous tongue-and-lips “pop art” drawing created by London graphic artist John Pasche. Recording 1925: Eddie Cantor, “If You Knew Susie” 1963: Bobby Darin, “18 Yellow Roses” 1963: The Kingsmen, “Louie Louie” 1965: […]
April 3rd, 1964 Bob Dylan has his first chart hit as “The Times They Are A-Changin’” enters the UK charts. One year later to the day, the single “Subterranean Homesick Blues” is his first to dent the US Top 40. Releases 1965: Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, “Wooly Bully” Recording 1952: Harry Belafonte: “A-Roving,” […]
March 1st, 1970 The Beatles make their last (taped) appearance on CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan Show via clips for their new songs “Let It Be” and “Two Of Us.” Releases 1957: Chuck Berry, “School Days” 1958: Johnny Mathis, Johnny’s Greatest Hits 1966: Elvis Presley, “Frankie And Johnny” b/w “Please Don’t Stop Loving Me” Recording 1928: Paul […]