Sunday, October 16, 2011

Oct 16 - Today in Rock-n-Roll History...

1951, 18 year old Richard Penniman, who was already using the stage name Little Richard, made his first recordings for RCA Camden at the studios of Atlanta radio station WGST.

1962, The first night of a two month Motown Records package tour started in Washington DC, featuring Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Mary Wells, The Miracles and 12 year old Stevie Wonder.

1965, The Beatles recorded ‘Day Tripper’ at Abbey Road studio’s London in three takes, they then added vocals and other overdubs, completing the song before the end of the day.

1967, Folk singer Joan Baez was arrested, along with 123 others, for blocking the entrance to an Armed Forces Induction Center in Oakland, California.

1969, Record company executive and founder of the Chess record label, home to John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Walter, The Moonglows, The Flamingos Jimmy Reed and Sonny Boy Williamson, Leonard Chess died of a heart attack aged 52.

1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival split up following the failure of their most recent album, 'Mardi Gras'. After limited success as a solo act and some legal hassles with Fantasy Records, John Fogarty would have two big hits in 1980, 'Center Field' and 'Rock and Roll Girl'. John's brother Tom Fogarty died in September, 1990 and the surviving members have been touring as Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

1974, The Grateful Dead played the first of five nights at the Winterland Arena, San Francisco, California.

1976, One hit wonder Rick Dees and his Cast Of Idiots went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Disco Duck, (part one)'. Dees was a US TV host and radio DJ.

1976, Stevie Wonder's 'Songs In The Key Of Life', went to No.1 on the US album chart, featuring the tracks 'Sir Duke', 'I Wish', 'Pastime Paradise' and 'Isn't She Lovely'. It was Wonder's third US No.1.

1982, Culture Club appeared on UK TV's Top Of The Pops performing 'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me', which they got thanks to Shakin' Stevens being ill and not able to appear. The song became a major hit after their memorable performance on the music TV show.

1986, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and Robert Cray joined other artists on stage in St Louis, for Chuck Berry's 60th birthday concert, as featured in the film 'Hail Hail! Rock & Roll'.

1988, Whitney Houston had her third UK No.1 single with 'One Moment In Time.' The song was recorded to celebrate the Seoul Olympic Games of 1988.

1992, Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary (of his recording debut) tribute concert took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Guest performers include Neil Young, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Ron Wood and Dylan himself.

1999, Santana started a 12 week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Smooth'.

2001, Two security guards were sacked after refusing to allow Bob Dylan into his own concert. Dylan who had demanded that security on his 'Love and Theft' tour should be tighter than ever didn't have a pass when he arrived backstage.

2006, CBGB, the legendary New York punk club credited with discovering Patti Smith and The Ramones, closed after a final gig by Smith herself. Blondie and Talking Heads also found fame after performing at the club, which helped launch US punk music. The venue first opened in December 1973, its full name CBGB OMFUG standing for "country, bluegrass, blues and other music for uplifting gormandizers".

Happy Rock-n-Roll Birthdays to...

1938, Nico, Velvet Underground

1943, Fred Turner, Bachman Turner Overdrive

1947, Bob Weir, The Grateful Dead

1953, Tony Carey, Rainbow

1959, Gary Kemp, Spandau Ballet

1962, Michael Balzary, (Flea), Red Hot Chili Peppers

1969, Wendy Wilson, Wilson Phillips, daughter of Beach Boy Brian Wilson

1977, John Mayer

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