March 12 in Rock History: 105.7 WROR
On March 12, a few notable events in rock music history have left an indelible mark on the industry. One such event occurred on March 12, 2001, when Judy Garland’s timeless rendition of “Over the Rainbow” was named Song of the Century in a U.S.-based poll conducted by the Recording Industry Association of America, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Scholastic Inc.
Aside from Garland’s momentous achievement, there have been other breakthrough hits and milestones on March 12 that continue to resonate with rock music fans to this day. For instance, in 1994, the Swedish group Ace of Base made history by landing their hit single “The Sign” at the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, a first for any Swedish group. This achievement was followed by another significant milestone in 2011 when Yoko Ono, at the age of 78, garnered a No. 1 dance hit with her song “Move On Fast,” making her the oldest performer to achieve such a feat. Remarkably, in 2018, Ono broke her own record by topping the charts at the age of 84.
Furthermore, cultural milestones on March 12 have had a profound impact on rock music over the years. In 1983, Bonnie Tyler became the first Welsh singer to reach the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard chart with her hit song “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which also climbed to No. 2 in the U.K. Additionally, in 2007, Amy Winehouse made her television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman, performing “Rehab” and subsequently witnessing a surge in sales of her album Back to Black, ultimately reaching the No. 2 position.
Numerous notable recordings and performances have been etched into rock music history on March 12, influencing future generations of musicians and listeners alike. In 1961, Elvis Presley made musical magic by recording all 11 songs for his album “Something for Everybody” in a single 12-hour session, propelling the album to top the charts in the U.S. and secure the No. 2 spot in the U.K. Additionally, in 1971, The Allman Brothers Band delivered a mesmerizing performance at the Fillmore East in New York City, which would later become the basis for the band’s first live album, capturing the essence of their legendary live shows.