Today in Rock History: May 24
Celebrate the 84th birthday of legendary rock musician Bob Dylan on May 24 by cranking up one of his iconic songs like “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” or “Like a Rolling Stone.” In addition to honoring Dylan, take a moment to explore the rich history of rock music on this day. From groundbreaking hits to cultural milestones, May 24 has been a significant date in shaping the rock ‘n’ roll genre.
On this day in history, a number of influential songs and records have made their mark on the music industry. In 1969, the Beatles topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks with their hit single “Get Back,” which also debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart. Six years later, in 1975, Earth, Wind & Fire achieved their first No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Soul Singles charts with their song “Shining Star.” These milestones are just a glimpse of the impact May 24 has had on rock music.
Throughout the years, cultural events have played a significant role in shaping the rock music landscape. In 1970, The Guess Who made an appearance on the popular television program American Bandstand, where they performed hit songs like “These Eyes” and “Laughing.” Four years later in 1974, the final episode of The Dean Martin Show aired on NBC, closing out a nine-year run that featured various rock musicians. These cultural moments on May 24 have contributed to the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll.
Notable performances and recordings on May 24 have also left a lasting impression on the music industry. In 1974, David Bowie released his groundbreaking eighth studio album, Diamond Dogs, marking a transition from glam rock to proto-punk. Fast forward to 2003, Paul McCartney made history with his first-ever concert in Russia on Red Square in Moscow, a significant moment during the Cold War Era when the Beatles were essentially banned in the Soviet Union.
The rock music industry has seen its fair share of challenges and changes throughout history, and May 24 has been no exception. In 1956, the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest took place in Lugano, Switzerland, providing a platform for many artists to launch their careers. In 1977, T. Rex performed for the last time with frontman Marc Bolan in Stockholm, Sweden, just four months before Bolan tragically died in a car accident.
May 24 has been a momentous day in rock ‘n’ roll history, with each event leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Whether you’re jamming out to Bob Dylan or another rock legend, take a moment to appreciate the contributions made on this special day in the world of music.