On May 29, Discover Rock History: 92.9 Boston
Delve into the history of rock music and uncover the significant events that took place on May 29 throughout the years. From chart-topping hits to cultural milestones, May 29 has seen its fair share of breakthroughs in the music industry.
In 1965, The Beach Boys’ “Help Me, Rhonda” climbed to the coveted top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking their second song to reach No. 1. Meanwhile, in 1982, Paul McCartney celebrated a triumphant three-week stint at the peak of the Billboard 200 albums chart with his solo album “Tug Of War” following his departure from Wings.
On the cultural front, May 29 witnessed the triumph of Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again,” which clinched the title of Best Rock and Roll Recording at the fourth annual GRAMMY Awards in 1962. Fast forward to 2024, and a Framus 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar previously owned by John Lennon shattered records as the most expensive Beatles instrument ever sold at auction, fetching a staggering $2.9 million.
Recording history was made on May 29, with Bing Crosby’s swift recording of “White Christmas” on his Holiday Inn album in 1942, a track that has since sold over 50 million copies worldwide. In 1969, Crosby, Stills & Nash released their eponymous debut album, sans Neil Young, who would later join the group that same year.
Despite its glory days, the rock ‘n’ roll industry faced challenges over the years, as demonstrated by the 1999 discovery of Iron Butterfly bassist Philip Taylor Kramer’s remains in his Ford minivan in Decker Canyon, followed by the 2009 imprisonment of record producer Phil Spector for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, which ultimately led to his passing in 2021.
These moments from May 29 are a testament to the enduring legacy of rock music, showcasing the genre’s timeless appeal through iconic songs, historic recordings, and unforgettable performances. Rock ‘n’ roll may have seen its fair share of ups and downs, but its influence continues to resonate through the annals of music history.