June 13: Significant Moments in Rock History
Rock ‘n’ roll music has always held a powerful and rebellious spirit, symbolizing some of the most significant events in American history. On June 13, this genre has seen a range of memorable hits and highlights that have left a lasting impact both musically and culturally.
One such moment in rock history on June 13 occurred in 1970 when The Beatles soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the 20th and final time with their single “The Long and Winding Road.” The song, penned by Paul McCartney in 1968, reflects on the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Fast forward to 2012, where The Beach Boys made a triumphant return to the music scene with their first new album in almost two decades, titled “That’s Why God Made the Radio.” The album climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200, showcasing the band’s enduring six-decade legacy of chart-topping hits.
Another notable milestone on June 13 took place in 2013, with the induction of Foreigner’s Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, together with Holly Knight, Tony Hatch, and J.D. Souther, into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in New York City. A recognition of the enduring impact and artistry of these legendary musicians.
The historical recordings and performances on this day have also shaped the rock music landscape. In 1967, The Bee Gees captured hearts with their performance of “To Love Somebody” on the TV variety show As You Like It in the U.K. This song was originally penned for Otis Redding, who tragically passed away before having the chance to perform it. Moving forward to 1975, Jefferson Starship released the album “Red Octopus,” featuring the hit track “Miracles” that resonated with fans worldwide.
However, not all moments in rock history on June 13 were celebratory. In 1998, an unexpected electrical storm disrupted the Tibetan Freedom Concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., resulting in a lightning strike that critically injured a fan. Despite this tragedy, a spontaneous show featuring Radiohead and Michael Stipe of REM was organized at a local venue, demonstrating the resilient spirit of the rock community in the face of adversity.
Within the industry, changes and challenges abound on June 13. In 1969, The Rolling Stones held a press conference in London’s Hyde Park to introduce Mick Taylor as their new guitarist. Taylor’s debut, however, arrived amidst the somber aftermath of former guitarist Brian Jones’ passing. Jumping ahead to 2018, the music world bid farewell to D.J. Fontana, the esteemed drummer in Elvis Presley’s band for nearly two decades. Fontana’s contributions to iconic songs like “Hound Dog,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel” earned him a rightful place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman in 2009.
June 13 continues to be a date marked by significant moments that have woven themselves into the intricate tapestry of rock ‘n’ roll history, cementing the legacies of iconic artists such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, and The Rolling Stones.