Rock History: July 27 – 95.9 The RAT
July 27 is a significant day in the history of rock music, marked by events that have had a lasting impact on the industry and its culture. Artists and bands like Chuck Berry, Metallica, and Queen experienced pivotal moments on this day that shaped the course of rock history. Let’s explore some of the most important events that occurred on July 27 over the years.
From breakthrough hits to cultural milestones, July 27 has been a day of debuts and significant achievements. In 1955, Chuck Berry’s groundbreaking hit single “Maybellene” made its entry into the Billboard R&B chart, eventually climbing to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Notably, “Maybellene” was one of the first rock and roll songs to capture the attention of both Black and white audiences, marking a pivotal moment in the genre’s history.
In 1981, Fleetwood Mac’s iconic singer and songwriter Stevie Nicks released her debut solo album, “Belladonna,” featuring collaborations with artists like Tom Petty and Jimmy Lovine. This album heralded the beginning of a successful solo career for Nicks, showcasing her talent and versatility as an artist.
Fast forward to 1984 when Metallica dropped their second album, “Ride the Lightning,” under the independent label Megaforce Records. The release of this album solidified Metallica’s position as one of the foremost metal bands of the era, inspiring a new wave of musicians in the years to come.
A significant moment in rock history occurred in 2012 when The Beatles made a chart-topping return with their greatest hits compilation “Tomorrow Never Knows,” which featured 14 of their classic songs. This comeback on the Billboard album Top 40 chart reaffirmed The Beatles’ timeless influence and enduring popularity in the music industry.
On the cultural front, July 27 has witnessed pivotal moments that have shaped the rock landscape. In 1976, Tina Turner, a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, courageously filed for divorce from her abusive husband and musical partner, Ike Turner, marking the end of their tumultuous 16-year marriage and musical collaboration. This decision marked the beginning of Tina Turner’s successful solo career, cementing her status as a music icon.
The same year, in 1976, John Lennon received his U.S. Green Card, finally attaining permanent residency status after a four-year legal battle with the U.S. Government. This milestone moment solidified Lennon’s place in the United States as a respected musician and artist.
In 1986, Queen made history as one of the first major Western rock bands to perform in communist Eastern Europe, captivating an audience of 80,000 in Budapest, Hungary. The legendary show at Nepstadion during their Magic Tour was later released as a DVD titled “Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live in Budapest,” showcasing the band’s global influence and enduring appeal.
These significant events that unfolded on July 27 have left an indelible mark on the rock world, shaping the genre’s evolution and cultural impact. Stay tuned for more daily insights into historic rock events from this day in music history.