August 13th in Rock History: Discover the Significant Moments
August 13 has been a significant date in the history of rock music, witnessing famous debuts and milestones that have shaped the genre over the years. Let’s delve into some of the most unforgettable rock moments that have occurred on this day.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones:
In 1952, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton recorded the original version of “Hound Dog,” a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. While it became a worldwide hit in 1956 when covered by Elvis Presley, Thornton’s rendition set the stage for its success.
1965 saw the release of The Beatles’ album “Help!” in the U.S. through Capitol Records. This marked the band’s fifth record and helped transition them from a teenage pop group into a more experimental and mature rock band.
Another notable moment from August 13 occurred in 1966 when The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks. The song became one of the band’s most famous hits and was covered by several other artists, including B.B. King, Isaac Hayes, and Joe Cocker.
Notable Recordings and Performances:
In 1965, Jefferson Airplane performed their first show at the Matrix club in San Francisco, California, in front of approximately 120 people. The band went on to become pioneers of psychedelic rock, achieving iconic status with songs like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.”
Fleetwood Mac made their live debut at the Windsor Jazz & Blues Festival in 1967. The band’s name was inspired by the surnames of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bass player John McVie, with guitarist Peter Green being the creative mind behind it.
1982 saw the release of “I Can’t Stand Still,” the debut solo album by The Eagles’ drummer and singer Don Henley. The album featured the hit single “Dirty Laundry” and peaked at No. 24 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
These influential events from August 13 have left a lasting impact on rock music, influencing future artists and fans alike. Keep an eye out for more iconic performances, recordings, and milestones that have occurred on this date in rock history.