On November 12 in Rock History: Rock 92.9
On November 12, throughout the years, rock history has seen iconic names like The Monkees, U2, The Beatles, and Genesis making waves. Let’s delve into the significant events that took place on this date.
One standout moment was in 1966 when Johnny Rivers’ track “Poor Side of Town” claimed the No. 1 position on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it reigned for a single week. Over the years, this song has been covered by various artists, including a notable rendition by Bruce Springsteen in 1995. On the same day in 1966, The Monkees’ eponymous debut album also achieved chart-topping success, securing the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart for an impressive 13 weeks. This album was eventually succeeded by “More of the Monkees,” their second album, which continued to dominate the charts for an additional 18 weeks.
In 1977, The Sex Pistols made waves with their first and only album, “Never Mind the B***s, Here’s the Sex Pistols,” which soared to the No. 1 spot on the Official U.K. Albums Chart. This influential album achieved Platinum status in both the U.K. and the U.S. Fast forward to 1988, and U2’s album “Rattle and Hum” topped the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, spending six consecutive weeks at the pinnacle. Notably, it was the first double album since Bruce Springsteen’s “The River” in 1980 to achieve this feat.
On the cultural front, we commemorate the birthdays of significant figures born on November 12. Songwriter, musician, and producer Booker T. Jones, born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1944, garnered a GRAMMY Award for Lifetime Achievement due to his extensive work with renowned artists. In the same year, Neil Young, born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1945, made a name for himself as a solo artist and as part of groups like Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. A poignant moment in rock history occurred in 2001 when former Beatles members Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison reunited at a New York City hotel, marking their final meeting before Harrison’s passing from cancer just 17 days later.
Additionally, a few notable albums were released on this auspicious date. In 1971, Yes dropped their fourth studio album, “Fragile,” which introduced keyboardist Rick Wakeman and achieved double Platinum status in the U.S. That same year, Genesis released their third studio album, “Nursery Crime,” which marked the inclusion of Phil Collins and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
From The Monkees to Genesis, November 12 holds a tapestry of significant milestones in rock history. Stay tuned for more insights into the pivotal events of this day in rock history.