Today in Rock History: December 16
December 16 has been a significant day in rock music history with various milestones and cultural moments that have shaped the industry. One of the most iconic moments on this day was when Jimi Hendrix, with his exceptional guitar skills, revolutionized the music world, making everyone who had played before him seem outdated. Additionally, Nirvana showcased their more mellow side during an MTV Unplugged session broadcast for the first time on December 16, 1993, which later became a best-selling album around the globe.
1966 marked the release of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s first single in the U.K., “Hey Joe,” which caught the attention of music enthusiasts and artists alike. Although it only reached No. 6 on the charts, the song became a rock standard covered by numerous musicians over the years. In 1989, Billy Joel’s album Storm Front reached the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, featuring the hit song “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which highlighted historical events and trends from Joel’s birth year up to the present day. Additionally, on December 16, ZZ Top guitarist Billy F. Gibbons, a co-founder of the band, was born in Houston, Texas, laying the groundwork for his future success in the music industry.
Moving forward to 1974, Mick Taylor, the guitarist for the Rolling Stones, announced his departure from the band, paving the way for Ronnie Wood to take his place and continue rocking with the band to this day. Another significant moment in rock history on December 16, 1983, was when guitarist Pete Townshend declared he was leaving The Who for both professional and personal reasons, although he later rejoined the band for special events and reunion tours.
From the emergence of Jimi Hendrix to the transitions within bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who, December 16 has been a momentous day in rock music. These milestones and cultural moments have left a lasting impact on the industry and continue to influence musicians and fans alike. Stay tuned for more rock ‘n’ roll history as we delve into the rich tapestry of music on this day in the future.