Today in Rock History: February 20 – 95.9 The RAT
February 20 marks the birth of a rock legend and an iconic first concert by Jimi Hendrix. This day in rock history brings us significant breakthrough hits and milestones that have left a lasting impact on the genre. In 1971, the soundtrack to the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” soared to the top of the Billboard Top LPs chart, leading to numerous Broadway productions of the controversial musical. In 1993, over three decades after Buddy Holly’s tragic plane crash, Buddy Holly and The Crickets claimed the No. 1 spot in the U.K. with the posthumous compilation album “Words of Love,” which achieved Gold certification in the U.S.
Cultural milestones on February 20 have shaped the landscape of rock music. In 1967, Kurt Cobain, the visionary behind Nirvana, was born, revolutionizing the industry with the grunge style that combined hard rock, heavy metal, and punk influences. In 1976, the legendary members of KISS immortalized their presence by leaving their footprints outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, a tradition that dates back to 1927.
Significant recordings and performances took place on this day in rock history. In 1958, Buddy Holly released his self-titled debut album featuring hit singles like “Words of Love” and “Peggy Sue,” with the Crickets as his backing band. Just a year later, a 16-year-old Jimi Hendrix stunned audiences with his first concert at the Temple De Hirsch Sinai synagogue in Seattle, only to be fired for being too showy. The Plastic Ono Band released the single “Instant Karma!” in 1970, penned by John Lennon and achieved one of the fastest releases in music history in just 10 days. Steely Dan’s third studio album “Pretzel Logic” hit the shelves in 1974, boasting the hit track “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. George Harrison’s self-titled eighth studio album, released in 1979, included guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood and achieved Gold status by the RIAA. The Smiths made their mark in 1984 with their self-titled debut album, paving the way to becoming one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s.
The rock music industry faced challenges and changes on February 20 that left a lasting impact. In 2003, a tragic incident occurred during a Great White concert at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, where pyrotechnics ignited soundproofing material, causing a devastating blaze resulting in 100 deaths and over 200 injuries, making it the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in the nation. In 2009, the White Stripes bid farewell with a performance of “We’re Going To Be Friends” on the “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” show, marking their last public appearance together before officially disbanding in February 2011.
These breakthrough hits, cultural milestones, major recordings and performances, and changes and challenges in the music industry have left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape, shaping the genre into what it is today.