March 13 in Rock History: 95.7 BEN FM
Back in the early months of 1964, the Beatles were taking the music world by storm, with record sales skyrocketing worldwide. On March 13 of that year, a report in Billboard magazine revealed that a staggering 60% of record sales in the U.S. were attributed to Beatles singles. By the end of 1964, the band had sold an impressive 40 million records, solidifying their position as one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
Throughout the years, the rock music industry has witnessed several breakthrough hits and milestones. In 1963, The Four Seasons claimed the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their hit “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” staying there for three weeks. The band’s success in the ’60s was remarkable, being the only group to achieve a No.1 hit before, during, and after the Beatles’ era. In 1965, the Beatles topped the charts for the seventh time in a year with “Eight Days a Week,” maintaining the No.1 spot for two weeks. Fast forward to 1993, Eric Clapton’s “Unplugged” album soared to No.1 on the US album chart, ultimately selling 26 million copies and earning Clapton two Grammy awards.
March 13 has seen some significant cultural milestones that left a lasting impact on the rock music scene. In 1939, the birth of singer, pianist, and songwriter Neil Sedaka in New York City would set the stage for his successful career, marked by multiple No.1 hits both as a singer and songwriter. Bassist Adam Clayton from U2 was born in Oxfordshire, England in 1960 and has been an integral part of the band, contributing to their 15 studio albums. 1965 marked a pivotal moment as Eric Clapton parted ways with the Yardbirds due to creative differences, paving the way for his iconic solo career. Fast forward to 2006, Black Sabbath earned their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Metallica, among other inductees like Miles Davis and Blondie on that memorable night in New York City.
Notable recordings and performances in rock history have also left a mark on March 13. In 1966, Pink Floyd had their debut performance at the Marquee Club in London, a venue that launched the careers of many great ’60s bands. The year 1977 saw Iggy Pop kick off his North American tour in Montreal, with David Bowie joining him on keyboards and Blondie as the opening act. Fast forward to 1995, Radiohead released their critically acclaimed second studio album “The Bends,” showcasing their musical prowess to the world. In 2013, Jimi Hendrix’s posthumous album “People, Hell & Angels” debuted at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart, becoming his highest-charting album since 1969.
In the midst of celebratory moments in rock history, challenges and changes have also shaped the industry. In 2006, the Sex Pistols stunned fans by publicly declining their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, citing exorbitant pricing as a reason for their absence.
As you groove to your favorite rock tunes, take a moment to reflect on these significant moments in history that have shaped the rock genre into what it is today.