Today in Rock History: March 24 – 95.7 BEN FM
March 24, 1958 marked a significant day in rock history when 23-year-old Elvis Presley reported to the Memphis Draft Board and was inducted into the U.S. Army, serving for two years and achieving the rank of Sergeant E-5. Following his discharge, Elvis swiftly resumed his music and film career, leaving a lasting impact on the rock industry. Interestingly, March 24 has seen various breakthrough hits, milestones, performances, and industry changes throughout history, shaping the landscape of rock music.
Among the notable releases and achievements in rock music on March 24 include Simon and Garfunkel’s debut on the UK singles chart in 1966 with “Homeward Bound.” Fleetwood Mac also released the single “Dreams” from their 11th studio album, Rumours, in 1977, becoming their only song to reach No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Bee Gees achieved the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Tragedy” from their Spirits Having Flown album in 1979, marking their eighth US No. 1 hit.
In 1985, Phil Collins and former Earth Wind & Fire vocalist Philip Bailey’s hit “Easy Lover” climbed to No. 1 on the UK singles chart, making its mark in several countries. Sinéad O’Connor’s I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got reached the top of the U.K. albums chart in 1990, along with 13 other countries, including the U.S., where it enjoyed a six-week run, solidifying its cultural impact.
One significant event on March 24 was a class-action lawsuit against Milli Vanilli settled in a Chicago court in 1992. The judge ordered cash rebates for individuals who could prove they purchased the group’s music before the lip-syncing scandal broke, reflecting a pivotal moment in music history.
Recording and performance milestones on this day include Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ live performance debut in 1962 at the Ealing Jazz Club in England under the name Little Boy Blue & the Blue Boys, leading to their formation of the Rolling Stones. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s release of Nuthin’ Fancy in 1975 became their first album to enter the US album chart top 10 and achieved Platinum status, shaping the band’s legacy in the rock industry.
The Beach Boys released their 24th studio album, Keepin’ the Summer Alive, in 1980, marking the last album to feature founding member Dennis Wilson, while Van Halen released their seventh studio album, 5150, with Sammy Hagar as their frontman in 1986, reaching massive success and achieving Platinum status in the US.
Industry changes and challenges on March 24 included the Black Crowes facing repercussions for negative comments against Miller Beer in 1991, leading to their dismissal from a tour lineup, and the naming of Duane Allman Boulevard in Macon, Georgia in 2001 after the Allman Brothers Band’s guitarist, honoring his legacy in the rock music scene.
These events from March 24 have left a lasting impact on the rock industry, shaping the sound and culture of rock music as we know it today through breakthrough hits, iconic performances, and pivotal industry changes.