On July 5th, a Significant Day in Rock History
On the day after the Fourth of July, July 5 stands out in rock ‘n’ roll history with its significant events, rather than being a quiet day in the music world. This date has seen its fair share of cultural milestones, notable recordings and performances, and industry changes and challenges that have left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape.
Some future rock stars were born on July 5, including the likes of Huwey Lewis, who found success with Huey Lewis and The News, selling over 30 million albums worldwide, and Michael Monarch, the original lead guitarist of Steppenwolf, known for hits like “Born to Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride.” Marc Cohn, the American singer-songwriter behind “Walking in Memphis,” was also born on this day, winning a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist in 1992. The bass guitarist for Arctic Monkeys, Nicholas O’Malley, was born on July 5 as well.
Notable recordings and performances have graced July 5 throughout history. Elvis Presley recorded “That’s All Right” in Memphis in 1954, a song often credited as the birth of rock and roll. In 1969, The Rolling Stones held a free concert in London’s Hyde Park, turning it into a memorial for guitarist Mick Jones. Pink Floyd premiered “Wish You Were Here” at the Knebworth Festival in England in 1975, featuring a spectacular performance with pyrotechnics and flyovers by World War II planes. The Eagles performed at Freedom Hall in Louisville in 2002, and Johnny Cash played his final concert in 2003, accompanied by his son.
July 5 has also witnessed industry changes and challenges that have impacted the rock music scene. In 1978, EMI’s record pressing plant ceased printing The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls album cover due to complaints from depicted celebrities. The family of Jimi Hendrix won a court case in 2002 over the late star’s unreleased early recordings, suing PPX Enterprises for releasing master tapes based on an insufficient verbal agreement. In 1995, over 100 Grateful Dead fans, known as Deadheads, were injured when a wooden deck collapsed at a campground in Missouri.
From celebrating the legacies of icons like Elvis and Hendrix to introducing the next generation of rock musicians, July 5 serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of rock music. Whether through legendary performances, milestone birthdays, or pivotal legal disputes, this date continues to resonate throughout rock history.