On July 26th, Significant Events in Rock History
July 26 holds significant historical moments in the world of rock music, with key events involving iconic bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Clash, Led Zeppelin, and more. Various bands marked important breakthroughs and milestones on this date throughout history.
In 1968, The Jackson 5, later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, signed the standard Motown contract, propelling them to global stardom. ZZ Top released their third studio album, “Tres Hombres,” with the hit song “La Grange” in 1973, a pivotal moment in the band’s career. The Eagles achieved a milestone in 1975 when their album “One of These Nights” reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for five weeks. The British punk rock band The Clash released their self-titled album in the U.S. in 1979, featuring a different track listing and new tracks from the original U.K. version. The Rolling Stones’ album “Emotional Rescue” made it into the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in 1980, with the title track spending 19 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
July 26 also saw the birth of two influential rock figures. Mick Jagger, co-founder and lead singer of The Rolling Stones, was born in 1943, while Roger Taylor, the drummer for Queen and a significant songwriter for the band, was born in 1949.
However, not all events on July 26 were positive. In 1977, Led Zeppelin abruptly ended their U.S. tour, cancelling 10 remaining dates after frontman Robert Plant’s young son passed away from a sudden illness. The band has not performed in the United States since. Tragedy struck the music world in 2013 when JJ Cale, a celebrated guitarist, singer, and songwriter, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 74. Many renowned musicians, including Eric Clapton, Santana, and John Mayer, have covered Cale’s songs such as “After Midnight” and “Call Me the Breeze.”
These events, from celebratory birthdays to heartbreaking losses, paint a vivid picture of the highs and lows that have defined rock music history on July 26. Stay tuned for more captivating stories that delve into the rich tapestry of rock music’s tumultuous past.