On January 9, Rock History: Boston’s ROCK 92.9
January 9 has been an eventful day in the history of rock music, marked by significant milestones and achievements. From the joining of Charlie Watts to the Rolling Stones to the release of Van Halen’s successful album, this date holds a special place in the hearts of rock fans. Let’s explore some of the most notable events that have taken place on this day throughout history.
In 1965, the U.S. and Canadian version of The Beatles’ fourth studio album, “Beatles ’65,” climbed from No. 98 to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in just its second week. This achievement showcased the band’s dominance in the North American music scene, as the album stayed at the top spot for nine consecutive weeks.
In 1988, Whitney Houston, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, achieved her sixth consecutive Billboard Hot 100 hit with “So Emotional.” This feat set a new record for the most consecutive No. 1 hits by a solo artist, surpassing legends like Elvis Presley and tying with iconic bands like The Beatles and the Bee Gees. Houston later went on to claim her seventh No. 1 hit with “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.”
On a cultural note, January 9 also marks the birthday of Led Zeppelin founder, lead guitarist, and producer, Jimmy Page, born in Heston, Middlesex, England, in 1944. Page made a name for himself in the London music scene in the 1960s as a session musician before joining the Yardbirds in 1966 and subsequently forming Led Zeppelin in 1968.
In 1963, drummer Charlie Watts officially became a member of the Rolling Stones, playing his first show with the band a few days later on January 12. Watts remained a permanent fixture in the band until his passing in 2021, solidifying his place in rock history.
Turning to notable recordings and performances on this day, in 1984, Van Halen released their sixth studio album, “1984,” via Warner Bros. Records. The record marked a departure from their traditional rock ‘n’ roll sound, incorporating synthesizers. Despite this stylistic shift, the album was a massive success, earning a Diamond certification in the U.S. by selling over 10 million copies.
Another iconic moment on January 9 occurred in 1997 when David Bowie hosted a star-studded concert to celebrate his 50th birthday, which also served as a benefit for the charity Save the Children. The concert featured a lineup of famous guests, including the Foo Fighters, Lou Reed, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins.
From groundbreaking achievements to memorable performances, January 9 has been a day filled with significant events in the world of rock music. Join us again tomorrow as we revisit more noteworthy moments from this day in rock history.